CHAPTER TWO| Woes of the dynamic twins II

Dei Lu refused to cower in the face of the patrol guard's menacing glare. Despite the man's intimidating size and the threat of violence hanging heavy in the air, Dei Lu stood tall, his gaze steady and unwavering as he met his adversary's gaze with a steely resolve.

"You may be bigger and stronger than me," Dei Lu declared, his voice ringing out with a clarity that belied his youth, objecting the false supremacy that Lin Zaoh seemed to have "but that does not give you the right to insult my brother or speak ill of his character. He is a good person, and just like everyone else he deserves respect, not your scorn."

The patrol guard's face darkened with anger at Dei Lu's defiance, his fists clenched at his sides as he struggled to contain his rising temper. This boy was more stubborn than his brother.

"You insolent brat," One of the patrol guards spat, his voice laced with venom. "I'll teach you to show respect to your betters."

With a swift motion, the patrol guard lunged forward, his spear aimed straight at Dei Lu's heart with deadly intent.

As the patrol guard's spear whistled past Dei Lu with lethal intent, the young boy's reflexes kicked into high gear. He dodged the attack purely on instincts yet his movements fluid and graceful as he dodged out of the way, the spear whistling past him with a hair's breadth as he moved aside. With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Dei Lu braced himself for the confrontation that was about to unfold because Dei Lu was not about to be made a victim of his aggression.

"To attack someone unannounced, you really are nothing but pitiful wretches aren't you?" Dei Lu spoke, his body moving to a defensive position upon realizing that he was in serious danger. He had willingly entered the lion's den and now must find a way to escape.

"Once we are done with you, you will beg as for mercy." The soldier who had lunched his spear spatted out as he got his weapon ready to attack again.

Dei Lu's eyes narrowed at the guard's visible threat. "Try it!"

Again the spear was flanged but instead of Dei Lu trying to evade the attack like last time, the boy just stood there. Suddenly it was as if the environment began to move at a snail's pace. Dei Lu's eyes glowed as everything around him began slowing down.

As Dei Lu tapped into the full extent of his power, the air around him seemed to shimmer and distort, bending and warping with the sheer force of his abilities. Time itself seemed to slow to a crawl as he unleashed the full force of his martial soul, the Time Sword, with three rings swirling around him in a dazzling display of light and energy.

With a focused concentration that bordered on meditation, Dei Lu reached out with his mind and grasped hold of the very fabric of time itself, bending it to his will with a mastery that defied comprehension. The world around him seemed to shift and twist as he exerted his influence, the very laws of physics bending and contorting to accommodate his commands.

As he moved with effortless grace and precision through the chaos of battle, Dei Lu's every movement seemed to leave a trail of blurry distortion in its wake. The air crackled with mystical energy as he moved through the midst of his adversary. His movements guided by instinct and intuition as he anticipated their every move with uncanny accuracy.

With a flick of his wrist, Dei Lu unleashed a shockwave of temporal waves that rippled through the air like a tidal wave, freezing his opponent in his tracks and leaving them helpless in the face of his power. Time seemed to stand still as he moved with blinding speed and precision, his every strike calculated and precise.

Before the man could even blink Dei Lu had already sent him straight into a tree. This action shocking most of the guards and annoying Lin Zaoh. "Incompetent fool!"

The head security guard moved forward. He had had enough of the young boy's games. "Dei Lu you may be extremely talented but don't make your small victory go to your head. You are clearly outnumbered."

As the patrol guards closed in on Dei Lu, their weapons drawn and their faces contorted with rage, the young boy's heart raced with an unexpected sense of fear as he prepared to face them head-on.

"So what?" Dei Lu spoke while backing away. "Are you all really going to gang up on me. Such cowards."

Lin Zaoh smirked. "Wasn't it you who spoke so big a few minutes ago. Why do you shiver like a rat now that you have the opportunity to make your words reality. Prove that you can defeat as why don't you?"

Dei Lu's eyes darkened. He wanted to retort but thought against it. His brother had always told him to weigh the pros and cons in any situation and make a decision on wether it was advantageous or not. Dei Lu knew he had to be cautious. These men were dangerous.

Dei Lu knew that he had no choice but to defend himself. With a steely resolve burning in his eyes,he focused all his concentration on the power within him as he summoned forth his martial soul, the Chrono Saber, with three rings swirling around him in a dazzling display of light and energy.

The patrol guards watched in shock and awe as Dei Lu's martial soul manifested before their eyes, its radiant glow casting a halo of protection around him as he prepared to face his assailants head-on. With a newfound confidence coursing through his veins, Dei Lu squared his shoulders and met the patrol guard's gaze with a fierce determination that brooked no argument. He wasn't going down without a fight.

But to his surprise, the head patrol guard's expression shifted from one of anger to one of amusement, his features twisted into a cruel smirk as he regarded Dei Lu with a predatory gleam in his eyes. Dei Lu's heart sank as he realized that the patrol guard had no intention of letting him go without a fight, that he was prepared to use whatever means necessary to assert his false sense of control.

With a contemptuous laugh, Lin Zaoh summoned forth his own martial soul, the shimmering glow of five soul rings swirling around him in a dazzling display of power and prowess. Dei Lu's eyes widened in shock at the sight, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized that he was facing an opponent far more formidable than he had anticipated. Lin Zaoh had a fearsome Lion hound as his martial soul?

But even in the face of overwhelming odds, Dei Lu refused to back down. With a fierce determination burning in his eyes, he squared his shoulders and met Lin Zaoh's gaze. He would not allow himself to be cowed into submission. Never again.

"You think you can scare me with your fancy martial soul and your soul rings?" Dei Lu retorted shakingly

"I may be young, but I'm not afraid to stand up to bullies like you. I will fight for what is right, no matter the cost."

The patrol guard's smirk widened into a cruel grin as he regarded Dei Lu with undisguised contempt. "You have spirit, I'll give you that," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "But spirit alone won't save you from me. I could crush you like a bug if I wanted to, but where's the fun in that?"

"So what you are going to now toy with me or something?" Dei Lu asked, genuinely confused which seemed to make Lin Zaoh grin wider.

"Little boy, I propose a little wager," the patrol guard spoke, his voice dripping with malice as he circled Dei Lu like a vulture eyeing its prey. "Entertain me for a night, and I'll let you go unharmed. Refuse, and... well, let's say you won't like the consequences."

Dei Lu's blood ran cold at the patrol guard's words, his heart pounding in his chest as he realized the true extent of the danger he was in. The patrol guard had no intention fighting at all but this was far more worse.

Dei Lu's stomach churned with disgust at Lin Zaoh'w proposition, his fists clenched at his sides as he struggled to contain his rising anger. How dare this man suggest such a vile and despicable act, to use his power and authority to coerce and try to get him in such a way.

"Oh come on now, what's there to think about." Lin Zaoh taunted as Dei Lu was now surrounded,all escape route blocked. "I mean surely that slut of a brother of yours has given you some tips on how to please me. He must be really skilled if he even has the great duke of the Star Luo Empire wrapped around his finger."

Dei Lu gritted his teeth,body visibly shaking at the insult aimed at Xiao Shivay. He looked directly at Lin Zaoh, his voice a low growl. "I promise you that you will regret saying those words."

"Sure thing little flower but right now is not the time for that. What I want is an answer from you."

But even as his mind recoiled at the thought, Dei Lu knew that he had no choice but to play along, to bide his time and wait for the perfect moment to strike

The air was thick with tension as Dei Lu found himself surrounded on all sides by the patrol guards, their menacing presence looming over him like a shadow cast by the moon. His heart pounded in his chest as he surveyed his enemies,his mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival. But with every passing moment, the walls seemed to close in around him, trapping him in a cage of fear and uncertainty.

Dei Lu's gaze flickered from one guard to the next, his eyes searching for any sign of weakness or hesitation. But all he saw was a wall of hostility and aggression, their faces twisted into sneers of contempt as they closed in on him like vultures circling their prey.

With a heavy heart and a sinking feeling of dread, Dei Lu realized that he was outnumbered and outmatched, his courage waning in the face of overwhelming odds. His martial soul flickered and faded, its radiant glow dimming as if to mirror his own sense of defeat. Even as his mind recoiled at the thought, Dei Lu knew that he had no choice but to play along, to bide his time and wait for the perfect moment to strike.

The patrol guard's smirk widened into a cruel grin as he advanced upon Dei Lu, his footsteps echoing through the clearing like the tolling of a death knell. He reached out and grasped Dei Lu's chin in a vice-like grip, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of the boy's face with a cruel twist of his hand.

"Well, well, well," Lin Zaoh sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "It seems the little rat has finally come to his senses. Looks like we are going to be sleeping well tonight men!"

Dei Lu's heart clenched with anger at the patrol guard's taunts, his fists balling at his sides as he fought to contain his rising fury. How dare this man treat him with such contempt, to belittle him and humiliate him in front of his comrades? Even worse he insulted Xiao Shivay yet Dei Lu could not defend his brothers character.

Dei Lu tried to calm himself down, he refused to be intimidated by Lin Zaoh's threats. He knew that he had to remain calm and composed, to wait for the perfect opportunity to turn the tables on his captors and escape their clutches.

As the patrol guard's grip tightened on his chin, Dei Lu's mind raced with thoughts of escape and survival. He knew that he had to act quickly, to find a way to break free from the patrol guard's grasp and turn the tide of the battle in his favor.

"Now dear Dei Lu why don't you begin with your 'entertainment'."

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Pain exploded through the patrol guard's body as Dei Lu's foot connected with precision between his legs. A guttural howl tore from the man's lips, his hands instinctively flying to protect his wounded pride. But it was too late. Dei Lu had already slipped from his grasp like a wisp of smoke, leaving behind a trail of chaos and confusion in his wake.

As the patrol guard doubled over in agony, his comrades recoiled in shock and disbelief, their faces contorted with a mixture of horror and outrage at the audacity of the boy who had dared to strike back against their authority. But their shock quickly turned to anger as they realized that Dei Lu was making a run for it, his silhouette disappearing into the darkness of the forest beyond.

"Stop him!" the patrol guard roared, his voice echoing through the clearing like a thunderclap. "Don't let him get away! Bring him back to me. I want him alive so that I can kill him myself!"

With a chorus of curses and shouts, the patrol guards sprang into action, their weapons drawn as they gave chase to their elusive quarry. But Dei Lu was fleet of foot and quick of mind, his senses sharpened by the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he raced through the underbrush with the speed of a startled hare.

Branches whipped at his face and brambles tore at his clothes as he darted through the dense foliage, his heart pounding in his chest with the exhilaration of freedom and the thrill of victory. But he knew that he could not afford to let his guard down, that the patrol guards would stop at nothing to capture him and bring him to heel.

With every step he took, Dei Lu's resolve hardened like steel, his determination to escape his oppressors burning bright within him like a beacon of hope in the darkness. He would not allow himself to be caught and caged like a common criminal, to be subjected to the whims and cruelties of those who sought to crush his spirit and break his will.

As he ran, Dei Lu's senses were alert to the slightest sound or movement that might betray his pursuers. He knew that he had to remain one step ahead of them, to outsmart and outmaneuver them at every turn if he hoped to evade capture.

But even as he fled into the depths of the wilderness, Dei Lu knew that the patrol guards would not give up their pursuit so easily. They were relentless in their pursuit, their determination to capture him fueled by a burning desire for revenge and retribution.

As Dei Lu sprinted through the dense undergrowth, his heart pounding in his chest with each frantic step, he could hear the thundering hooves of the patrol guards' horses closing in behind him like the ominous drumbeat of impending doom. His breath came in ragged gasps, his lungs burning with exertion as he pushed himself to the limits of his endurance in a desperate bid to outrun his pursuers and find sanctuary in the safety of his village.

But as he glanced over his shoulder, his blood ran cold at the sight of the head patrol guard astride his horse, his eyes blazing with a murderous rage that sent shivers down Dei Lu's spine.

'You've really done it this time Dei Lu. Now only only elder brother can save you but after that even he will kill you as well.'

With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, he realized that there was no escaping the relentless pursuit of his adversaries, that they would stop at nothing to capture him and bring him to heel. Dei Lu focused all his strength and resolve on reaching his village, his feet pounding the earth beneath him with a rhythmic cadence that matched the frantic beat of his heart. He could hear the shouts and curses of the patrol guards growing louder with each passing moment, their voices echoing through the forest like the howls of ravenous wolves on the hunt.

But Dei Lu refused to give in to despair, to allow fear to cloud his judgment and cloud his mind. With every fiber of his being, he clung to the hope that he would reach his destination before it was too late, that he would find refuge and solace in the familiar embrace of his home and family.

And so, with a final burst of speed and determination, Dei Lu emerged from the forest and into the open expanse of his small town his heart soaring with relief as he caught sight of the humble dwellings and bustling streets that he knew so well. But there was no time to waste. He had to reach his house before the patrol guards caught up with him, before they had the chance to drag him back into the clutches of their merciless leader.

With a renewed sense of urgency, Dei Lu sprinted through the narrow alleyways and winding streets of his village. He could faintly hear the pounding hooves of the patrol guards' horses growing closer with each passing moment, their shouts and curses ringing out like a clarion call to arms.

But Dei Lu pressed on, his determination unyielding as he raced towards his house with all the speed and agility of a hunted prey. He could see the familiar silhouette of his home looming in the distance, its welcoming embrace a beacon of hope in the gathering storm of chaos and confusion.

And then, with a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Dei Lu reached his destination, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he collapsed against the door, his heart pounding in his chest with the exhilaration of victory and the relief of salvation. He had made it. He had escaped the clutches of his pursuers and found sanctuary in the safety of his home.

But as he caught his breath and steadied his trembling limbs, Dei Lu knew that the danger was far from over.

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As Dei Lu burst through the door of their humble home, his chest heaving with exertion and adrenaline coursing through his veins, he was about to call out for his brother but to his surprise Xiao Shivay was already standing in front of him.

The air crackled with tension, a palpable sense of unease settling over the room like a suffocating blanket as Xiao Shivay silently stared his younger brother down. Dei Lu wanted to speak but found himself lost for words.

"What happened?" Xiao Shivay asked calmly, his voice low and that seemed to scare Dei Lu even more than the danger which loomed outside. He did not know how to start of the topic. If the patrol guards don't kill him then he was sure that his brother was going to do it. He was so done for.

Dei Lu gave a sheepish smile, fiddling with his fingers as he said "I may have angered Lin Zaoh this morning."

Outside, the sound of approaching hoofbeats grew louder, the rhythmic cadence of the patrol guards' horses a grim reminder of the danger that lurked just beyond their doorstep. The neighbors peered out from behind half-closed curtains, their curiosity piqued by the commotion unfolding before their eyes.

Xiao Shivay sighed. With a sinking feeling in his heart, he knew that Dei Lu had caused some kind of problem and it was only a matter of time  before that very issue made its way to their doorstep. Leave it Dei Lu to always cause trouble.

Xiao Shivay took a peak outside to see what the newest problem was about but his blood immediately went cold when he saw just who his brother had angered. The tension in the air was now palpable as Xiao Shivay looked at his younger twin brother, Dei Lu, with brows furrowed in concern and confusion. The events unfolding around them had taken an unexpected turn, one he did not like.

"What's going on, Dei Lu?" Xiao Shivay asked, his voice tinged with worry. "Why are the patrol guards after you?"

Dei Lu's expression was a mixture of guilt and sheepishness as he met his brother's gaze, the weight of his actions heavy upon his shoulders. "I... I was just taking a walk in the forest," he began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble, but they... they wouldn't leave me alone."

Xiao Shivay's heart sank as he listened to his brother's words, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place with chilling clarity. Did I really see it happen?The patrol guards had always been a force to be reckoned with in their village, their authority unquestioned and their methods ruthless in their efficiency. And at their helm stood Lin Zaoh, a man whose name struck fear into the hearts of all who dared to defy him.

'This is just as it was in my vision. Did I really see it happen?'

Before Dei Lu could utter another word, a booming voice cut through the stillness of the room, sending a shiver down Xiao Shivay's spine. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Lin Zaoh sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice as he stepped into the doorway, flanked by his cohorts.

As Tian Gu strode into the room, his eyes alight with a sinister gleam, Xiao Shivay's instincts kicked into overdrive. He felt a surge of protective instinct wash over him, a fierce determination to shield his younger brother from the predatory gaze of the patrol guard who now loomed before them like a shadow in the night.

With a swift motion, Xiao Shivay stepped in front of Dei Lu, positioning himself as a barrier between his brother and the leering gaze of Tian Gu. His jaw clenched with barely-contained anger, his hands balling into fists at his sides as he met the patrol guard's lustful stare with a steely resolve that brooked no argument.

Xiao Shivay's frown deepened at the sight of the other patrol guards, their presence a grim reminder of the power they wielded over their village and the lives of its inhabitants. He had crossed paths with Lin Zaoh on more than one occasion, each encounter leaving a bitter taste in his mouth and a sense of unease that lingered long after the man had departed. They never saw eye to eye and everyone knew of their conflict.

"What's the meaning of this, Lin Zaoh?" Xiao Shivay demanded, his voice steady and strong . "Why are you harassing my brother?"

Lin Zaoh's laughter rang out like a death knell, the sound grating on Xiao Shivay's nerves like sandpaper against stone. "Your brother was caught trespassing in the forest," he sneered, his eyes narrowing with contempt. "He knows the rules as well as anyone, yet he chose to defy them. Now he must face the consequences of his actions."

Xiao Shivay's jaw clenched in frustration, his fists balling at his sides as he fought to maintain his composure in the face of Lin Zaoh's taunts. He knew all too well the dangers of crossing paths with the patrol guards, their authority absolute and their punishments swift and merciless.

"Do you think I will  stand idly by while you terrorize my brother." Xiao Shivay said, his voice ringing with defiance. " I know scums like very well so don't even try to use that trespassing notion against my brother. You have no right to harass innocent civilians and abuse your power for your own selfish gain."

Tian Gu's eyes flashed with fury at Xiao Shivay's words, his face contorted with rage as he took a step closer, his presence looming over them like a dark cloud on the horizon. "You dare to defy me, boy?" he spat, his voice a venomous hiss. "You think you can challenge my authority and get away with it?"

Xiao Shivay immediately hid Dei Lu behind him as he stood his ground, his gaze unwavering as he met Tian Gu's glare with a dark glare of his own . " May may stand by  and simply watch while you oppress and intimidate the people this village but we both know very well that will not work for me." he declared, his voice ringing out with a clarity that cut through the tension like a knife through butter. "We deserve better than to live in fear of tyrants like you."

For a moment, there was silence, the power of Xiao Shivay's words hanging heavy in the air like a lingering echo of defiance. And then, without warning, Tian Gu's face twisted into a mask of rage, his features contorted with fury as he raised a hand to strike.

But before he could bring his make a move, a voice rang out from the crowd gathered outside, a voice filled with authority and command. "That's enough, Lin Zaoh."

All eyes turned to see a figure emerge from the throng of onlookers, his presence commanding attention and respect. It was the village elder, a man of wisdom and integrity whose words carried weight among the villagers and whose judgment was beyond reproach.

"You have overstepped your bounds," the elder said, his voice calm yet firm. "These boys have done nothing to warrant your aggression. Leave them be, or face the consequences of your actions from the Duke himself. Need I say more."

Tian Gu bristled at the elder's words, his face flushed with anger as he glared at Xiao Shivay and Dei Lu with undisguised malice, knowing that he could not do anything to them. "This isn't over," he spat, his voice laced with venom. "You may have won this round, but mark my words, I will not forget this insult. You will pay for your defiance, one way or another."

With a final glare, Tian Gu turned on his heel and stormed out of the house, his cohorts following in his wake like obedient hounds at their master's command. And as the tension in the town slowly began to dissipate, Xiao Shivay let out a sigh of relief, the weight of the confrontation lifting from his shoulders like a burden too heavy to bear.

"Thank you, elder Mi," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Your intervention saved my brother from the hands of Lin Zaoh ."

The elder offered a nod of acknowledgment, his expression grave yet filled with compassion. " There is no need to thank me. The Duke has asked me to keep you safe. Besides tou are brave boys, Xiao Shivay and Dei Lu," he said, his voice tinged with pride. "Never forget that. And remember, the strength of your bond is a force to be reckoned with. Together, you can overcome any obstacle that stands in your way, just like your parents."

Xiao Shivay smiled weakling at the elderly man. He didn't like it when the world of his past was brought up. Dei Lu looked happy, he didn't really remember their parents but he knew one thing for sure and that was that they really loved them a lot.

"I will be taking my leave now boys. Remember to stay safe and always look at the bright side of things. Also Xiao Shivay the Duke asked me to give you this." Elder Mi gave the boy a letter wrapped in gold decorations and smelling of roses."He said don't throw it away like you have done with the others. He actually wants you to read it this time."

Xiao Shivay simply nodded"Thank you once again great Elder and I will consider opening the letter." With those words of wisdom ringing in their ears, Xiao Shivay and Dei Lu stood united.

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