1 Chapter One

The man winces when his consciousness returns to him recalling the event from this morning he jerks upwards. Only to inhale sharply holding onto his side while holding himself up with his other hand with gritted teeth. "Ahh, so you've awake." Bronze colored eyes look up with a untrustworthy glare towards a young women who sat beside a fire in the cave they occupied. Her fine red clothing was soaked through while her brown hair was messy and also clung to her round face.

The girl had a veil that although was soaking wet, it covered everything but her bright amber eyes that seemed to glow like the flames beside her. Like the gem those eyes were full of history and hundreds of mysteries a human being would never be able to discover all on their own. The faintest outline of her pink lips show she was smiling at him in a kind but dismissive way. It was sincere, yet it was not. She looks away from him seeing his hatred filled eyes, it was obvious he wanted to kill her. It was as if the girl was convinced he wouldn't be able to though, which was true. But did that mean she knew his condition was terrible currently so she came here just to finish him off?

His expression darkens due to his paranoid thoughts, becoming more hostile. "Of course you would awaken now." She brushes her dress after standing up even if it did little but shake some droplets of water off, the man could see her dress was still soaked with water like a never ending stream. With another laugh directed his way the girl starts walking towards the cave exit confusing him. "Your wound is still putting you in a dangerous situation. I'm not doctor nor am I talented at caring for others." I cannot bear his presence for a second longer.

Tang Rin Qurin doesn't filter the sadness in her eyes or her posture while walking back into the storm. She doesn't bother wasting more words on him only taking steady slow steps into the rain. Do you yearn for him that badly? Rin Qurin stumbles holding onto the root of a tree on her way down the mountain as she slips on the muddy path down. A gasp of pain escapes her when she tripped. Are you alright?

Examining her foot she saw they were already red and bleeding due to softening from the rain and the rocks she walked on with her thin slippers. To think, shes been reduced to this because of a single mistake. It was her fault yes, but the ones who made her were equally at blame. Her first life ended in a blaze of their anger.

The second she had managed to gain that man's respect and admiration it took merely took a few seconds before she had lost it to someone else. Her jealousy had killed her. Her viciousness killed her. Her stupidity, had killed her. The girl trembles with silent rage. Calm down. A strange gurgle of laughter bubbles from her sore throat. "I am calm." Pushing herself up while enduring the pain she continues walking and sliding down the mountain trail.

"Hey, you, if I were you, I would spend less time watching me and instead spend more time looking for your master. He is in a cave farther up the mountain." For a few seconds the trees stopped shaking as if a heavy weight kept it from swinging. Less than a moment later the tree branches shake again as the girl bit her lip while blood trails down her shoulder. She gave a breathless laugh, "Ha....hitting a person when they're down. Like always they have no shame."

But do they think we would die that easy? Feigning death she tumbles down the rocky floor beneath her as it coats her clothes in mud and muck. Her body hung from a broken tree which stopped her fall but took the breath out of her again. Can you endure? "I can endure." Two thirds down from the mountain a dirty body limply held onto a weak tree in a storm. Only when a good half an hour passed did the body move and push itself up again. If someone asked her which was more painful.

Losing her beloved or being beaten until black and blue. She would answer without fail, losing her beloved. The wounds of the heart can never heal the heart of a person who lives on forever. But the physical wounds always have a way of healing. Qurin winces, she bit her lip while lowering herself from the tilted tree. Finding her footing on a exposed rock from the waterfall of rain. Qurin again slowly makes her way down the mountain while the storm starts roaring with thunder becoming even more aggressive.

Raising a hand to shift the veil aside so she could see the thundering blue across the cloudy sky. She exclaims softly, "Ah, the land slide will come soon." It isn't safe here. Though she says this she doesn't pick up her speed or slow it down. If she wasn't covered in mud, blood and tattered clothes. She would of looked like just another young maiden out on a stroll.

The dagger in her shoulder was pulled out with a muffled cry. We will scar if you do that. Tossing the foul thing away when she was at the bottom of the mountain. Qurin inhales deeply before letting herself fall on the small river forming on the ground. "Its fine." Her amber eyes flutter shut as she lets the darkness take her. I've done my walk of shame, Qurin.

~

She awoke to children laughing and mother's scolding. Opening her eyes, Qurin held a hand to her head. Her eyes felt as if they would pop out because of the fierce pounding of her headache. Who saved us? Qurin looks down to see her clothes had been changed and her shoulder bandaged. It ached when she pushed herself up but otherwise wasn't too painful. Someone somewhat skilled in medicine is our savior apparently. "You're awake?"

The woman was dress in commoner clothing. Though she was pretty and had ordinary looks her brown eyes shone with warmth. Her smile also gave away the fact that she was well loved by her family. All in all, she did not like her at all for the happiness she radiated. Smile smile, what are you smiling for? But knowing her manners Qurin nods cooly at the woman. "Thank you, for saving me."

She brightens at her thanks making Qurin feel slightly gloomy on the inside. On the outside she shows a thankful curl of the lips. The women sets down her things at the door before taking a seat beside her. She then begins preparing a concoction in a grinder which Qurin tries not to grimace at. She didn't doubt the woman's skills, after all the person managed to bring her back from the yama king's door steps.

One thing she hated more than happy people was medicine and acupuncture. They didn't bring good memories. Her eyes glisten with hidden hatred when recalling a certain woman. "This commoners name is Wuxing, my lady can call me so. May I ask miss what your name is?" Qurin spares her a glance to which Wuxing returns another smile. "Your clothing although tattered and torn is made of fine fabric only nobles can afford. And from my ladies unconscious actions of grace it eludes to having a higher background than this commoner."

She doesn't bother hiding anything only politely answering her question. "Qurin." She was waiting for the commoner to become confused and ask her "Just Qurin?" After all, she knew commoners did not have too much manners. But to her surprise since she got there the women only smiles brighter and doesn't ask. Her voice was full of cheer and friendliness when responding to her short answer.

"So it is lady Qurin, my lady are you feeling any pain anywhere?" Qurin flinches at the familiarity her question brought. Worried eyes, gentle appearance and loving expression. "Qurin, do you feel any pain at all?" His arms wrap around her as he whispers in her ear. "Thank goodness you're safe..." Qurin lowers her eyes towards her lap, "Theres no pain." Don't cry, not after all this time. You can still endure Qurin. Do not cry. Wuxing sensed she must of said something wrong but she didn't know what exactly it is she had said to trigger such a reaction from the girl.

Instead she pretends to not notice the girl's hesitation and continued their conversation. "Thats good, if Lady Qurin feels no pain then excuse me for a few moments. Ill boil some some medicine for you and return in a moment. I will be just outside, call if Lady Qurin needs anything." Qurin hums another thanks while watching the woman walk out the hut. "It wont be long now." She spoke quietly and shut her eyes listening for something.

Will he be there? Qurin doesn't know how to answer also unsure herself. She heard a scream, most likely that woman from earlier. Standing Qurin opens her eyes and took her hat and veil to cover her face. Wuxing held her hands to her chest and fearfully stares up at the masked man who held a sword to her neck. "Where is she?" Wuxing's mind was scattered until she understood his word. "S-S-She?"

The man's eyes grow colder as he raises his blade high to the sky. Wuxing screams and raises her hands to cover her head. "Thats enough. I am here, you found me. Take me with you, leave the innocent alone." Wuxing with tears in her eyes looks up to see a woman in only her dirty white inner clothes standing in front of her. Although her body was frail and pale, to Wuxing, at this time the woman looked braver than a general to stand up to the man in black for her. "My-My lady.." She spoke with a shaky voice out of fear and concern. Qurin, although knowing the other woman was older than her physically couldn't help but place a gentle hand on the woman's head.

"Thank you for your treatment. I will repay you one day." Wuxing was still in shock when before her eyes the black masked man grabs the woman's arm roughly before disappearing. "What in..what.." Wuxing shakily put her hand to her mouth frightened beyond words. Qurin didn't bow her head purposely, she was forced to her knees.

Her forehead pushed to the dirty inn floor but her expression was still one of an ice block. "Speak. Who are you and who do you work for?" The masked man orders her menacingly with his foot ontop her head and sword poking her pale neck. Do you wish to change? Qurin doesn't answer. There was another person, he was in new changes of clothes. Currently he was being examined by a person from his group. Qurin smiles to herself sadly, a smile none of them could see. None of them cared to see. I'm sorry....

Her neck was sliced enough to draw a tiny flow of blood as warning. The masked man grew impatient, "I said, speak!" But Qurin wasn't afraid, the masked man looks to his bronze eyed master who was watching the female coldly. His master only slightly nods his head and the black masked man reaches over. Qurin winces as her hair was roughly pulled, jerking her neck back so she was forced to see her captor. This uncultured bastard!! Are you alright?!

When he saw the tranquility and sadness in her eyes even in the face of death the bronze eyed man felt his soul tremble. He semi stood up with a low harsh command, "Let her go!" The order shocks the masked man and he releases Qurin who fell over without his support, her body failed her. Her face slams back onto the dirty floor since her hands were tied behind her back as well as her legs. Thus preventing her from being able to shift to a more comfortable position. "Are you a mute?"

Qurin's smile become more sorrowful, she doesn't bother moving. I will tear him limb from limb for doing this to us!! Switch! When he doesn't receive an answer the bronze eyed man grew irritated. "Call the physician, if she wont talk. We will force her to." His orders were directed at the masked man. The man was quick to disappear like wind leaving Qurin kissing the floor with her hair splayed out collecting dirt and dust. "Do you think I will be interested in a woman like you just because of a few tricks?"

No. I have never played tricks with you before. Its your own delusion. "Think again, I have seen women more beautiful than you try to seduce me. Just because you did not kill me does not mean I will trust you. You and your master are foolish." I am my own master, never will I seduce you again. Do not worry. Qurin takes his attacks with silence and closes her eyes as if entering a meditative state. "Master, the physician is here." Qurin finally opens her eyes as she was pulled up by her tied wrists. Her breath hitches when meeting his gaze. In her sights was a man dressed in fiery red. A fan with a pair of gold dragons dancing together enters her vision, it was covering the bottom half of the man's face.

His eyes resemble the purest of jade but the most dangerous of venoms at the same time. Though half his face was hidden, Qurin could never forget his eyes Even if the years pass by in a blur, his face was something she could never forget. The green irises show amusement when seeing her sorrowful gaze directed straight at him without wavering. "What a interesting spy you caught, haha."

Her eyes reflect sadness and loss, as if mourning a great loss. He lowers the fan from his face while fanning himself with a smile. "This is a first, you calling me here to treat a spy. A female spy at that." Bronze eyes flicker over to her with disgust, "Dont make fun of me. Is there something wrong with it? If the woman can speak but refuses to, feel free to kill her as she is of no use to me."

The man in red was watching the woman's eyes the entire time that do not show surprise, defiance, or begging of mercy. "Hmm, I have a better idea." Qurin allows her head to sag as she was running out of energy being lugged around so much. Bronze eyes frowns, "What?" Green eyes smile with glee, "Give it to me. I am running out of test subjects." Bronze eyes glances at her and took a moment before he carelessly waves his hands giving his permission. "After you interrogate her."

The man in red was full of mirth as he snaps his fan close seemingly satisfied. "Oh young master, there no need to interrogate it. I hope you keep your promise." Bronze eyes narrows his eyes and was confused as well as annoyed by green eye's gleaming eyes that seemed to say "You have lost.". "You, what are you planning?" He laughs, "Didn't I tell you? I need a new test subject." A fan tips her head back up as he merrily says one sentence laughing a hint staring at her face so close she could see his irises that were more hypnotizing than death itself. "Chuáng qián míng yuè guāng."

Qurin knew he would recognize her identity, at least, the one she was born with. He was smart before he had met her back then.... Her chest ached deeply being addressed by this man like a enemy, like a object. His green eyes were called warm and friendly by everyone who meets him. But to her, they look like a wolf starved for entertainment. And she, was his entertainment. But so be it, this is how its meant to be. He does not remember you. She gave a half smile, "Yí shì dì shàng shuāng."

The man laughs delightedly pleased with her answer. The fan pokes her chin harder under the veil as his eyes glow brilliantly with expectation. "Jǔ tóu wàng míng yuè." Qurin doesn't disappoint the vicious man. "Dí tóu sī gù xiāng." It is good I leave this to you, he never would of recognized you if it was me. His fan leaves her chin cutting her cheek as he pulls back satisfied.

"Shes useless to you." Bronze eyes was confused and angered why the woman would speak to the devil who only said poem verses instead of the masked man who held a sword to her throat. "What did you do to her?" The green eyed devil with a smile given towards the masked man making him release the female. The masked man was startled his body reacted without his permission and wearily stood by his master just in case.

Qurin rubs her wrist with her freed hands surprising everyone in the room, she would of laughed like the red robed male if she could of. He had long cut her hands free. She went and stood beside the green eyed man who only gently laughed while snapping back open his fan. "You promised me it, Zhu Rong. You cannot take back your promise." They escaped before the Zhu Rong could react. When he did recover he realized he had been taken advantage of and his eyes blazed with fury. "MING AN!!!!" Ming An chuckles to himself and takes a deep breath of the wilderness surrounding them after having exited from the hut in which Zhu Rong took shelter to lick his wounds. "Ahh, music to my ears."

Qurin doesn't pay him heed only staring straight in front of her as she follows behind him. Ming An glances over at her smirking. "Lady Tang, shouldn't you thank this lord for saving you?" One supposes that I do indeed have to thank him. But you, just remember not to fall flat on your face from staring at him. Her heart aches remembering the demon in front of her as arrows rained from the sky. Qurin allows him to see her smile of false mirth and he laughs again heartily.

"I only know of one woman who would take the time to remember such a sorrowful poem like that. The second lady of the Tang family, who had suddenly gone missing on the day of her wedding in the capital." His eyes twinkle glancing back over at her. "Quite far from home, aren't you my lady?" Ming An found this specimen especially interesting as she doesn't speak a word of thanks, praise, or mercy. "Do you wish for this lord to return you to your family in the capital? I had heard your family misses you dearly." His wicked grin wasn't well hidden, Qurin smiles back placating him. "Do as you wish."

This time genuine curiosity makes him stop in place, which in turn also makes her stop in step. She doesn't avoid his gaze, still smiling at him though her eyes reflect the same sorrow and loneliness. Strange, wouldn't young ladies, even ones as cold hearted as this one, cry upon learning her family misses her dearly? "This lord can also claim your chasity and marry you shall your reputation plummet upon your return." Wouldn't you enjoy that? But still, the woman only responds sounding semi amused. "As you wish."

Ming An chuckles, "How about if this lord truly uses you as a test subject?" Qurin doesn't flinch and continues smiling. Ming An saw her unwavering reaction and stares with more interest. Snapping his fan close he reaches in his sleeve and pulls out a beautiful vial as clear as moonlit crystals. The liquid inside was just as beautiful, like dew from blue blossoms that only bloomed during spring fever.

"This is poison squeezed from the petals of the Blue Flame flower." Her heart clenches with recognition. Don't lose your head, let me help you. Qurin's expression suddenly calms. "It will collapse your lungs with only a single drop and you will die within five minutes of ingesting it. It will spread like fire causing your innards to feel as if you ate fires from hell."

He gave a gentle smile while holding it out to her. "Drink it." Qurin didn't shiver or shake, she only copies his expression while taking the vial as long as her fingers. Popping the lid off the girl fully gave her attention to the vial given to her looking at its contents with a steel faced expression. Ming An continues examining her curiously, waiting for her to drip a drop into her mouth or toss the vial aside. But Qurin sniffs the vial confirming its contents before a grin blossoms on her face as lovely as the flower from which the poison came from. Although his expression did not change his brows rose the tiniest bit as traces of shock enters his jade eyes seeing as she tosses the cap into the grass while looking his way bravely.

"As you wish." With a natural grace the woman tilts her head back pouring the whole vial into her mouth closing her eyes as if relishing the cool liquid that coiled down her throat into her stomach. Ming An finally seemed startled, he froze while the woman downs the entire bottle of poison that was enough to take out a whole platoon of grown fit men. Almost instantly she felt the burning fire in her body and drops the vial coughing and puking blue blood into her hands.

Her body was trying its best to reject the poison but it easily succumbed to the Blue Flame poison. And why wouldn't it? Was it not just giving her what had belonged to her in the first place? Her beautiful black hair that the people in the capital praised as the most smooth and beautiful black in the whole west. It slowly transforms into a blue like that of the ocean's darkest depths where even the sun could not reach, her strands of hair each resembling the undersea currents that travel from shore to shore. Her vomiting of blue blood did not stop, it only increases in violence making Qurin feel as if she would choke from her own blood. It was as if her blood was the oil and the pain was the fire following though out her entire body's veins bursting her blood vessels while it consumes her from the inside. The man did not lie when saying the pain was incredibly harsh and painful, but he was wrong about one thing. It was ten times worse than what her said it would be. Take deep breaths!! Do not inhale through your mouth!! She felt her vision doubling after a few seconds and grits her teeth to endure as she would of done. Ming An watches the girl slowly dying in front of him covered in her own blood and sighs while muttering to himself. She had kneeled over her body sitting in a puddle of blue that stained her skin and the grass around her.

He did not rush to help her, he did not try to steady her. He had only given the girl a choice, who knew, she would choose the most stupid option. "Ah, what a foolish girl." She doesn't try to see his expression, she had no heart to. Qurin coughs another handful of blue blood and looks at the pool in her hands before slowly tilting to the side. The fire continued to burn through her body swallowing her whole. It hurts alot doesn't it?! Let me feel it in your place! "No!" Qurin mutters stubbornly with a weak cough, "Not you, I owe this to you..."