webnovel

Chapter 1 - Young Blood

The storms crashed upon the shore with a fervor that hadn't been seen in these coastal regions for several decades. Though the people did have storms, none could be compared to the one that punished them now. It was as if the God's were angered at them, passing judgment upon them for their sins.

The elder stood straight, facing the sea, as the rain assaulted his face, soaking his shirt. He gripped his cane firmly, turning his wrinkled knuckles white. The leathery skin glistened from being wet. He wore a stern, almost angered, expression on his face.

"Grandfather, please! Come back inside, this weather is too heinous for you to be outside, you'll fall ill!" a young woman pleaded, standing just withing the doorway behind her grandfather. This young woman was Kim-Li Yang, seventeen years old, and single. She was quite beautiful, with porcelain white skin that was soft and smooth, a thin and elegant face that would make even the goddess of beauty curse and become jealous. Though not overtly curvaceous, Kim-Li still had femininity etched through her body, from how her delecate shoulders curved down into her chest, which kitted out just enough to give her a feeling of perfect balance, which was only emphasized by her slender frame, as well as her backside - which was plump like a peach - or so the older men would like to whisper to one another whenever they felt they were out of earshot. Her black hair felt to her back, holding strands of violet that could be seen when the midday sun was st it's peak. She exuded an aura and purity when she gazed at those around her with her Kade eyes, which always seemed to be full of wonder and curiosity. Her lips were thin, yet full and slightly red, making one think that there was a hint of mischief hidden behind them. Even now, as she wore that worried expression on her face, her hands clutched to her chest, one couldn't help but think of how cute and pretty she was.

"Very well", the old man grumbled, turning his head and gazing at his granddaughter, catching her concern. This old man was Kim-Li Fong. Though his hair was grey and white, he still boasted a full head of hair, unlike many his age. His body was strong, with muscles evident in his arms and shoulders, even though he wore baggy and loose-fitting clothing. His hands were tough and calloused, showing he worked his entire life, which also explained his lean and muscular build. He was by no means a tall man, only standing at 5-ft, 4-inches, only being two inches taller than his granddaughter, but because of his stature and dominant aura, he felt much taller. His stern, wrinkled face had once been handsome, but had now Faded due to the years of punishment by nature. He, too, had green eyes, yet his were not as vibrant as his granddaughter's, and they appeared to be slightly clouded.

"Come, child, it's time for breakfast."

"Grandfather, what were you just staring at? Surely there was no one outside in this storm!"

Elder Fong huffed as he turned and approached his granddaughter, extending an arm and wrapping it around her shoulders. "No, child. No one is foolish enough to step outside. They all know the dangers the storms bring, but from outside and from within. And if they should step foot, then they know, the consequences that will befall them, especially those brought by me! I am not so young that I would let their disobedience go unanswered, not as long as I am the head of this clan!"

---

In a small, dilapidated house, where water poured like a flowing stream from the roof, filling a pot with water, lay a young boy. He was only about fifteen, this being evident in his facial features. He still had some of his baby face. He was Xin Fao, a slightly chubby boy. Though he was slightly taller than the other boys, he was also fatter. Both the boys and girls constantly made fun of him for it. Today had been no exception. All through his classes he received notes calling him piggy and fatty and porker, to name a few. He learned to hide the pain such names caused him, crumpling the notes and throwing them away. It was only after classes ended and he could go home, where none could see him would he let his frustrations pour out, letting his tears flow.

"Why?! What did I ever deserve to be treated like this? Even my friends insult me!" he cried. "I can't take this abuse! I wish I could end it all now!"

He turned onto his side, opening his tear-filled eyes, and watched the water fall from the roof.

Xin Fao, age fifteen, single, and fat.

This line repeated in his mind over and over. His hazel eyes once more brimming with tears as his cheeks became flushed. Because of his build, people called his average. His face was round and his black hair was cut short and never combed. His eyes always looked as if he hadn't fully awoken yet, and at the same time, as if he hadn't gotten any sleep. This wasn't helped by the bags that developed beneath them.

He stood at 5-ft, 7-inches, even for being a portly person, though he hunched so his actual height was closer to 5-ft, 10-inches. He was shy and kept to himself, usually to be found in a hidden corner, reading. He wasn't particular smart, but he wasn't dumb - or at least, that's how he appeared to those who watched him.

Xin Fao shut his eyes tight, focusing all his attention on the trickling water next to him. It's steady pouring slowly calmed and soothed his being.