Fade into the Sun (Ma Chao)

[Sol]

Chapter 8

Tangling Ribbons

I miss those days when I used to wake up… look out my window and see the never ending sky…. Out here in the country it goes for miles on end

As they raced off, Mengqi could feel the uneasy tension caused by his sudden flare on his father. As much as his blood boiled from thoughts of his father’s action, he had forgotten all those around him would be hurt in the process, most importantly his sister. At the same time he could hear the very voices of those that he couldn’t satisfy. Each time he closed his eyes he could hear their calling for deliverance, with him lost for a response since he couldn’t answer their calling. All he could do was swallow the guilt that strangled away at his soul. As much as he knew it wasn’t his fault, he still held himself accountable for not being strong enough.

As he stared off into the scenery of the speeding lands, all he could see were hidden images of blades clashing and horrified faces. His fist fastened by each expression created by his own mind upon the scenery. The outside of him was nonchalant with his eyes drawn in a dull gaze, but inside he was coming like a raging beast shouting to the heavens with vulgar words. His eyes motion towards his sister stayed focus on getting to their destination. She was scared of him because of how he was acting…he wished he could just let her read his mind to her hearts content, but there were dark corners within him that not even she could know about.

As they finally reached too where she’s had planed to have him rest, he finally broke out of his gazing and began to observe what was going on around him. before he could see an extended hand from his sibling, he was quickly aware of his fasten hand moist in blood from the strain he put on it from his building rage…at the same time he could see her sister’s eyes were begging he’d accept her help

”sister do not worry yourself, my condition isn’t as bad as it seems”

He dismounted from the horse while secretly hiding the injured left hand from his sister. She had already suffered enough in one sitting, and just seeing a drip of blood fall from his body would tear away at her heart. As he took the time to check the area for anything usual, he nodded to her sister’s proposal and followed her lead to the shrine. He didn’t mind praying, since it was something they did in times of discomfort

[Ma Yunlu]

Her brother had not taken her hand, and she let it drop by her side, slightly disappointed. His words did not to help, it was not only the physical damage that worried her, it was the turmoil inside her brother that made her cautious and worried of him. The mental state of a man could affect the physical even if it was not at the moment.

Walking just beside him, she made sure to walk slower, not wanting her brother to get hurt even more with his condition. She surveyed him, but realized one hand was concealed. Her brows furrowed slightly and she continued on, looking straight ahead so she would not hurt inside when seeing the pain he was in.

Upon entering the temple, she bowed quickly to the monks who could instantly tell her brother was wounded, but they knew by the look in her eyes that she wanted to pray alone with her brother before he was distracted by being patched up.

The room was vacated and the door shut, she sat down, legs tucked neatly below her. Her head bowed, eyes shut and she clapped her hands together. Ma Yunlu would not ask, but she knew he would know she wanted him to join her. The quiet and serene aura of the room calming her nerves, allowing the worry to slowly slip away from her and she felt more at ease.

Knowing her brother would be alright here, she did not open her eyes for quite sometime. Ma Yunlu had grown very quiet at that point and she did not want to say something without choosing her words wisely.

Eventually she opened her eyes, but her posture hadn't change.

"Going back I believe is... out of the question."

Her voice was very small, calm, but there was always that slight edge of defeat, like it had been her fault and she should have seen it coming. Ma Yunlu waited from a response from her brother, she would only speak necessities... easier for her to control her emotions.

[Sol]

Chapter 9

Plagued Mind

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves

He could still feel it, the anguished that dwelled within evolving to bitter hate. What tore at him the most was that there was nothing he could do about it, he was victim to it and could only embrace it until its time was due. Morosely his eyes stumbled towards his footsteps in search for guidance in his tangled soul. That warmth ambition that he had long ago was swallowed up; now all he wanted was revenge. As much as he wanted to avoid going down this path, he was grateful it was his sister he was with then anyone else. She knew how to avoid causing unnecessary strife until the their brothers, as much as they were relatives…Ma Chao was far from his old self, and in his mind he wasn’t too sure if blood would stop him from releasing his anger on them if they choose to get violent with him.

Of getting in range of the temple, his fist unfastened and a small release of breath was heard from Mengqi. Although he was stressed, he wanted to at least try and seal the negativity flowing out of him. He knew once he’d step foot in their, the peaceful atmosphere would be strangled by the beast roaring for revenge from within. Hesitation shackled his step to enter in behind his sister; his face spelled it all that he was ashamed to even present himself with an aggressive spirit. The aura of Mengqi was easily spotted by the monks, leaving expressions of concerns. Every eye Ma Chao looked into only cause his blood to boil once again in remembrance of why he felt this way. There were no were mention by the monks towards him, but all their eyes gave the same message… in response he ignored their secrete heed and he followed his sister into a meditation posture.

Usually prayer was the best medicine to ease Mengqi’s stress, but there were no feelings in his exercise. The whole time her sister prayed, all he could do was view the statues that glared back at him. Seconds became like minutes, minutes became like hours, hours became like sentries within the time span of her prayer. It was the first time in his life that he felt empty, as if he were a blade with no wielder.

Shortly his sister made mention of them not returning back to their home land. He sat in silence kept his eyes on the statue as if he was waiting for it to speak to him. suddenly he got up and his face became cynical, his back facing her.

”I tried to stop it…the heaven’s know I tried…I gave up my very body …and it still wasn’t enough…every time I close my eyes or there’s a gap of silence…I fall back into the past”

Flesh blood had tainted the floor from Mengqi; the moistness proved he may have aggravated the wound during his time of prayer…maybe with him not even aware. Shortly his fist met with the wall in annoyance. His back was turned but a tear droplet splashed the wooden floor.

”I couldn’t save them!”

His voice was full of grieve but at the same time fuel with anger as if someone needed to pay for what he’s been through.

[Ma Yunlu]

She didn't have to see his face to picture the anguish in his heart. His voice spoke volumes and as she turned to watch his back, Ma Yunlu felt her own tears begin to form. Why did it have to come to this? Ma Yunlu mentally cursed, she cursed war, she cursed bloodshed, and she cursed the very beings that have allowed Han to go through it's bloodiest times she believes it has ever seen.

Standing up, she walked slowly towards her brother, her footsteps silent so he would not sense her approaching, and if he did... she doubted he would harm her. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she rested her head against his back. As children, Yunlu always would hold her brother in her arms. She could faintly remember his birth. Remembering that when she could see him. Ma Yunlu had sat just beside her mother and she was given the tiny child to hold. Of course her mother did not let go, but even at the very tiny age of almost 2, she could still remember looking down and thinking--- this was her little brother to take care of. Of course, it was thought of as impossible for a child of one to remember such details, but Ma Yunlu heard the story from both parents and she knew that it had to be true.

As she held her brother tight, she got the feeling again. This was her little brother, the brother she had to protect and watch over. Yunlu did not say a single word, but held her brother in an embrace. Her own tears were now sliding down her eyes and a slight sob escaped her lips.

"How many woman have to tell their little children that their father will not come home. How many wives have shed tears because their husbands returned home not holding their shields, but on them."

They were all rhetorical, but she wanted her brother to understand that she knew the pain of having to kill another man. Ma Yunlu had no husband to worry about, but she had brothers who were always on her mind and she saw the pain in her mothers eyes when her brothers and father went out for war.

"The say in war, we should have no mercy for the weak, no pity for the dying and no tears for the slain. But I have shown mercy, and I have had pity... and I have shed tears... and I know you have my brother,"

She took a deep breath, knowing she was making it somewhat worse, but if he did not accept the world they lived in... then how would he be able to fight?

"I do not wish to pull a blade upon another, and I know you don't. I hate it! I hate war! I hate fighting! I hate the tyrannical men that rule Han! Brother, I beg you... do not feel guilt for the inevitable. You couldn't save them, but if we join the right man, we can save so much people in the future."

She was suggesting to her brother that the go to find another man to fight under. For now, until their father could sort out his own conflict.

"Do you believe that father is not in pain? Do you think he does not regret what he has done. Brother... you may not believe it now, but you will see that the pain you feel right now is perhaps the same father feels."

She pulled away and stood there, waiting for him to turn and look at her. Ma Yunlu wanted to save her brother from the turmoil in his heart... she feared that his anger would dig his own grave.

[Sol]

Chapter 10

Bearer Of Liang

Man is a gregarious creature, more so in mind than in body. He may like to go alone for a walk but he hates to stand alone in his opinion

His vision slowly faded as his eye lids sealed, only to relive the horrid scene once again. Death was no stranger to Mengqi, it often made attempts of drawing him to the cross roads numerous times. But this was the first time he’s ever tried to keep an innocent family out of its reach. All emotions were sacrifice to embody his resolve. As a result, all he received was failure and being front row seat of the very people he swore to protect being skinned alive. In addition to his raging stratum, he couldn’t put an end to those very men and was forced to break out of their grasp and retreat. Thinking back, he’d give everything up to go back and find another way.

As his fist dampened further into the wall, he felt the warmth of his sister embracing him. Her tears ventured from her cheeks, moistening his shirts from each droplet. He could feel that she was already broken down by his sudden outburst. Even her words to try and make him understand proved she couldn’t bare him acting this way. It made him uneasy in revealing the truth behind their father’s actions. His body grew tense in comparison of the statues in front of them. He was stuck with choices once again that both held negative outcomes.

”Sister…all those days and nights of been being absent from our kingdom was for a reason. ”

He knew exactly where her sister was trying to go with her words, but it’s hard to just forget such pain that was engraved in his mind. It was now apart of him and something he would never let go, even till death it would haunt him. Slowly he removed his fist and stared at it remember his code of a warrior. The very man that brought him into existence, the very man that revealed to the code….has broken it without thinking of those around him and his people. Shortly his face stared back at the statue with a serious expression

”its not known to the common people in Liang, not even the advisors of the kingdom know…only me . And that’s only because I traveled days and night to find the truth. The upraising bandits were formed by our father. Han Sui has also hired a group of assassins to add to the blood shed. Liang is at war with itself….all because of personal grudges. The murder rate will only continue unless someone puts an end to it. ”

He then turned to face his sister; he couldn’t bear to view her face because of the night they spent in the desert. He remembered what she promised, and he knew now that she wouldn’t turn back now. Something in his screamed that she just leave and live in peace, but telling her that would be an insult to her oath.

”Yunlu, I don’t know who that man is that I left in the chambers of Liang. If it was truly father, he would of avoided such atrocious actions….”

Although the words were thick and sickened his stomach to think about, he felt that it was best he tried to sway their conversation to something more positive. During his time of pondering, he felt a name that bloom secretly in his heart. He only experienced this man once, and his presence held enough volume to drive him to strive harder. It was unbelievable that there was such a man in these days of chaos to shine his hope for peace the way he did.

”Sister, in the battle I supported our father in…I witness a man name Liu Bei. He had the ability to bring courage to any man on the field and his words held truth. I’ve been given information that he resides in Xin Ye…I think he sees the peace that we fight for ”

He hazel eyes grew in color, his passion for justice urge for satisfaction. Although he was still angered by his father’s bloodshed with Han Sui…he knew that he was still needed in this world to help put an end to the chaos. Hopefully Liu Bei would be the one to bring that dream..not for the sake of perishing the chaos…but also revealing light to their Father Ma teng

(lol I tried my best to bring out a decent post, but someone always barges into my room and ruins my flow. Next post should be good…promise)

[Ma Yunlu]

As much as she tried to fight the tears that poured down her face; the battle was already lost and she could do no more than try to wipe away her tears. But with everyone she wiped, another would replace it.

Ma Yunlu wanted to know where her brother had been, what was it that he knew that she had no idea about? Ma Yunlu had so many questions for her brother, but where was she supposed to start?

"What is it that you speak of brother? Why would father commit such atrocities with a man he swore brotherhood with? They have agreed to be co-rulers of Liang! Brother father would not dare hire bandits to harm his own people. Besides, Han Sui has begun killing out family. Yes, he hasn't taken down one of us yet, but think of our cousins!"

Her eyes searched his, trying to find some form of doubt in his words, as if he perhaps believed that his information was wrong... but she saw no sign. His eyes spoke volumes and she grasped her head in confusion. It was too much to process. Was it not Han Sui who attacked them first? Was that not what her own father told her?

"Do Tie and Xiu know of this? Are they a part of it?"

She would hate it if her youngest two brother were apart of such an atrocious idea. Was it really personal grudges? Ma Yunlu could not see her father commit such a thing, but could it be for power?

"Does father seek absolute control?"

It was the only conclusion she could come to. Shaking her head, she placed a hand on her brothers shoulder. Him bringing up Liu Bei made her eyes widen. Had not the man Lu Wei say he was going to fight for the great Liu Bei? Ma Yunlu's eyes widened, she had heard of great things about Liu Bei and even of his general Zhao Yun. The prospect of fighting with others and under another banner frightened her, but she nodded her head... she would go with her brother.

"Then we leave tonight, when the sun has set and our family is tucked away in bed. I just ask of one favor brother.... I wish to see mother once more before we leave. A glance at her beautiful face before we must leave."

She knew she would not be able to tell her mother they were leaving, for she knew their mother would do everything in her power to stop them from leaving. And even if the younger two brother were to fnd out... they would protest and fight it. Even if Ma Yunlu was not as close to them as Chao, she loved them and care for them just as much as she did the eldest brother.

Note: It's alright, yours is very well done. Mine, on the other hand, is questionable.

[Sol]

Chapter 11

New Path; Forgotten Children

You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself

As if his heart was snatch, he couldn’t feel a heart beat. All emotions scattered from the sight of her appalled honey brown eyes. It tore away at his inners in a mental attack, becoming dominant each second as she searched his eyes for disbelief. They were solid in volume; enforcing his words of their treacherous Ruler of Liang. What bothered him even more was that she hadn’t sense the recent bloodlust atmosphere between Han Sui and Ma Teng these years back. She was truly protected from the shadows of Liang….and now he was the bearer of bad news. He didn’t want her to journey the path he had already taken. His heart already grew bitter on even hearing his father name…as well his code for justice tainted. His new hope was in the hero of Xin Ye, and he hoped this man he’s heard of would help him rebirth the ambition he once had that made him asset in the kingdom of Liang and fearsome to minions that preyed on the weak.

Time began to stand still, his mouth sealed to her questions; he appeared motionless in movement and only his shamed face told tales of how he felt. It was a beating imprisonment for him as he refused to respond to what their father’s goals were. He had spoken too much, and for what respect he had left of their father he would keep the rest sealed away. His eyes gave off some hope as he thought of their two brothers. They too were not aware of their father’s actions as well their mother; it was possibly the only positive he could give her

”Tie and Xiu are still nothing more then our nuisance brothers…Father wouldn’t dare get them involved..well back then. I’m not sure what will happen in the near future, but Xiu and Tie are as pure as the moon itself. They wouldn’t dare be victim to such actions”

Before he could think of weather to leave or not, the decision was quickly taken out of his reach as Ma Yunlu made their plan for Xin Ye. It was prove there that Liu Bei held great power, to even draw warriors far out in the lands of desserts to seek refuge in him. He didn’t know what strife would come their way, but he knew Yunlu would be with him all the till death…He was truly blessed

”it’s settle then, after we go to pay our respects…we venture off to Xin Ye. Sister, you lead”

He shortly gave her hand a tight grip to acknowledge he was with her to travel back. His eyes even gave hint he would make sure they get to Xin Ye safely by his might if needed. The thought of one making it to Liu Bei wasn’t an option…He didn’t put it pass their father if he had already sent a group to capture them and take them back Liang. His two most valuable officers were leaving him…something that would attack the moral of his clan and create an opportunity for Han Sui to take over…as much as he had friends in the land…he truly didn’t care what would become of it….until his return

[Ma Yunlu]

She didn't want to do any of this, but she knew she would have to. Ma Yunlu was starting to see things through her brothers eyes. The betrayal and anger he felt towards his father. It was hard and as much as she wished it wasn't like this; she could not ignore the truth.

Ma Yunlu did not interrupt as her brother spoke, waiting for him to finalize what they were agreeing to. One hand placed gently on his arm, as if trying to let him know that she was here for him. With a nod of her head, she let him know that she understood everything.

"I do not think father would risk his remaining two children's health. They shall remain safe and ignorant of the happenings. We should not worry about them any longer... I just wish I could explain things to them."

Ma Yunlu knew that was a risk and one she wasn't willing to take. Instead she brushed that idea off to the side and returned her gaze to her brother.

"Then a prayer for a safe trip to our new home."

She returned to her prayer position and started a new prayer. She did not sense anything and wasn't even sure if her brother joined her, but after a quick prayer she got up. It was time they prepare themselves to leaving Wu Wei and that meant taking cafe of her brothers wounds first.

[Sol]

Chapter 11

Stallion's Hope

Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth, the egg of the phoenix

She was like a cage sealing the beast within why he couldn’t dare to unleash his true rage on their father. Ma Tie and Xiu in this scenario could never ease the beast of Liang in such anxiety, but Yunlu proved different. To Mengqi she gained greater stature that surpassed even Pang De, who he at times could sit down and express his emotion too. As solid as his expressions showed….he was beholden.

For concern of Ma Teng, he didn’t know which path he would take. The tides of truth or the path of destruction… either road he chose held no significance to Ma Chao. If it dawn to tormenting the people in Liang…he would return to end it by any means necessary. As long as he drew breath, he couldn’t let the people be caught in the reenactment of origins.

As he nodded to his sister for another prayer, he sat and began to speak silent words of repentance. All he could see were repeated scene of those fallen behind his protection. His heart hardened from each scream and spilt blood. All that dwelled in his mind was strength to protect

I will get stronger, I must get stronger. Not only for the fallen…but…

Breaking prayer, his eyes motioned off towards Yunlu in remembering what needed to be done. As she brought herself up from her prayer position, she would feel a chain rest around her neck as well her brother’s hands tucking the joint of the chain under her hair. On it was a golden locket that had a mini hour glass with sand from their child hood desert, with two horses chasing around on the ring outlining it.

”A gift I wanted to give you from the past months…but I was so caught up, I nearly forgot” as he spoke, he gently wiped the dried tears that still showed on his sister peach cheeks ”come let us journey back if you still wish to speak to mother”

He wasn’t sure on what response to expect from her, for neither his gift or to venture back to home. In mind, he still felt that if they were to return…he may need to draw his weapon for them to make it back out. Deep down he knew Ma Teng may change his mind to just let his jeweled children leave his services to serve another lord. Just the very thoughts of them leaving would hinder moral…something Mengqi knew would swore the kingdom

Note: horrible post…lacking a lot of creativity and possible errors lol, I’ll try and tighten up by next post..just didn’t want to keep you waiting