Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 20: Fending Off The Monster

[Luo Xiao Zhao]

Xiao Zhao felt warmth on his face. He slowly opened his eyes. The sun was shining between the leaves and into his eyes. He closed them and turned his body sideways before opening his eyes again. Han Jun was to his right. His back leaned against a tree trunk and his arms rested on the ground beside him. A small smile touched his lips.

Xiao Zhao got up and stretched.

"You're awake?"

Xiao Zhao turned toward Han Jun. "When did you wake up?"

"When you got up."

"You are a light sleeper?"

"Unfortunately yes." Han Jun reached up and grabbed a small branch of the tree. He pulled himself up. Yawning he asked, "Where's Li Qing?"

Xiao Zhao shook his head. "Good question. I want to know too!"

"Maybe he's getting some food."

"You know what, Xiao Zhao? I bet he is! I feel bad for making him do all the work though. Maybe we should try helping him?" Han Jun suggested.

Xiao Zhao slowly nodded. "We should."

"Look! There's some fruit!" Han Jun pointed to a tree some distance away. They made their way to the tree. As they stood under it, he saw red round fruit hanging from the branches/ Their smooth skin glistened in the sunlight, reflecting it.

Han Jun grabbed for the lowest branch, but he failed. He jumped instead but his fingers nearly brushed the fruit.

"I'll get it." Xiao Zhao strode to the tree trunk and hugged the tree. The bark felt rough against his skin, but he was used to it. Wrapping his feet around the trunk, he shifted his feet upward, allowing his upper body to move up. In this way, he shimmied up the tree. When he reached the first branch, he used both hands to grab it, pulling himself unto the branch. He laid on his stomach. While his right hand clutched the branch for support, his left hand reached the red fruits and easily picked them off.

"Han Jun, catch!"

Han Jun looked up and Xiao Zhao dropped the fruits. They were the size plums but were softer and shiner. Already, Xiao Zhao's hands were covered in red as they dyed the hands of whoever touched them.

"What am I going to use to catch the fruit?" cried Han Jun, panicked.

"Hold out your clothing and use it like a net!" Xiao Zhao said as he turned his attention to picking more fruit.

"Xiao Zhao! You're so smart! Look! I caught all the fruit!"

Xiao Zhao glanced down and found Han Jun using his clothing as a net. His hands holding the edge of his clothing as he stretched it.

After Xiao Zhao had picked the fruits for a while, he called, "Han Jun do you think we have enough fruits?"

Han Jun glanced at the fruit in his clothing. "I think so!"

"I'm coming down then!" Xiao Zhao called.

Once on the ground, Xiao Zhao said, "Quick, let me see the fruits."

Han Jun dumped the fruits on the ground. "Aww! My white clothing is stained!"

"You can always wash it!" Xiao Zhao bent down and inspected the fruit. He picked one up. It felt smooth to his fingers. He felt tempted. The juice was so red and he could smell its sweetness. He stuffed some fruit in his pocket and picked up another one. Bringing it close to his lips, he was about to take a bite.

"You're not going to eat that are you?"

Xiao Zhao hesitated. "I was."

"Well, we should wait for Li Qing so that we can enjoy it together."