Chinese Touch

Chapter 10-Runaway

"I want you to run away with me tonight. Or rather, I want you to take me away. I can't let you live under the same roof as Hua. He is often kind, yes, but he has a short temper. You can't marry this man."

"I don't intend to."

"I'll get you some clothes to change into." We rushed into my room, and Bao rummaged through my closet. She opened a sliding draw in the bottom and pulled out a servants outfit. I folded my clothes into my dress and got changed.

"I'll come get you at midnight. Then we run."

"Definitely."

~#~*~#~

'Ai? Where are you?'

"In the stables. The horses are afraid of me."

I chuckled. 'I don't blame them.' There, the three sharp raps on the door. There was something about them, something rushed. I got up silently, my pack in my hand. I opened the door and Bao grabbed my arm, pulling me out.

"Run!"

~#~*~#~

"What's going on?" We ran through the halls, guards chasing us.

"They saw me go to get you. We have to get out now." We thundered out into the courtyard and ran up to the stables. Bao grabbed a massive rock and smashed the lock on the gate. Ai ran out, followed swiftly by the horses. They ran back towards the palace, knocking over guards and bashing each other as they ran down the hallways.

Guards rushed out, and Huang and the Emperor came out as well. We ran to the gate and more soldiers came, surrounding us.

"Come back, sister. There's nothing there for you."

"Sister?"

"Huang is my brother. Go, I'll catch up." I leapt onto Ai's back and he took to the sky.

"I've had enough, brother. I'll stay beneath this vile roof no longer!" She pulled off her glove and put her hand on the dragon statue beside her. A bright purple light spread, and everyone stepped back. I looked down to see Bao standing before a great purple she-dragon, her hair whipping her face. She looked like the perfect warrior.

"Sister!"

"No! I'm sick of being looked down upon. I'm sick of being hated for being female. I'm sick of being lesser! It's my turn now."

"Get them! Don't let her escape!" The Emperor threw his hand forward and his soldiers charged. The she-dragon took to the skies and Bao raised her hand. The great beast flew down and grabbed her in it's claws. Then she flew up beside us. We flew off before the guards could load their arrows.

"Is Huang a Changer?"

"No. No, he isn't."

"Good."

"At least... I don't know. He never told me anything, so I never told him my secrets. For all I know, he is the most powerful Changer this world has ever known."

"Wow," I said, "you really know how to make a girl feel better."