[Feb 21][Shendiao Xialu][Never an Alternative]

[lilacfield.livejournal.com]

Title: Never an Alternative
Day/Theme: Feb 21/a thousand li
Series: Shendiao Xialu
Character: Cheng Ying, Huang Yaoshi
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Shendiao Xialu belongs to Jin Yong, et al.


When Cheng Ying first discovered that she was being brought to live on an island, she became distressed enough to forget that she had been taught not to question her elders. "But that's so far away! I have to find my cousin, I can't live in a remote place like that!"

The strange old man - to her eight-years-old eyes he looked very ancient, and very intimidating - looked at her. "Your cousin? The one who you said broke her leg a couple of days ago?"

"I have to save her! The witch - "

The old man let out a bark of laughter. The sound of it rooted her to the spot; she had never heard anyone laugh with such open, amused contempt. "That woman I found you with? Are you truly very afraid of her?"

"But she killed my uncle and aunt, and she won't stop until she also kills - "

"Would you like to be able to defeat her?"

Struck by the idea, she nodded.

"Then come with me and live on my island. When you are older, you will no longer need fear her. You can also find your cousin, if you still want to." That laughter again, much more muted now, yet no less laced with vicious pleasure. "Of course, you know what they say when the person you promise to meet is separated from you by a thousand li."

Cheng Ying started, then blinked back her tears, knowing the sight of it would bring back that chilling laughter.