The Birth of the War Goddess

We again get separated with the guard soldiers, heading to change clothes and get back to the courtyard...

-Well then... Let's first try out of memory now shall we?- claps the head choreographer -All in position... One... Two... Three... Start!-

During the performance I almost hit one of the soldiers but still manage to fix my composure before anyone notice.

The weather is too hot today and I'm too tired also...

One step... Two... I try to be as focused as possible but that only drains my energies more...

I already know what happens if I lose focus, this might not be a military training but I still could hurt someone and I cannot let that happen 4 days before the performance...

As my part with Linghe begins, he squish my hand looking into my eyes between the metal of his mask, before actually starting the dance...

-You're not focused again- he whispers while spinning around me in the performance

-Sorry... I'm just tired...-

-Mhn- he nods...

In the last part of the dance I hesitate for half second, not remembering my next move and without dragging attention Linghe grabs me by the shoulder to move me away before I end up entering another dancer's space

-Here... With me- he says leading me onto the next move, which apparently was together...

When changing clothes, I'm the last one as I find myself trying to untie a weird knot created in the silver pendants -Ah... Come on...-

-Need help?- ask Linghe appearing on the door, untying his mask and removing it

-No I just...- -Let me do it- he approachesz beginning to districate the chains -Are you ok?-

-Yeah why? Oh that was... I told you, just tired-

-Then no training tonight-

-But...!- -No- he says, scolding me.

Then my only option is to practice alone... Hopefully nobody will notice.

-You are not thinking about doing it alone aren't you?-

-I...-

-Rise your arms- he finally unites the strings of my outer layer, passing the clothes over my arms to remove them

-I'll come with you but we'll take it easy, don't push yourself too much and get some actual sleep tonight... We don't want you to faint at the actual performance-

...

-She's been yawning all morning again...-

-Tomorrow we have another war simulation planned... Will that be alright?- murmur Hao and Shun to eachother at the end of the line

-She will probably push herself even more now that everyone count on her for tomorrow, that's what scares me more...-

-Didn't she got back earlier yesterday tho? I think I heard some rumbling in the night-

-Yes but she stillmstayed up to train her Qi according to Hua, he fell asleep right after but she went on for who know how much...-

-As if it's a matter of spiritual powers... She just need sleep obviously-

-I'm so worried...-

-Me too...- they sigh together

The day proceed smoothly even if it all feel so distant... And the temperature is not helping at all.

After our study session I take a quick bath and head out.

-Are you sure? I think the choreographers will understand if you explain them and will go easier on you...-

-Don't worry Hua'Ge-

-Even if you say that, it's difficult not to... What about we grab some food? That might help regain some energy-

-I don't really feel like eating... I'll go get some water to cool down.

Let's meet back here again in a couple minutes-

-But you need to eat... Let me accompain you at least-

-Don't worry, go eat something I'll be back in a few second- I wave walking away.

I head toward a well a bit away from the main streets.

This is probably the hottest week ever... I feel so weak under such opressive sun...

I approach the well, hissing up the bucket but even that much is enough to make me tremble... I sit down, taking a few breaths before trying again.

Breathing is hard with this heat and I'm really tired... My head is spinning and I'm also hungry but I feel like throwing up just thinking about food... I almost completely skipped lunch today.

I lean with my back on the well's stones, trying to force my eyes open as the remaining strength in me drifts away...

...

-Isn't that Miss Ying...?- murmurs Dong Hu, walking down a secondary street...

"She's not moving and seated on the ground..."

-Miss Ying? What are you doing on the ground...?- he push her shoulder, making her lean on the side

-Is she sleeping?- he rises her face but there's no reaction... The only noticable thing is a pair of dark circles and dry lips

-She's burning... Maybe she got dehydrated a bit- he drains a bucket of water and tap some on her face to lower her the temperature and slowly pour some in her mouth

-I cannot let her here I suppose... What a pain- he takes her on his back before getting back on his walk.

-Lai'Er? Lai'Er?! Where are you?!- yell Hua on the street

-She's here...-

-Woah! What the hell happened!?- he jumps stunned

-I think she fainted... I found her laying near a well, trying to get some water so I made her drink a bit but she still hasn't woken up-

-Uhm... What to do now...?-

-Let's take her at the Palace anyway, there must be some Royal doctor or an herbalist around-

-Uh Sure-

As the two approach the courtyard the others begin murmuring and the head choreographer rush to them -What happened?!-

-She fainted on the street... Is there any doctor available? She seems to haven't ate or drank properly today...!- yells Hua agitated

-I can help- comes Linghe foward

-Who are you?- asks Dong reluctant, stepping back

-I'm one of the dancers, not an enemy... Just let me help her while we still can-

-T they are friends Dong... Let him do- studder Hua

-Fine-

Linghe approaches to take her in his arms and as soon as his body enters in contact with Dong's they both feel a shockwave...

"What a strong Yang energy..." Thinks Dong "Who the hell is this dude?"

"Damn... I screwed" can only think Linghe taking ChangLai, turning to the instructor... -Would you mind if I took her to rest and miss the practice?-

-Not at all! Anything to keep her safe... Go go!-

...

I wake up in the late evening, feeling someone caressing my hair tenderly... -Uhm... Where am I?-

-In your room-

I open my eyes seating up -Linghe...?! Why are you here? And why are you wearing the costume?-

-You fainted on your way to the Palace so, with permission, I took you here to help you...- he says gently, before turning cold again -Why have you skipped your meals and why haven't you slept early yesterday?-

-I was nervous, sorry... I failed again- I sigh

-Don't be so hard on yourself...- he says once again in a gentler tone, moving away a lock of my hair.

Near his mask on the ground, a bowl of food is laying beside the bedding -Eat this while it's hot... It will help you feel better- he says taking it between his hands

-I can do it alone...-

He shakes his head, moving the spoon toward me.

-Eat- he orders so I reach foward, looking away ashamed as the door slide open and the chatting on the other side stops.

-Wait who is he...?-

-Lai'Er! You're alive! I was so scared!!!- rushes Hua to hug me but Linghe stops him

-She need rest, you can hug her tomorrow-

-Oh right, right sorry- he nods seating down.

Linghe igjores the other guys, staring curious, and get back on feeding me but I'm reluctant.

To show myself like that in front of my comrades is a true shame... I just can't!

-What did I told you?- his voice is cold and demanding

-But I can do it a...!- he doesn't let me finish, pushing the spoon foward. I hear Wei holding his laugh so I turn my face the other side blushing heavily.

-Just rest for tonight... We'll see eachother for the last rehearsal.

Take care until then or there will be consequences for both of us... Now I will be going- and just like that he takes his mask and leaves the room, sending death stares toward everyone as they look at him dumbfounded...

-Damn, he's hot- comment Wei over the silence -... And I'm straight- he adds

-He gave me chills...- murmurs Hao

I still cannot look at them, ashamed of how weak he made me look in front of them...

-Told you it wasn't the performance but the performer- smirks Hua rising his hands with nonchalance.