Chapter 9

As the three walked, they reached a dirt path. "This must be the trail," Fu Hai whispered, stepping onto the path. However, the problem was quickly seen. Wang furrowed his eyebrows as he looked both ways. He couldn't tell which way led up to the temple, and which way led down to the bottom. Yao Wang sighed. "We must split up." He voiced, the two others looking at him.

"But there are three of us. That means that one of us has to be alone. In the dark. That's too risky." But compromised, but Yao Wang shook his head. "If we all choose the wrong way, then we won't make it before sunrise. And then we'll have to wait another night. We don't have time." Wang explained. All three of the men were quiet before Fu Hai spoke up.

"So, which one of us will go?"

No one answered the question quickly, but Wang sighed. "I will go by myself, you two can be together-" "No, Yao Wang. Someone needs to go with you. If it's me or But. We're here to protect you." Fu Hai denies it. Wang sucks in a deep breath with his nose. "I will be fine. I'm not incapable of fighting anything, ok? I am in charge, right?" "Right.." Wang smiles. "Ok, so you guys go right and I go left."

Fu Hai and But were still very hesitant, but they both nodded. "Fine, but if something bad happens you have to signal us." But said, gesturing a finger at Wang, who nodded. "I will. Now go." They stayed for a minute, before Fu Hai grabbed Boy's arm, pulling him away. But sighed, and followed. After a moment of watching them, Yao Wang started to walk the other way.

Being alone didn't make the world around him seem eerie, instead, it made the view comforting. Very calm. Yao Wang could hear the crickets and other nocturnal animals around him calling out to some of their own. He could see the moon shine so bright, its circle whole once again. Blossoming flowers edged the dirt bath, segregated from the place Wang was walking on.

Each crackle of his footsteps flooded his ears with unfamiliar sounds, whilst still not minding the music created with his steps. The world was a song of itself, playing a harmonic and chaotic tune. A hum from the music of the wind floating past him. No, not a hum from the wind. A hum from a voice.

Someone was there.

Yao Wang stopped, the wind around him abruptly stopping with him. The whole world seemed to stop, besides a delicate butterfly, fluttering into Yao Wang's view. His blue eyes followed the blowing creature, watching it slowly flutter towards him.

The glass-like butterfly floated softly, like a feather falling with gravity. Its shimmering outline and detailing create a jewel finish. It was a jeweled butterfly. At least, that's what it looked like to Yao Wang. The flawless and graceful wings sat atop its back. Yao Wang instantly held a hand out to the butterfly once again, the magical creature setting itself upon his hand.

As before, the butterfly was lighter than anything he has ever felt before, only being able to feel the welcoming warmth the butterfly gave him. A feeling of happiness for being able to see such a beautiful creature. To hold one as well. Yao Wang lifted his hand, enough to get slightly closer to the butterfly. Closely, the precise details look even more stunning. With different star constellations on the butterfly's wing. As he stared at the butterfly, examining its features, something red appeared in his vision.

A crimson gloved hand.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"