Let my fangs
set you free
Deep in the forest of bamboo, over hills and under and through the twisting and gnarled roots of an elder tree long overtaken by the fast growing, prolific bamboo plants, barred the way to what appeared to be a small pair of stone shrines. Unlike most shrines found along roads or in villages which were meet with frequent visitors and were repaired on a semi-regular basis: these stone pedestals where sat a pair of carved chi. The figures seemed perfectly matched in every way with flowing manes and paws with thick claws. The tails reached out and intertwined in the back, which kept the statues together. The scales of the statues had, more likely than not, been painted brightly, but we're now faded stone eroded by rain so many of those sharp details were smoothed over and erased by time.
Atop one of the statues sat a white creature of similar build to the statue. It had a long body that was four feet in length, but were it to stand up on its hind legs it would only reach about three and a half feet, the tiny nubs atop its head included! The white scales were highlighted by a red mane that broke down and trailed down its spine to the end of the tail where the fur fanned out. It's softer underbelly was a shade of black with a pair of haunting magenta eyes. The little nymphette had feathered wings and sat atop The left statue with those clawed hands on its knees.
Skittering around underfoot with a broom made of an old piece of bamboo and straw a nymph if considerably greater size and build swept around the shrine. It stood a whole head taller than the smaller one: standing four whole feet and half by compare. Instead of the brilliant white and read this chimei had stark, black scales with a red mane and tail plume. Its underbelly was ruby red with his eyes glittering gold. The black titan had webbed wings and would drop the broom in a huff.
“Dearest gē gē! You sit up there and leave me to work and clean the shrine! I am tired.” The titanic dragon adolescent complained.
The white nymph was lounged across the two statues, head rest in the palm of his left hand. Opening a magenta eye he glared down at his taller sibling. Rays of doom floated down to the big brute causing him to jump, tiny broom tossed aside. Cai sat up and stretched, yawning out. Reaching to his side he scratched the tired out of his scales. The shady grove was peaceful, birds gently fluttering across the small clearing.
“
Dearest dì di that is because you must work are or you'll never be free from the evil that curses you!” He threw his arms up and slid down the statues, Fai, who stood below, holding his arms out to catch him.
Fai set the white nymph down and looked to him, his brows knitted with hurt and sadness. The brothers stood facing one another. Fai put his hand on Cai’s shoulders. Cai placed his hands on his larger sibling's forearms.
“
Gē gē…” Fai looked to his brother. “
I am sorry I doubted your efforts.” Tears welled in his eyes.
Cai snorted, his brows furrowing.
“It is the darkness that makes you doubt dì di.” He assured. “
I will not abandon you.” He spoke with determination.
Fai suddenly collapsed to his knees most dramatically, holding onto Cai who supported him. His claws gripped his sibling's arms as he groaned out.
“
Dì di!!” He cried out, trying to hold him up. “
What ails you?”
“
A-ah…” Fai gasped and looked deeply into Cai’s magenta eyes. But their heartfelt moment was broken by a snarling growl that bubbled from the titan's stomach. “
Wǒ èle. I'm hungry.” He chuckled only to let out a startled shout when Cai held out his arms and dropped him.
The younger dragon's face hit the ground with a thump,having not expected, yet wholly aware punishment was to come. Cai stood over him with narrowed eyes. When Fai tried to sit up, chuckling in amusement at his brother's despair, Cai slammed his foot on his brother's skull and held him down. The white dragon's expression darkened as his little brother flailed in the grass.
“
This is why we don't have nice things.” The nymph declared and turned away, crossing his arms over his chest, those rabbit like ears folding back in irritation. Fai stood and coughed out grass and clumps of dirt. He hunched down in shame, though his grinning face hid hidden amusement as he shuffled toward Cai, holding out his hands to him in comfort.
“
Ahhh gē gē it was not my fault! It was a good joke!” He cried out. "
Good timing stomach!” He lamented and praised all in one!
It was at this moment their ears perked up, the sound of rustling in the distance. They peered back.toward the forest and saw a shadow crawling through the dense brush. Fai curled his lips and began to growl, but Cai raised his hand and chopped the top of Fai’s skull. Fai chirped in surprise and held his arms over his head, glaring in his brother's direction. Cai motioned back with his thumb. After a moment if hesitation the two would scattered.
Cai dropped to all fours and scampered beneath the roots of a near and by tree while Fai slithered his way up the bamboo shoots. When above he would spread his wings and tightrope walk along the tops before perching in the shadows, all but vanishing in the darkness’ grip.
