Father shook his head as he walked back toward the yard. My three elder siblings lined up and ready full-armored to start their daily strenuous training. Eldest brother Grey Wind, with his magical spells to hold even the strongest monster still. Second brother Black Mountain with his mighty swords and deadly attack skills. And Third sister White Snow with healing powers that could even bring the dead back to life. "That little brother of yours is really a handful to handle," father remarked. "Let him be father, he likes to play. We'll talk to him later," my siblings defended me.

Those were the early days of my life. I've always preferred playing with nature and Piko more than training and hunting. Later, I discovered my inherited ability of healing. But even then I didn't use it much. During hunting sessions with the family, I rarely help restore their health. I would instead deliver my weak attack, to only cause mild injury to the monsters, then come running for help to my other siblings. They would laugh; sometimes letting the monsters chase after me for a while, then came to my rescue.

"Let's go! We're up to train in the Dark Terrain. Finally!" Brother Wind exclaim excitedly. We're restoring energy and getting equipped in a tavern after a long journey in attempt to reach the Dark Terrain. A place where the fiercest monsters lay and their deadly venoms seep into the blood of those who stand within vicinity. A land so feared that every renowned warriors, fighters, and magicians come from across the lands to try to defeat the evils and prove themselves unbeatable. For if one survives there, thy will finally be worthy of a master, and stand as living legend. Our father is one of them. He single-handedly defeated a two-headed gigantic reptile and its serpents, brought home a dazzling armor made out of impenetrable reptile skin, and became known across the kingdom as Master Ming Yun Tse. For many years, he stood charge as the King's personal guard. And now, he expects the equal of every Ming Yuns.

"Come on, Huppa!" sister Snow slaps the back of my head lightly as they're now ready to move on from the Tavern. We're not far from the Dark Terrain. I still chomps on a lotus bun as everyone equips themselves. "Where is your head armor?" Brother Mountain asks. "Uhm, I think I kinda left it on that last river we took a bath at." Brother Wind throws at me a metallic blue Moon Helmet. "Wear that,' he says. And we resume our way to the Dark Terrain. "Come, Piko." I pet my loyal and much loved white tiger.

The legend is not exaggerated. Dark Terrain is truly fierce. We battle our way through, sustaining many injuries. Brother Wind lost his magical Spear and almost got immortalized by an ugly-faced ogre. We stumble upon other skillful magicians and fighters on our way, each fighting for their lives. Some were there before us and defeated, we find their disfigured lifeless bodies lying on the ground. Then we cross way with one of the greatest and most evil monster of the Dark Terrain. Its blades not only poisonous and sharp, it could fly on every directions and decapitate us in one hit.
 

Just when we're using every might to succumb this evil, Piko runs off, perhaps terrified. He heads toward an inner cave so dark, who knows what lies there. Evading the flying blades while casting my self-immortal shield power, I leave my siblings to fight the monster and go after Piko into the pitch black tunnel. Glad I didn't forget to bring my glowing armor, I put it on, but visibility is still poor. I walk slowly, cautiously.. then I see Piko. Cornered and scared, he's trying to defend himself against a gigantic thousand-legged centipede. I swing my little sword, but its skin is so thick it doesn't even cut. I gather magic and deliver a lighting bolt with all my might, but it only makes the centipede retreats a step back, then it attacks again.

No time to run back and get my brothers or sister, Piko is trapped and badly injured. In amidst of my desperation, suddenly a big ball of fire flies above my head and blast the centipede to ashes. I gawk in shock and amazement, then turn to see what it was. There stood a stunning magician with her dazzling golden glowing armors. Traveling solo in this Dark terrain, impossible! I thank her repeatedly. Saying nothing, she signals me to follow her. I grab Piko and do so.

She leads me and Piko out of the tunnel. The light blinds my eyes for a few moments. Then I see the beautiful magician climbs onto the back of a huge gold-scaled dragon. In that moment I realize, she is that infamous magician, Jin Long, the Golden Dragon. She has been like an urban legend among the battlers, but there she stands right before me. She signals me to ride on the dragon's back with her. I follow, and we head back to join my brothers and sister. By then they already defeated the great monster. We gather the rare items and together go on a journey back home. I know for a certainty, that my encounter with Golden Dragon was not a coincidence. It's the beginning of a fate.

                       ==== The End ====
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C|=|UPPA
Samaruhi Forces of Nature
Ming Yun Bo Hu, Fate of the Platinum Tiger
Fourth Brother of the Ming Yun Family