Rebirth part 1: Rise from the ashes

<p>Even now, she still has visions of that horrendous night. It is true that now she has made herself stronger, yet some scars and some pain stay forever. <br/><br/>For Ming Yue, they are like a constant reminder of what had happened. And that-what she believes is the price of the new life- to live with the past. For us to know what happened to her after she died, time needs to go back to that night, two years ago, the moonless night when she did not only die but also came back to life. <br/><br/>After her consciousness faded, there was a sense of detachment as Ming Yue felt like she was in a void- soundless, empty and pitch black. It was as if she was feather-light and floating in the air. Ming Yue did not know how long she was there for, just floating amidst the timeless darkness. Surely a normal human would lose their sanity at this point. But she was calm, perhaps it was because she was already dead. Finally, she died. No more misfortunes, no more pain and no more unfairness- She was free.<br/><br/>"Is this what you truly desire child?" Amidst the darkness a pleasant voice could be heard. <br/><br/>Ming Yue opened her eyes. What was previously dark was now filled with a red warm light. <br/><br/>At the centre of that warmth stood a woman in celestial clothing. From head to toe adorned with gold upon her heavenly red attire. <br/><br/>For a moment, Ming yue remained awestruck with admiration. But soon, self deprecation consumed her thoughts. <br/><br/>She smiled in self mockery. <br/><br/>True desire? Is there such a thing? Has she ever got a single simple thing she desired? And for what price? <br/><br/>The celestial woman who knew all could only look at the pitiful child with sadness. After all when her blood cries, it is her that goes through the excruciating pain. <br/><br/>Human fate is such a strange thing. <br/><br/>"Child, I know you will not understand what I am saying but the heavens are not blind. Your blood had to go through anguish. It's not your fault. You can blame it on the origin of that blood. I was powerless to intervene."<br/><br/>Ming Yue looked at the woman in confusion. Nothing she said was making any sense to her. <br/><br/>The woman sensing the bewilderment gave her a smile of reassurance. Suddenly her entire body emanated a bright aura and her eyes glowed red. <br/><br/>"You brought my power back and allowed me to intervene. The point of time where a deity and its essence are in one place. Not past, neither future but the present; A miracle shall happen and the promised wish shall be granted."<br/><br/>Not even a second passed as if all was just an illusion? The place was back to its original darkness.<br/><br/> "I curse you all!"<br/><br/>A voice suddenly echoed in her head. She immediately recognized it. It was her voice. She panicked as there was a sudden flood of memories- things she went through when she was alive. The pain, the betrayal, the humiliation, and the torture of burning to death. Yes, she had made a vow to go back. She must return!<br/><br/>In desperation, Ming Yue tried to reach out her hands but grabbed nothing but air. After all, she was in an empty void. She cursed again, asking the heavens to pay the debt it owed her. In the next second, she was pulled downwards with massive force as if being pulled by a vacuum cleaner. <br/><br/>She was falling endlessly and at rapid speed making her panic even further until everything came to a sudden halt and her skin was gently engulfed by a familiar yet unknown warmth. <br/><br/>["Don't be scared, my child, everything will be fine."] <br/><br/>A woman's voice echoed in the space. A familiar feeling of wanting to be embraced and to be held in her arms made Ming Yue's heart shudder in longing. <br/><br/>Images from her locked memories came to her mind like flashbacks or a broken movie for which she had the front seat. A baby held in a woman's arms, her warm embrace, and her familiar voice as she sang, a familiar tune,<br/><br/>["Silver night, my Ming Yue shines, stars come to greet…<br/>Holy will, a lullaby, chiming wind whispers of the night,<br/>Sleep tight my little moon with the blessings of the sky,<br/>To light the dark once again, With the heavens and the guardian, the red bird will bless this little moon of mine…"]<br/><br/>Ming Yue fell into a calming sleep and something in her heart felt to be in complete peace, like everything will be alright. With her eyes still shut tight, a gasp escaped from her parched dry lips as a sudden coolness hit her.<br/><br/>She slowly opened her eyes, letting them adjust to the surroundings and smirked-for heaven's sake… same moonless night. What was left of the burned property was now beneath her. <br/><br/>She could not believe this reality and tears streaked down her face. Ming Yue quietly sobbed until the cold air pierced her skin- reminding her that this was real. She was alive and she was back! How and why? That didn't matter as of now. <br/><br/> With renewed determination, she decided to move forward. However having no strength in her entire body left her with only one option.<br/><br/> Crawling on her limbs and forearms, she went as far away as she could. She needed to reach the main road and away from this place. It did not even occur to her that she was almost naked with only enough bits of fabric covering her breasts and private parts. She had to move away before those evil people came to check the murder place. <br/><br/>When the main road came into view, she could no longer keep her eyes open. The last thing she remembered was two pairs of feet approaching her, the warmth of a fabric draped over her and engulfing her as she lost consciousness in someone's arms.</p>