Creative Writing: The Cold War

Bright red flame blossoms bloomed in the courtyard, illuminating the moonless night.

These were not the gentle sheltered flame wisps that dwelled in stone lanterns, but rather the vicious wild flames that consumed all that they touched, raging wildly as they continued their relentless devouring.

At the head of the burning courtyard stood a great hall, the only building still standing, its roof aflame. Clanging sounds of metal on metal and shouts of anger and pain could be heard betraying the chaotic battle occurring within. Bodies and weapons were strewn about, marking the end of those who were slain.

Inside the great hall, two distinct, armed groups could be made out, one with robes dyed a deep red, like the colour of blood, and who were

She was young, appearing to be in her early twenties, with a sharp yet pretty pale face that betrayed no emotion and long black hair that whipped through the air as it followed her graceful movements, accentuating her well-proportioned figure. Despite the tense and violent situation, and while she couldn't be considered a top-tier beauty, she still drew the eyes of every person in the room who could afford to.

The young woman’s name was Kira. She was the pride and joy of the Takanashi Clan who were now being savagely attacked. As a female blademaster of great skill, news of her talent had spread far and wide and the Takanashi Clan gained a lot of attention from the neighbouring clans who looked on with jealousy but didn’t have the courage to take action.

However, one powerful clan did take action which ultimately led to the current

It depicted a mother holding a new-born baby while a man nearby, presumably the father, smiled on with pride. A strong sense of warmth and love resonated out from the ribbon and seemed to encompass Kira, making her feel an indescribable sense of comfort.

‘Is this what parental love feels like?’

Without thinking, she reached out and touched the light-ribbon. As soon as her fingertip made contact, the ribbon exploded into motion and wrapped itself around her finger and hand with surprising speed before winding its way up her arm. As it wound its way up her body, it was no longer a ribbon but a brightly-glowing, golden liquid that spread across her skin until not a single spot was left uncovered.

At first Kira was shocked and afraid but, as more of her body was wrapped in that golden light, the stronger that feeling of warmth and safety became and she closed her eyes, allowing herself to be lost in it, knowing, somewhere deep in her heart, that she would come to no harm.

After all, what was there to fear? She was already