by Kedriaa
Disclaimer: GW characters do not belong to me. No monetary profit gained through this venture - just an ample amount of self- satisfaction and self-indulgence.
<"..."> spoken in Cantonese
"Yeah, just dandy!" he replied and looked up, "You came in the nick o'time. Thanks for the rescue, mate. I'm Duo Maxwell."
The words that came from Duo's lips were laced with an accent that was unfamiliar to Wu Fei. He found it hard to understand him but tried his best to process the words. He heard and understood the word 'Thanks' clearly. He extended his hand to Duo and replied, "You are welcome. Chang Wu Fei."
Duo took it and got to his feet, "What? Oh, lemme guess, you just told me your name, right?"
Wu Fei looked blankly at Duo, wishing he wouldn't speak so fast. He couldn't keep up. "Sorry, my English not good."
Duo laughed, realising his mistake spoke slower and clearer, "That's okay. At least you speak it. Me, I don't know a word of Cantonese even though I've been here for six months! Actually I lie; I know how to insult your mother! But that's about it."
Wu Fei chuckled as he offered support to Duo. Duo gratefully took it. "You are hurt. Let me help."
"You've been a great help as it is. If you can get me back to the docks, I'll be okay."
"No," Wu Fei shook his head. Because Duo had been beaten up by kung fu disciples, he could be more injured more than he look. Wu Fei wanted a doctor to give him a once over, "You could be hurt more. You should see a doctor."
"A doctor? It's just a brawl! I've been in lots of brawls before. Besides, Doc Stevenson is sick of seeing me. I'll be okay."
Wu Fei sighed, what could he say to convince the boy? "Please? It will be better. I would like you to see doctor, my Master."
"Master?" Duo asked, "What d'ya mean Master? You a servant?"
"No, no. Kung fu master, he is also doctor."
"Oh, right. You're not going to let me go if I don't see this Master of yours, are ya?" Wu Fei shook his head. Duo shrugged, "Right, lead on then. I feel a lot safer with you around anyway. Did'ja say you knew kung fu?"
Wu Fei laughed and nodded while walking Duo towards his school. He wondered if he was going to be in trouble for this but he could not leave Duo on his own. He hoped that someone was still awake in the school to let him in so that he didn't have to scale the walls to get in or wake the entire household to get some help.
The Chinese youth was truly fascinated by Duo. For one Duo did not stop talking. Sometimes rambling way too fast for him to understand. The accent that Duo had was also interesting, yet sometimes it had the unmistakable English lilt to it. When Duo had stopped talking long enough for Wu Fei to get a word in edgewise to question him, Duo revealed that he was originally Irish but had spent a good few years working in the ports of Liverpool. He had often hidden his Irish heritage and accent to enable him to gain employment easier. Now that he was in the faraway shores of China, he didn't bother hiding it.
"I guess I was lucky when I caught the eye of a bridge crew on one of Jardine Matheson's posh ships [1]," Duo said when asked how he ended up in Canton, "I was actually trying to pick his pocket and all. Said he could use someone like me. I didnae know what he mean but I didnae care then. Someone was giving a street rat like me a chance, a chance to see the exotic East no less, I ain't that crazy to say no. He gave me a job on the ship, gotta earn my keep and all y'know. Sure, it was a lowly cabin boy position and all but I didnae care. It was no worse than what I was doing back at the docks. Then he had me stationed here to help with the merchandise they bring in. Wanted some young stud with a quick mind and a faster hand, but I ain't complaining. Got a roof over me head, three square meals and a tidy sum for me services. Plus the weather here is sure better than dreary Liverpool. Just gets boring, y'know. You can only explore the piers so many times in 6 months."
Wu Fei smiled inwardly, occasionally nodding to tell Duo that he understood what the Irish had said. It was hard to catch every word but he got the gist of it.
"We are here," he said as he knocked on the doors of the school. He got no answer. Wu Fei knocked a little harder hoping that he wouldn't wake too many people. Another moment of silence greeted him.
"No one's home, mate," Duo whispered. Wu Fei eased out of Duo's grasp and told him to wait there. The Irish boy replied, "No problems. I doubt I could outrun you anyway if I tried!"
Wu Fei scaled the walls and jumped into the courtyard just as he saw a figure attacking him. He quickly countered and retaliated, only to realize it was Mei-Ran!
<"MEI-RAN!!"> he cried as he ducked another one of her attacks.
<"Wu Fei?!"> she stopped mid-strike at the sound of his voice. <"What the hell are you doing?!">
<"Gods, Mei! Do you always attack the first person you see?">
<"You were climbing over the walls! You could've been a burglar!">
<"Oh, like a thief would be stupid enough to raid a kung fu school?"> he said as he unlatched the gate to retrieve Duo. <"Go get your father. I have wounded here.">
Mei-Ran looked at Duo and exclaimed before she could stop herself, <"He's a gwailo!">
<"And since when did our help and services stop at our own backyard?"> Wu Fei retorted, <"It's that kind of narrow-minded and xenophobic behaviour that led to his injuries in the first place!">
<"So-ree! I didn't mean it that way! You know I didn't,"> Mei-Ran looked genuinely hurt. <"Get him in and I'll get Father.">
"I'm not being any trouble, am I?" Duo asked as Mei-Ran ran off and Wu Fei led him into the infirmary.
"No, no trouble. She was ... um ..." Wu Fei began struggling with his words. His brain was about to fry from an over-usage of the unfamiliar language. In addition to having to find the words he wanted, he also needed to make his tongue and lips form those cumbersome syllables.
"Surprised to see me out of the docks area?" Duo supplied.
"Yes. Sit."
Within moments Master Ron had shooed Mei-Ran and Wu Fei out of the room while he worked on the patient.
<"Where did you meet him? How? What are you doing out this late? Why didn't you tell me if you're going to the docks? When did you start speaking the gwailo's language?"> Mei-Ran began ranting at him.
<"Mei-Ran! Shut up! First of all, I'm still angry with you for what you did this morning. And secondly, none of this is any of your business! If sifu questions me then I will answer him, but you have no authority over me. Despite the fact that you are sifu's daughter, I am still the primary disciple and I outrank you!">
<"Chang Wu Fei! How dare you talk to me like that?!">
<"I'll do what I want and I'll speak how I like. I've always treated you with the respect you deserve but I'm just a punching bag to you and the butt of your jokes. Today was the last straw, Miss Ron. I don't mind that you get away with murder around here but what really gets me is you NEVER apologise! Even when you know you're wrong! Well, I've had enough. Find yourself another lap dog because this one isn't going to roll over and play dead anymore!">
<"Is that all you think of me? I thought you were my friend!">
<"Friends don't treat friends the way you treat me!">
<"I have known you the longest time and yet you act as if I've got cooties and wouldn't touch me with a quarterstaff! I have feelings too, you know! And just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I weak and useless and stupid! You boys are always leaving me out of everything like I'm a third leg.">
<"We leave you out because you're reckless, impetuous, and plain crazy! Besides, we don't want to get into any more trouble for leading the Master's daughter into mischief,">
<"I don't need YOU to lead me into mischief! I can do that myself!">
<"PRECISELY!!">
<"Ehem..."> the screaming match was suddenly halted by a third voice. Wu Fei straightened himself and bowed to his sifu. Mei-Ran just sat brewing in anger. <"I'd hate to interrupt but you two are waking up the neighbourhood more effectively than the firecrackers.">
<"I'm sorry, sifu,">
<"It's okay. You friend's injuries are not serious. He'll probable ache for a few days. I've applied some ointment to the swelling and bruises; they should start fading tomorrow. I told him to wait. Well, I hope I did anyway. You should tell him to stay the night and rest.">
<"But sifu!"> Wu Fei protested, he knew the kind of strife that could come from Duo spending the night out of the docks area but he was silenced by his master.
<"As long as he does not leave the room and have no contact with anyone but Mei and I, we should be okay. After you talk to him, you should go home. It's late; you don't want to get into more trouble. I will speak with you of this matter as soon as you can take leave from your familial obligations. I myself have family visiting tomorrow and we have the show to put on. I would like you to help your friend into one of the rooms at the back. He will go unnoticed there.">
<"Yes, sifu,">
Master Ron then turned to Mei-Ran and simply said, <"Bedtime, Mei.">
She spared Wu Fei one last death glare and retreated to her room. Wu Fei rolled his eyes and headed to Duo. He was surprised to find the room empty. Obviously, his sifu's instruction for the Irish boy to wait was not understood. Duo had somehow managed to sneak past three of the best martial artist of the school. That was no mean feat. There was little that Wu Fei could do. He only hoped that the boy would be all right.
Just as he was about to leave, a glint caught his eye. Wu Fei picked up the shiny object on the pillow that was catching the candlelight. It was a chain with a pendant of some sort. He examined it closely and wondered what the two strips of intersecting metal represented. It no doubt belonged to Duo. Perhaps, he was going to see the curiously fascinating braided Irish again. Tucking the silver cross into his belt, Wu Fei went to inform his Master of Duo's disappearance and began his journey home.
The morning came way too soon for the young Master Chang. He should've thought of the early rise requested, no, demanded by tradition on New Year's day before running off into the night like a rogue of ill repute. Nevertheless, he was glad that he did, otherwise he wouldn't have met the enigmatic Irish.
<"Get up!"> Li was relentless in dragging Wu Fei out of bed.
<"Go away!"> Wu Fei clung onto his blanket, just as determined not to be woken.
<"Look, Master Wu," Li sighed and relinquished his hold on the blanket, <"You are already awake, else you wouldn't be fighting me, why don't you just get up? Or you'll be sorry.">
<"I hope you aren't threatening me, Li,"> Wu Fei mumbled, <"I'm the one with the martial arts prowess, y'know.">
<"Yeah, but I'm the one with the pitcher of cold water.">
<"YOU WOULDN'T DARE!"> Wu Fei instantly sat up and glared at Li. His frown deepened when he realized that Li's hands were empty.
<"Hah!"> Li smirked, <"Got you up! Now get dressed before we both get in trouble!">
<"Cheeky little imp!"> Wu Fei reluctantly threw his blankets aside and headed to his dresser to freshen up. He wiped his face with damp warm towel letting the mild fragrant steam wake him up. He then got dressed, undid his braid to comb the knots out before rebraiding his long curtain of black silk [2]. Seeing that practically everybody that his father had ever met would be gracing the halls of the Chang Mansion, Wu Fei made the extra effort to look the part as the son of General Chang.
Most of the family was awake and seated at the dinner tables for breakfast when Wu Fei got there. The only missing people were his father, uncle, Pui San and Kim Fei. It was more than likely that the former three were nursing a hangover that morning while Kim Fei just wasn't a morning person. Wu Fei only hoped that his brother wasn't too drugged up to make an appearance.
Breakfast went without a hitch, the missing family members finally emerged and before soon the reception hall was teeming with people. Wu Fei had been greeted by far too many people he didn't recognize. Nevertheless, he kept up his façade and did as he was expected to by greeting them and wishing them longevity, great fortune, prosperity and so on and so forth. Occasionally, he was instructed by his father and his father's wives to pour and offer tea to an elder, an official or a distant grandaunt [3]. In return, he had countless hoong pau shoved into his hands. After all these years of practice, he had the whole ritual down to an art.
Wu Fei headed out to the courtyard as soon as he got the chance. He was feeling a little stifled in the hall. It was near noon and the Lion Dance troupe from Master Ron's school would be arriving soon. That would be the highlight of his day. He had always wanted to be a part of that show but his father had forbade him to, citing that his place was with the family.
As he waited for the arrival of the troupe, Wu Fei's thoughts wandered back to one Duo Maxwell. He wondered what Duo was doing out in the streets of Canton, how he came across the three thugs and managed to get beaten up. It was obvious to Wu Fei that Duo was no ordinary boy, not especially after he gave him, his sifu and Mei- Ran the slip last night. If he could move as quietly and stealthy as that, perhaps his reputation was questionable. Wu Fei did not like to think of Duo as that.
Wu Fei reached into his pocket and fingered the cross that Duo had left. Again, he wondered why Duo had left it. Perhaps he didn't do it on purpose; perhaps it slipped and inadvertently got left behind. Wu Fei toyed with the cool metal, not daring to take it out into plain sight. He would no doubt get into trouble for it. He fervently hoped that he would meet the braided Irish again, at least to return his cross if nothing else. Perhaps he would make another visit to the docks again that night.
Wu Fei's eyes suddenly widened - the docks! Pier 49, to be precise, he had forgotten about the duel of honour, of sorts, that he had agreed to. Damn! He cursed himself for being baited to such a foolish agreement. He had been taught better than that. His sifu would no doubt punish him severely for the abuse of his prowess. He could barely believe he had sunk so low as to accept a mindless brawl. Sighing, he shrugged to himself. He could not go back on his word now. He, at least, had that much honour left in him.
A crescendo of voices brought him out of his musing. He looked up to see his sifu walk into the courtyard. His father greeted him, as did his uncle. After all pleasantries were exchanged, Master Ron signalled for the drum to begin.
Wu Fei's gaze shifted to where the troupe was set up. Kok Wah had the cymbals in his hands and next to him Keong was preparing to quite literally beat the life out of the drum. He started slowly and softly, building up the tempo from a rapid roll to the powerful energetic beat of the dance rhythm.
BOOM-BA-DA-BOOM-BA-DA-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!
The very air itself resonated with the pounding of the drums. Keong was playing the drum beautifully. His movements were fluid and graceful - it was almost like he was dancing to the beat himself. The drumming was not there to simply provide the rhythm for the dancers; it was an art form itself. Wu Fei knew it was Keong's first year as the drummer. He had been practicing long and hard and his diligence had paid off. He executed each beat with precision and style.
The Lion then took center stage - leaping, twirling, kicking, rearing, prancing and doing whatever else humanly possible whilst holding a large wooden lion head. Both front and rear dancers were superbly coordinated. They move with such grace and elegance that could put the actual beast itself to shame. Each movement was defined, flawless and magnificent, never once missing the beat, never once faltering.
Every year he would watch his fellow disciples dance to the moving beat of the drum and Wu Fei would be no less impressed with the performance, whilst wishing he was participant and not audience. He wondered who were under the Lion. Master Ron had the habit of changing dancers every year to give every one a chance to perform. This year's lead dancer was rather impressive.
Then the lead dancer stretched his arms, lifting the Lion's head over his own. Wu Fei caught a glimpse of the face and almost keeled over in shock. It was the she-devil herself!
One part of him was furious - not at Mei-Ran but because he was not permitted to participate - the other was completely and utterly awestruck. Female martial artists were getting rarer by the day. To find one that was so skilled and graceful in performing the Lion Dance was even more precious. It took a fair bit of strength to lift the head itself, even more so to be able to manipulate it so elegantly.
Wu Fei may have been impressed before, he was positively mesmerised now. In the past, Mei-Ran and Wu Fei had sparred but their fighting was always borne out of competition, annoyance or retaliation. The beauty and grace of the art form were lost in those instances. They never trained together and Wu Fei had only seen her moves when they were direct at him. This was virtually the first time he watched her in action in the absence of fury, frustration or defence. This time she was weaving a dance of joy, exuberance and good fortune and she was simply breathtaking.
It was at that moment which Mei-Ran choose to cast a glance over to Wu Fei. Wu Fei flushed crimson, snapped his mouth shut and assumed the best stoic expression he could muster. The beating of his heart was so loud that he was certain that it was drowning out the drum! He cursed himself inwardly and tried to calm his nerves.
<"HAH!"> a voice by his ear made him jump. It was Kim Fei.
<"What?">
<"I saw you drooling. You can't deny it now. It's the she-devil under there, isn't it?">
<"Shut up!"> Wu Fei elbowed his brother in the belly. He said no more as the Lion Dance came to a close. Besides, his mind was too frazzled for him to come up with a witty reply.
<"You can't hide these things from you big brother, Wu,"> Kim Fei would not let it rest, <"Why don't you go with them after the show?">
<"Father wouldn't - ">
<"Oh forget about His Honourable General Chang Jung!"> Kim Fei interrupted Wu Fei, <"He's got so many people to take care of I doubt he remembers how many children he has! As long as you've greeted all the important people, you're fine to leave.">
<"I really - ">
<"Wu!"> the older Chang interrupted again, <"For heaven sakes! Every year I see the longing in your eyes to be with them instead of hanging around here playing the filial son. I'm giving you the chance this year to shut up, get up and get going!">
Kim Fei pulled his brother up and pretty much shoved him away. Wu Fei beamed, <"You're the best, Brother.">
<"I know,"> Kim Fei replied, flicking his wrists in a shooing motion.
Wu Fei hurried over to his classmates where they were being severed refreshments. Hoi Yee had given them each a hoong pau as a token of appreciation. She smiled knowingly at him before she left, but said nothing. Hoi Yee was the closest to him in the family next to Kim Fei.
<"Keong!"> Wu Fei greeted his friend, <"Hey! Happy New Year!">
<"Hey, hey, Happy New Year!"> he was seated on a garden stool and look absolutely exhausted.
<"You were fantastic! Well done!"> Wu Fei slapped the boy on the back.
The already flushed face reddened even more. Receiving a compliment from Chang Wu Fei was a rarity. <"Thanks, I wasn't the star though,">
<"Hey, without you the star would have to dance to a silent beat! Don't put yourself down. You were good,"> Wu Fei then looked around and asked, <"Where's sifu? I should wish him a happy New Year.">
<"He's with your father, I think,">
<"Oh, I'll wait then. Where's Mei-Ran?">
<"Putting away the Lion,"> Keong pointed to the cart just beyond the main gate of the courtyard. Wu Fei thanked Keong, picked up a mug of sugar cane drink and headed to where Mei-Ran was. As always with her, her duties and responsibilities came first and foremost. She looked up, hearing his approach and frowned. Wu Fei felt his stomach hit his shoes.
<"What do you want?">
Butterflies managed to lift his stomach back to its rightful place but did not leave. Wu Fei felt his cheeks redden again. As sweat- soaked and flushed Mei-Ran was, she was still a picture of loveliness to Wu Fei. How aptly she was named beauty [4]. How could he not have seen that before? Wu Fei mentally slapped himself when he realised he was gawking again.
<"To apologise,"> he held the mug out as peace offering then continued, <"And to tell you that you were magnificent out there.">
The calmness in his voice took both he and Mei-Ran by surprise. It was now Mei-Ran's turn to house the butterflies and blush.
<"Uh... apology accepted,"> she took the mug from him and sipped the drink, <"And thank you.">
<"Why didn't you say anything about performing?">
<"You know Father never tell who does the dance before hand. Ken Li and I are alternating. Thank the gods for that! The damned head is so heavy. I thought Father was going to make me the tail dancer most of the time but there is no way I could've lifted Ken Li and Kok Keen didn't want to lead. So I got to show off a little!"> A bright smile appeared on her face, genuinely happy and proud of herself in this venture. Wu Fei's pulse began to race as he gazed upon her exquisite features.
<"That's great!"> he managed to say without stuttering, <"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw you. I never realised you were this good.">
<"Wow! Two compliments in a day from the great Master Chang Wu Fei! What do I owe this honour?"> she teased.
<"That's three, actually. Keong got the first,"> Wu Fei countered.
<"Tsk!"> she feigned her anger, <"Typical! I always play second fiddle to your fellow male disciples!">
Wu Fei gaped at her. Surely, she did not still think she was unimportant to him. Apart from Li, he had known her for the longest. She was closer to him than his own sisters and she had somewhat become an integral part of his life. She may be a pain sometimes but without her, life would certainly be a little quieter and a lot duller.
Mei-Ran suddenly dropped her gaze and took an unnaturally keen interest in the contents of the mug she was holding. <"I'm sorry, Wu. For all the pranks I did and for all the times I got you into trouble. I didn't realize you hated me for that,"> her voice was barely a whisper.
This New Year's Day was certainly a milestone. What with Chang Wu Fei complimenting his fiercest competition and Ron Mei-Ran admitting she was wrong to her most unyielding opponent.
<"Mei, don't be silly. I never hated you. You may have frustrated, angered, and drove me mad but I never hated you for it! You are one of my oldest and dearest friends. You are a pain, I don't deny that but you have saved my hide a couple of times and you have been a good friend through my troubled times.">
Mei-Ran looked up and Wu Fei offered him a brilliant smile. It was genuine, sincere and charming.
<"I've never seen you smile like that,"> Mei-Ran punched him in the arm, <"First you compliment me, now you are actually smiling. Are you feeling well?">
<"Imp!"> Wu Fei slugged her back.
<"Don't you start! I have what it takes to trash your hide, you know! You yourself said I was good!"> she set her mug down on the cart.
<"You may be good,"> Wu Fei tossed his head and sneered playfully, <"But I'm the best!">
<"Is that a challenge I hear?"> Mei-Ran wove a couple of fancy moves and adopted a defensive stance.
<"Gods! Can I not leave the two of you alone for one moment?"> Master Ron heaved an exaggerated sigh as he approached them. <"I swear you two are going to send me to an early grave!">
<"She started it,"> Wu Fei said with a cheeky glint in his eye.
<"You can't prove it!"> Mei-Ran stuck her tongue out at him.
<"All right, you two! Enough!"> Master Ron smack them lightly on the head with his fan, <"We've got two more shows to do, so we need to get moving. Mei, get the others ready. You and I have to say goodbye to the General before we leave.">
<"Yes, Father,"> Mei picked up the mug and headed back to into the courtyard.
<"Happy New Year, sifu,">
<"Happy New Year, Wu Fei. How has it been?">
<"The usual,"> Wu Fei shrugged nonchalantly. It was no secret that Wu Fei had always wanted to join the troupe. <"But my brother has given me leave to join you. That is if you have no objections, sifu."> He looked at his sifu in anticipation.
<"Hmmm..."> Master Ron hesitated, <"Your brother? What did your father say?">
<"He has no objections,"> Kim Fei suddenly appeared, <"I've had a word with him, Master Ron. Wu Fei is free to go as long as he is home for dinner in good time,"> Kim Fei flashed Master Ron a winning smile.
Wu Fei seriously doubted Kim Fei spoke to their father but he wasn't going to say anything. If Kim Fei was lying to Master Ron, it was Kim Fei's responsibility and he would have to deal with the consequences. In this instance, Wu Fei was glad that the militaristic chain of command also worked in the domestic hierarchy. Wu Fei wasn't too worried about it; Kim Fei could talk his way out of anything.
<"Master Chang, I shall take your work for it if you will take responsibility for Wu Fei's leaving.">
<"Most certainly, Master Ron! Just make sure he behaves himself!"> Kim Fei reached over to pinch Wu Fei's cheek, <"He is one mischievous monkey!">
<"BROTHER!"> Wu Fei slapped his hand away.
Master Ron chuckled, <"Don't I know it! We have to get going. If you boys would excuse me, I have to take leave from your father.">
The Chang brothers bowed as Master Ron headed in the direction Mei- Ran did not so long ago.
<"AH!"> Kim Fei said holding up his hand before Wu Fei could utter a single syllable, <"Just enjoy yourself and don't forget you owe me a favour. Your big brother will take care of everything. Just be a good boy, bow and say thank you.">
Wu Fei chuckled and did he was told.
Wu Fei did not remember having this much fun at New Year. The streets were alive with activities. People were happily exchanging gifts and greetings children were playing without a care in the world, occasionally setting off a firecracker or two. There was a feeling of simplistic joy in the air. The joy of new beginnings, the joy of seeing old friends and the joy of celebrating with family.
The final dance was held in the town square. It was a dance with at difference. This time the Lion wasn't there to bless the house and its occupants, it was there to compete with a rival Lion for the bounty at the end of the course. Of course the bounty was not more than a bunch of lettuce, a huge hoong pau and a scroll with a slogan of well wishes on it, but it was the prestige and honour that came with the clinching of it that they were fighting for.
Wu Fei was rather excited about the whole thing. He had never been to the competition before. Even though several of the high-ranking Officials were guests of honour, General Chang had never accepted the invitation on the excuse of familial obligations. That was why he had always invited Master Ron's troupe to perform at the mansion. It was easier than dragging his hoard into the square. Notwithstanding, a performance had a different aura to a competition and Wu Fei was getting as worked up as those involved - namely Kok Keen.
The tail dancer looked rather nervous and Ken Li and Wu Fei were trying to calm him down. It was then Wu Fei noticed an unusually quiet Mei-Ran staring at the Lion's head. No... she was talking to the head! An amused smile played across Wu Fei's lips as he walked over to her.
<"Not going crazy from nervousness, are you?">
She snapped her head around trying to cover the fact she was startled, <"No!"> she replied haughtily, <"Of course not! I know I'm good and I will get the scroll!">
<"Confidence is a good thing but over confidence - ">
<"Don't lecture me!"> she frowned, <"I know what I'm doing,">
<"I know, but you are going up against Master Yong's disciples. And you know they have the tendency to fight dirty,"> Wu Fei lowered his voice. His thoughts shifted briefly to his twilight encounter the night before.
<"Yes, I remember. Don't worry. I'll get the scroll,"> she said with iron determination. Mei-Ran smiled at Wu Fei and then did something that very nearly send Wu Fei into cardiac arrest - she leaned over to quickly peck Wu Fei on the cheek before running off to make sure Kok Keen had not collapsed from a nervous breakdown.
Wu Fei was stunned beyond words. He just stood rooted to the ground, dumbfounded, speechless and weak-kneed. Blinking once, twice, he shifted his gaze to the torment of his life and wondered what the hell just happened. She looked up at him and gave him another one of her lovely, rare smiles and winked - sending Wu Fei spiralling into another abyss of confusion and embarrassment.
<"Don't you want to get a place in the front?"> Mei-Ran asked when she returned with Kok Keen in tow, <"It's almost time, we need to get ready.">
<"Come on!"> Ken Li tugged his braid and led him off towards where the crowd was gathered, <"Let's leave them alone to prepare,">
Wu Fei followed Ken Li in silence, his heart soaring. He smiled to himself and thought that perhaps Kim Fei was right after all. He shrugged, this was something new, he would mull over it later and let things happen. He wanted to enjoy the show for now.
Onyx eyes scanned the town square. It has been transformed. Towards the entrance arch two sets of ascending wooden pillars were erected. The purpose of the pillars was for the Lions to dance up them to reach the top of arch where the scroll hung off. In that course they would have to find ways and means to slow down their rival to gain advantages. It was not an easy task. The wooden pillars were no more than 1 foot in diameter; not forgetting the lead dancer had to balance with the weight of the lion's head and not to fall off. This was truly a test of one's martial arts skills.
Wu Fei eye's continued to roam the square. He stiffened when he saw the lead dancer for the rival school. It was the same boy who had been beating up Duo! That did not bode well. He wanted to run out to warn Mei-Ran and Kok Keen of the boy but the drums sounded and the dance began. Wu Fei decided to be vigilant and kept a keen eye on the rival Lion.
As tradition dictated, the two Lions had to dance together in mock battle before the competition. They looked magnificent together. Master Ron's Lion was painted in the most flamboyant colours of red, gold and green while Master Yong's offset his in the reverent colours of black and white. The contrast between the two represented the eternal conflict of opposite poles - man and woman, good and evil, life and death, yin and yang.
If Wu Fei didn't know better, he would've thought all four dancers had practised together and was doing a choreographed piece. They countered and complimented each other with such ease and elegance it was truly an art form worthy of the highest praise.
The rhythm of the drums suddenly changed signalling the end of the performance and the start of the competition. That was when the excitement truly began. Both Lions began moving towards the pillars, the Red Lion on the left and Black Lion on the right. They would attack each other every other step yet continued advancing towards the top. It was incredibly fascinating to watch.
As engrossed as Wu Fei was, he did not once take his attention way from the opposition. Halfway up the pillars, all hell broke loose, although not to the untrained eye. Master Yong's disciples began fighting with real force. Sure it was a competition, however its main purpose was to cultivate a sense of sportsmanship - not beat the life out of your opponents. It was, after all, an auspicious day and the act of violence would be frowned upon.
To the laymen, the battle simply became more exciting. To Wu Fei and Ken Li, it became deadly. The boys exchanged looks but said nothing. Surely every one who had learned even the basics of kung fu could see the venom in each attack from the Black Lion? Evidently not - they were either too excited about watching the dance or too selfish to care.
Ken Li suddenly made a move when Kok Keen and Mei-Ran faltered. Wu Fei however held his arm.
<"Wu Fei! Someone is going to get hurt! Kok Keen isn't that good a fighter. Not when he has to support Mei-Ran as well!"> Ken Li whispered in protest.
<"I know, but if we just jump without apparent cause, we might make it worse. Just bide our time, if we see any of them in real trouble, be prepared to jump in! C'mon, let's move closer to them.">
Ken Li nodded assent and the boys hurried over toward the Lions. As did some of their other classmates present. They weren't the only ones who noticed.
<"I can see that Mei is seeing red. She only fights like that when she's really irked! I should know, it's always directed at me.">
Ken Li couldn't help but giggle. His chuckling was cut short as Kok Keen was suddenly caught in a barrage of kicks from the rear dancer of the Black Lion and was swiftly loosing his balance, taking Mei- Ran with him. This time even the general public noticed something going very wrong.
Wu Fei did not stop to think - this was the moment when the dancers were in real trouble. Action and thought became one as he ran forward, Ken Li hot on his heels. With one looked he conveyed to his classmate that he needed a boost. Ken Li gave his senior a quick nod and sent Wu Fei soaring up towards the pillars.
A collective gasp echoed across the square when Kok Keen finally lost his battle against gravity. Just as he tipped over the edge of the pillar Wu Fei made a grab for the boy's tunic.
Wu Fei had made it in time to stop Kok Keen falling and inevitably taking Mei-Ran with him. He took hold of the boy, release his grasp of the Red Lion's tail and whispered fiercely for him to descend. He knew that Ken Li and a few others were there to catch their junior, making his descend safe.
Just as Wu Fei assumed his position as the tail, the Black Lion's lead dancer reared his head and eyed Wu Fei malevolently. A silent threat was exchanged and the whole competition became personal. Wu Fei hoped that this fight was enough to prove whatever their duel was supposed to prove, hence making their twilight rendezvous redundant.
Quickly he shook the thought out of his head and concentrated on the task as hand. He knew that Mei-Ran was beyond all reasoning and he had to keep her safe and at the same time win the competition. Mei- Ran was determined if nothing else. As they climbed the post, the she-devil lived up to her reputation and lashed out whenever possible, yet cleverly disguising her moves as part of her choreographed steps. The laymen were none the wiser.
The Black Lion tried an all out attack on them again, this time failing miserably. Wu Fei was a much better artist than Kok Keen, and together with Mei-Ran, he was able to counter the attack and gain the upper hand over them. It was the Black Lion who faltered instead of Red. The Red Lion seized the opportunity and surged forward toward the treasure. Deftly, Wu Fei lifted Mei Ran onto his shoulders. Once within reach, Mei-Ran hastily 'ate' the lettuce, hoong pau and scroll with the lion's head.
The she-devil let out a whoop of victory as she shredded the lettuce making it look like the Lion was chewing messily, pocketed the hoong pau then released the scroll. She descended from Wu Fei's shoulders and let the scroll unravel from the lion's mouth.
As soon as the scroll revealed its contents the crowds roared and a thunderous applause rang through the square. Strings of firecrackers were set off adding to the already deafening cacophony of cheers, clapping and drumming.
The adrenalin in Wu Fei was positively intoxicating. He had never been so excited before. He didn't know what possessed him to jump in to dance since he had not learned the dance steps. His initial intention was only to stop Kok Keen from going splat on the ground but some primal instinct in him told him to take over as the tail dancer. As soon as Mei-Ran realised that it was he behind her, she began calling out the names of the steps that the moves were based on. Mei-Ran knew that Wu Fei would have no problems following her lead as long as he knew the basics. She was right and they were poetry in motion.
As soon as the Red Lion descended, they were swarmed by their ecstatic classmates, cheering and congratulating them on their fantastic finale. Mei-Ran, Wu Fei noticed for the first time, was actually blushing!
Amidst the celebration, the steely stare and silent death threats from Master Yong's disciples did not go unnoticed. The hairs on the back of Wu Fei's neck were on ends as soon as he descended. He spared the Black Lion's lead dancer a quick glance before joining the rest of his classmates for refreshments. He had won this round, but it was evident that the lead dancer wanted a rematch.
<"This is not over, Chang,"> the malicious voice growled from behind him.
Wu Fei stopped and sighed, <"Actually, it is. We duelled, I won. There was never a need for me to prove my superiority to begin with, even less reason for me to have to do so now. Why don't you spare yourself of another bout of embarrassment and just forget about it tonight?">
<"You coward!"> the boy spat, <"I will sully your reputation if you don't show, don't think I won't!">
<"Go ahead,"> Wu Fei smirked, <"The whole town has just witnessed your fantastic defeat by my hands. You go on a rampage in ruining my reputation you prove beyond a doubt that you are nothing more than a sore loser. The terms of your little mind game has just turned against you. Let's see how many people will believe you now. Let's see you do it without hurting your own name and the name of your master.">
The boy opened his mouth to retort but found he could not. The truth did hurt. The disciples of Master Ron were now the local champions, if he went around besmirching Wu Fei's name, he would be labelled petty and a coward. Beady eyes narrowed and a boorish curse was let loose from his lips before he stalked of in anger.
Wu Fei tried to resist pouring salt into the wound but found he could not deny himself of the simply joy of mockery; he shouted after the boy, <"Happy New Year!">
<"CHANG WU FEI!"> Mei-Ran exclaimed, <"What the hell is going on? You were going to fight that cad, weren't you? That was about some stupid duel of honour you agreed to, wasn't it? That was to do with the gwailo you brought to the school last night, wasn't it?">
Wu Fei groan inwardly and curse himself as eloquently had the lead dancer had. Damn! He had been caught pretty much red-handed. Sometimes he wondered which was worse - getting caught by his sifu or by his sifu's daughter. Both had the wrath of angry gods and one could deliver punishment as devastating as the other.
[1] A large and successful British shipping company that exported to and imported from China.
[2] It was commonplace for all men to have braids during the Manchu rule. Ruth brought it to my attention that according to "The Judge Dee Mysteries" by Erik Van Guik, it was done to differ the Chinese from the Hans. (Thank you, Ruth)
[3] 'Tea offering' (literal translation) is the traditional way for someone to show respect or honour for your elders. It's also done at weddings (bride and groom to parents) and even when a Master takes on a disciple. (I hope that made sense.)
[4] For those who don't know, I'm not making this up; 'mei' = pretty, 'ran' = person (Mandarin pronunciation), the combination is only used to refer to girls.
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