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
Wu Fei has foolishly believed that he would be able to retreat from the political scene as easily as he had entered it. More fool he.
Although livid at the fact that Duo went unpunished by the Manchu judiciary, General Chang channelled his anger into 'doing something about the foreign devils' instead of lashing out on his own people, specifically his son. For that, Wu Fei was thankful.
He could not deny that he, too, wanted the trade of opium stopped. It was severely harming his people - from old rich aristocrats to young street urchins. Perhaps that was the reason why Wu Fei was partially willing to assist his father. He was merely wary about the manner his father and his colleagues were approaching the subject.
General Chang had finally acknowledged his son's knowledge and interest of the West. Wu Fei, for a change, wished that he hadn't. It was typical of the General to only recognize and accept something when he had something to gain in return. Wu Fei tried NOT to hold a grudge but it was getting increasingly difficult.
Wu Fei's eyes glazed for the umpteenth time as they slowly blurred out of focus. He wasn't sure how he ended up being his father's 'secretary' but he was certainly going through a lot of paperwork on behalf of General Chang. Incidentally, everything that he had read that day had nothing to do with the West.
Tried, hungry and severely missing his wife, the young Lord indulged in a splendid display of tantrum by sweeping half the contents of his table onto the floor. Brushes clattered as parchments fluttered and scattered around him.
Sighing, he sagged into his chair and gaze woefully at the result of his childish outburst. Oh, splendid, he thought angrily, that really solves the problem, huh genius? Sliding off the chair, he began meticulously gathering the pieces of paper and the fallen brushes.
Crawling around his office on all fours, he continued to grumble under his breath as he righted the mess of parchments until one particular one caught his eyes. Setting aside the righted documents, he scanned the parchment and began looking for its brothers. Soon Wu Fei found all the pages that belonged together and seated himself back on his chair to read the rest of the document.
With each word he read, a new emotion rushed into the maelstrom that Wu Fei was already feeling. It started out as surprise, then shock, then confusion, anger, worry, disbelief, betrayal, doubt and more.
Jardine Matheson - the main perpetrator of the illegal opium trade?
They were a large and prominent company and logically, it would not be too improbable for them to have their fingers in one of the most profitable pies of the East. However, was the company as a whole responsible or was it the dealings of the individual captains in search of extra returns?
It was also believed, according to the parchment in his hand, that the Croesus had been responsible for the last major shipment of opium into the waters of China not three months ago.
Still, Wu Fei found it hard to believe that Duo had been a part of this. Duo had said that the Croesus was on an important voyage to deliver the company's largest investment. What could be more important than the lucrative trade of the contraband?
He read the document again. Again. And again. And no matter how many times he read it, he could only see one thing. His best friend was involved in a crime that was punishable by death were he caught and convicted by Manchu law.
Wu Fei got up and began pacing the room. He normally organised mind was in chaos. Emotions clashed with logic, his devotion to his family contested his loyalty to his friend. On the one hand, he wanted someone, something palpable, to lay blame on for the death of Kim Fei; on the other hand, he knew the document held only speculation without evidence.
For all Wu Fei knew, Duo could have been unaware of the covert smuggling operation. Yet, it would seem unlikely seeing that he specifically chose to serve on the Croesus on its last tour. Notwithstanding, the details of such a valuable cargo something might not have been disclosed to all the crew. Should someone let slip in a drunken feast that his ship was loaded with opium, the consequences could be dire.
Still, what difference did that make? Even if Duo did not go on that voyage, someone else would have. Kim Fei was still dead and it was not Duo who introduced him to the deadly substance. Unlike Wu Fei, Duo had to make a living. How was he to keep food on his table, clothes on his back and a roof over his head? Wu Fei knew nothing of Duo's wages, how much he earned working on the docks, and how much more he would earn when he was on the Croesus. But he did know that Duo must have earned a pretty penny somehow to be able to afford the pair of gold rings that he gave Wu Fei and Mei-Ran.
Wu Fei wrestled with himself for what seemed like hours. As he came up with a reason to lay blame on Duo, he quickly countered the idea with a reason to exonerate his friend. He was running around in circles and he was getting more and more flustered by the moment.
Just as he was about to leave and share this shocking revelation with Mei-Ran, General Chang burst into his office almost knocking him over.
<"Wu Fei! I'm glad to see your still here,"> the General's eyes then shifted to the remainder of the parchments that Wu Fei had not picked up after being sidetracked. He frowned, <"What happened?">
<"I, uh, had a little accident. I was just straightening them. Is there something you need from me?">
<"No, no,"> he clapped his hand on Wu Fei's back, <"I have good news!">
<"Oh?"> Wu Fei tried to hide his fear.
'Good news' according to his father these days, often pertained to imposing ridiculous restrictions and control over the Western community. It became worse when a special Imperial Commissioner, Lin Tse-Hsu, arrived in Canton with the sole purpose of purging the land of all opium related trade. General Chang gave Commissioner Lin his full and unconditional support. Wu Fei wasn't sure if that was such a good idea. Nevertheless, he knew his place and was certainly wise enough to not question his father's judgement in the General's own arena.
<"Tomorrow will mark the beginning of an opium-free Canton,"> General Chang declared triumphantly.
<"How so?">
<"Commissioner Lin and the council has finalised the Commissioner's proposal to confiscate the contraband. He has thus issued his edicts to both the local and foreign merchants that all opium cargoes on all ships in the harbour and in any warehouses on the pier are to be handed over and bonds given that, on penalty of death, no more would be brought in.">
Wu Fei swallowed nervously, <"When will the handover be conducted?">
<"At first light tomorrow, we do not wish for them to remove any of the substance into the Empire.">
<"What exactly have you planned?">
<"We have already stationed Imperial Guards at every entry and exit point to the docks and will give them three days to surrender all their opium cargo. Our warjunks are have also been called to arms to prevent any more of the wretched gwailos bringing in their poison. After the surrender of the contraband, I believe Commissioner Lin would have all foreign ships escorted out of the Canton harbour.">
<"Is that not a little too extreme? Not all merchants are involved in this illegal import. Some are genuine in wanting to trade, to earn a living, nothing more.">
<"Nevertheless, they have abused and overstayed their welcome. It is time for us to show them that we will no longer tolerate any further breach of our trade agreement. If they wish to exploit the treasures of our Empire then they WILL obey our law,">
Wu Fei merely nodded. He did not feel like he had the strength to continue rebuking his father. General Chang would no doubt ignore him or simply say he was a child lacking the understanding of the adult world. It frustrated Wu Fei to no end but protesting would serve him no purpose. It was indeed hard to teach an old dog new tricks. He often wondered how Kim Fei tolerated or handled such situations. Kim Fei had both his parents wrapped around his little finger.
<"The East India Company and its associate, Jardine Matheson, have control over the majority of the ships docked,"> General Chang continued, <"We have little doubt about them being responsible for this. Therefore, as noble as your thinking is, the captains and crew of ships that are above suspicion are few and far between.">
Jardine Matheson - his father had personally named them as being liable.
<"You believe that Jardine Matheson is partly responsible?"> Wu Fei asked.
<"Most certainly!"> General Chang cried, <"They are one of Britain's largest drug-smuggling operators! It is time the Emperor recognised the threat the /gwailos/ pose and do all we can to put a stop to them.">
<"Father, please ..."> Wu Fei paused, wondering if he should try to change his father's mind. To date, he has been unsuccessful in all attempts. Simply sighing resignedly, Wu Fei continued, <"Please be careful,">
<"You concern is touching, Wu Fei,"> General Chang clasped his son's shoulder firmly, <"But I will be well. Return home and share the good news with your mothers and wife - that we will be rid of the pestilence that has seeped into the heart of our Empire.">
<"Yes, Father,"> Wu Fei bowed and hurriedly retreated; glad to be given leave for the day.
He wondered again how he had managed to stroll into the midst of this chaos his father calls politics. Ignorance was certainly bliss, and for the umpteenth time he was thankful that he did not choose to take the Official Examination. He did not want to share this supposedly good news, he did not want to be hearten by the news that his Empire was going to use force instead of diplomacy to achieve their goals, and more importantly he did not want to see a violent confrontation break out between his people and the people of the West.
A child he may be, but it did not take a fool to see that if they pushed the British too hard, the British would undoubtedly push back. If Lieutenant Zechs Merquise was any indication, the Manchu Government would do well to tread carefully on dangerous grounds.
Wu Fei just wanted it to be what it was, before his brother died, before his father answered the call of vengeance, before he found out that his best friend was, somewhat, involved in smuggling.
He needed to know, needed to find out if Duo WAS indeed involved, but the docks were crawling with Imperial Guards as well as the British Navy, he was not certain that he would remain inconspicuous or discreet. One, he was now recognised by most of the Manchu commanders, secondly, he did not think the British soldiers would take too kindly to him beating Duo up if indeed the braided Irish admitted to his involvement.
So he went home like an obedient son and did as he father told him to.
<"You must speak to Duo!"> Mei-Ran cried for the tenth time.
Wu Fei sighed, exasperated.
<"Don't you take that tone with me, Chang Wu Fei!"> she eyed him sternly, <"You know as well as I do that you will need to find the answers to your questions. This will ruin your friendship if you don't. Apart from that you will be so wound up you'll drive us BOTH crazy.">
<"And finding out that he is involved won't ruin our friendship?">
<"At least you have a REAL reason to reject one of the most important relationships you've ever had and not simply abandon it because of someone else's suspicions!">
Another sigh escaped his lips.
<"You know I'm right,"> Mei-Ran wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
<"You are right, but I cannot risk going to the docks to see him. The place is even better guarded than the treasury at the moment.">
<"There must be a way to contact him,"> Mei-Ran said determinedly.
<"If there is then I have yet to find it. As you know, I have not seen him since he was released from our custody. We know not what his punishment might have been. For all we know, the British Empire has seen fit to imprison him and his fellow detainees or perhaps they have been sent home to Britain. He might no longer be in China.">
<"Somehow I doubt that. It was a minor transgression. The laws of the West do not seem as harsh as ours. Besides, I think the Westerners have more pressing concerns to deal with than punishing a few brawlers. The Empire has been laying it heavy on them this past month, what with Commissioner Lin's recently issued edict, the tension and apprehension must have twofold.">
<"Indeed, and it is because of this edict that further restricts my movements. Imperial Guards now patrol the docks as well as the streets in earnest. The British Fleet previously stationed in Lintin Island has moved into the waters of Canton. Everybody is on edge and all it takes is for one person to make a mistake and we could very well have a war in our hands.">
<"Do you really believe that?"> Mei-Ran searched her husband's face for reassurance only to see a distant fear behind his eyes. In the past few months, she had had to watch her husband - a carefree, cheerful youth age into a burdened and fretful heir. She did all she could to ease his worries, but the painful realities of life kept getting in her way.
<"At this point, I believe that the council are capable and foolish enough to do anything to prove their unfounded superiority,"> Wu Fei hugged Mei-Ran closed and felt his heart break.
This was not how he pictured their life to be. They were young, in love and carefree. They were supposed to be happy, blissful and living the life. He was not supposed to be working for the council and she was not supposed to be shouldering the burden of running the Chang household. And most of all, they were not supposed to be worrying about the likelihood of war.
<"I'm sorry,"> he whispered into her hair.
<"For what?">
<"It's not supposed to be this way,"> he sighed wistfully.
<"As long as I have you, then it is exactly they way it should be. Nothing can shake the foundation of our love and our life. We will face this world together, and we draw strength from the other when our own is wanting. I love you, Wu. Nothing will change that. We should cease worrying about matters that we have no control over and change whatever we can. Justice will be served where it is due.">
<"Do you really believe in that? Justice?">
<"Yes, I do. That is why I will always fight for you and in your family name. It is my duty now to protect you and yours. Your family will be save in my hands.">
Wu Fei chuckled, <"Of that, I am certain. But if you're so busy looking out for my family, you will need someone to protect you.">
<"Are you offering, Master Chang?"> she grinned teasingly at him.
<"I was thinking of Li actually, he is pretty good at - OW!"> Wu Fei ducked out of Mei-Ran's reach as soon as the first punch landed, <"Have mercy, my Lady! It would not serve you well to kill the warrior who has pledge his service and life to you!">
<"If indeed this warrior is pledge to me, then I demand obedience!"> Mei-Ran seated herself in an armchair and tossed her hair haughtily.
<"Obedience, eh?"> Wu Fei smirked, then knelt before her in surrender. <"If that was you wish, then it is what you will have.">
Mei-Ran cupped his chin with her palm and brought his lips closer to hers, while whispering, <"I will hold you to that, Chang Wu Fei,"> before kissing him with all fervour and passion.
The execution of Commissioner Lin's proposal did not go as smoothly as planned. Not all the merchants, be it local or foreign, were as cooperative as the council believed them to be. Giving up the precious contraband would mean a huge loss of profits for all involved. Naturally, they would not succumb to the council's wishes without a resistance.
All intimidation tactics had failed. It was evident that not all the contraband had been surrendered when the third day of the operation arrived. Commissioner Lin boldly took action of the threats he had made earlier. He initiated a blockade to cut off all food supplied to the opium merchants in their warehouses and distribution centres. Eventually, over twenty thousand chests of opium were surrendered, all of which he destroyed.
By that time, Captain Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent of the trade of British subjects to China, had ordered all British citizens to board the merchant ships for their own safety. The foreign nationals were effectively detained in the waters of China, without food supplies, deprived of any form of communication with their own government or with the Manchu Officials. Warjunks had been ordered to blockade the fleet and Commissioner Lin even ordered that any foreigners found ashore to be shot on sight.
Like Wu Fei predicted, it was only matter of time before someone with a twitchy finger did something foolish and they would have a bloody, pointless war on their hands.
For days they sat on a ticking time bomb, then the first boom of a cannon from the British fleet signalled the beginning of the world's first drug war.
<"DO NOT ARGUE WITH ME!"> Wu Fei bellowed, <"A wife should always listen to her husband!">
<"Shouting at me will not make me change my mind!"> Mei-Ran replied stubbornly.
The city of Canton was awash in chaos. Although the Opium War was still confined to battles at sea, panic had overrun the streets and fear gripped the citizens as they scrambled to flee the city. A few of a cautious or paranoid nature had left the city the moment the blockades and embargo began. Those who previously had an unwavering confidence in their military did not see fit to leave their home until the first sounds of war came knocking on their door. Those who were still firm in their, perhaps mislaid, faith that their soldiers will keep Canton save had chosen to remain.
General Chang was perhaps the personification of the last of the three. He had every confidence in his men to keep the city of Canton safe and never once thought that their lack of firepower both at sea and on land might lead to their undoing.
Wu Fei seriously wondered if his father was being arrogant, casting an air of confidence for the sake of his underlings or simply being naïve and foolish. The British were superior in warfare technology; even the most ignorant could comprehend that. Why then could the Manchu military leaders refused to acknowledge that obvious fact?
Fortunately, for the rest of the family, Hoi Yee did not share her husband's self-assurance. At the first sign of trouble, she had sent Su Yin and their daughters to Shanghai - where Su Yin's brother had graciously opened his home to them in this troubled times.
Hoi Yee, initially, had every intention of staying in Canton. She felt that it was her duty and place to remain with General Chang. She was after all his only wife that was still in a fit state of mind.
As noble as that intention was, Wu Fei felt that was not a good idea. He wanted her to be out of Canton as well. General Chang was so busy with the British he would not have missed any of them. Wu Fei had taken the responsibility to care for his family. Finally, Hoi Yee accepted Wu Fei's request for her to care for Su Yin and his sisters. They both knew that they would need a strong figure to lead them out of this time of uncertainty. In the absence of a male presence, Hoi Yee would be the best person to assume that station.
Wu Fei was relieved to see them leave Canton, just one day before the first act of war was committed. He only wished that he had been able to convince Mei-Ran to go with them when they left three days ago. She, unlike his mother, was as stubborn as a mule.
His patience was wearing thin and he was not far from knocking her out, throwing her over a horse and asking Li to take her far, far away - bound and gagged, if necessary. Why could she simply not understand that he wanted her safe? Screw honour, duty and justice. Wu Fei chose life and love over them for it is love and life that will keep him fulfilled and happy. Not some misguided sense of honour that his people believed that this unfounded war would bring.
Sighing heavily, he walked over to Mei-Ran and peered intently into the depths soft, brown orbs.
<"Mei, please, I beg of you, leave,"> he whispered, <"I do not want you here, I want you somewhere safe, I want you to be able to live a long and prosperous life,">
<"And if you wish me to have that then come with me,"> Mei-Ran retorted just as softly and resolutely, <"You know that my life will be nothing if I cannot share it with you. You know you have become the reason of my being. I will not leave you. If you want me to leave, come with me. Otherwise, shut up, for nothing else will change my mind.">
<"You know I cannot leave,"> Wu Fei spun around and stalked a few paces away from her, <"I may not be a typical Chinese but I still have some sense of duty to Father. I cannot betray him or Brother's memory. He would have remained filial at Father's side.">
<"You're a fine one to talk about duty!"> Mei-Ran spat, <"You say you would do nothing that will lead you to forsake your duty or shirk your responsibilities as an heir and son but you have the audacity ask me to abandon mine as a wife and daughter. My place is with my husband, my duty is to my family, my responsibility is to defend my home, just as yours is to be with your father, to fight in your brother's name and to uphold the reputation and honour of your family name. You have no right to ask me to do something that you yourself will not.">
Angry ebony eyes softened at the heartening words of his beloved. He had always known that Mei-Ran was strong, independent and loyal, but he had not realised until then that her dedication to her believes were built upon a foundation that would not be stirred. She was a woman of honour; she was more than worthy to be a daughter of the Chang Clan, which had spawned great warriors in its long and colourful history.
<"Oh, Mei-Ran,"> Wu Fei choked back a tear as he swept the petite girl into a crushing embrace, <"I love you with all that I am, eternally,">
<"I love you, too, Wu,"> she buried her face into the crook of his neck, <"Please never ask me to leave you again! I could never, not by my own choice.">
<"I only want you to be save, I couldn't bear it if you were hurt because of your duty to me,">
<"Have you forgotten that I am the strongest of this clan? That I am its protector?"> she smirked, <"Do not worry about me,">
<"I will always worry about you, Mei,"> he brushed a wayward lock of silky black from her cheek, <"But I believe in you and your prowess as a warrior.">
<"As I, you,"> she tilted her head for him to meet her lips in a passionate kiss.
Lost in their own little world they failed to notice a stealthy silhouette sneaking into their room, hovering in the shadows of the night. The figure watched in amusement for a moment, not wanting to interrupt such a touching scene, before clearing his throat in a not-so-subtle way.
"Ehem... not interrupting, am I?"
Startled, they couple sprang apart and reflexively readied themselves to defend each other.
"Whoa! Don't kill the messenger!"
"Duo!!" Wu Fei hissed, "What in gods name are you doing here?! Were you not told that every foreigner found on land would be shot on sight?"
"Are you going to shoot me?" Duo grinned inanely.
"We are at war, Duo," Wu Fei said brusquely, the Chinese youth evidently did not see the funny side of that comment.
"No, your empire and my empire are at war. I have no claim to this," the braided Irish shrugged.
"Do you not?" Wu Fei asked ominously.
Duo's eyes narrowed at the venom in Wu Fei's voice. Even Mei-Ran's eyes registered surprised. Neither one of them had heard such hatred in his voice before.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Tell me, Duo, what was your ship, the Croesus, carrying on its last tour?"
"What do I look like? The ship's inventory? How the ruddy fuck do I know?" Duo did not take too kindly of the tone of voice Wu Fei was directing at him, "I'm just crew, I'm the dog's body, the lowly labourer. I ain't privy to the details of everything that gets loaded and unloaded. They come in crates, for crying out loud! And I have no business opening them to see if they had silk dresses or Indian spices or gold ingots!"
"You had no knowledge whatsoever to what you were handling? No idea that your ship was stocked with the very substance that was the basis of this wretched war between our empires?"
"Is this what your attitude is about? Opium on the Croesus?"
"So you do claim knowledge of importing the contraband."
"That depends on what you mean. When I took the job, all I knew was I was going on a typical voyage to transport goods from one port to another. As long as I get paid at the end of the day, I don't really give a monkey's ass what I chuck onto and off the ruddy ship!"
"Are all your fellow seamen so indifferent about being accomplices to the acts of murdering an entire nation?" Wu Fei's lips curled in disgust and anger.
"WHAT?" Duo exclaimed, his rage mirroring that of his best friend, "I ain't here to take this shit from you, Wu Fei. Not everyone is the son of a Lord and certainly not everyone is lucky enough to always have a roof over their heads. Some of us have to work for it. We cannot afford to question our captains and refuse to serve on the basis of moral grounds. If I ain't doing it, someone else will. I ain't gonna let someone else earn the money that I am capable of earning. I have to look after myself because no one else would."
"I would have, if my trust in you had not been compromised," the edge on the Chinese boy's voice softened, only for a moment, only for a smidgen.
"Compromised? Just because I was on the ship that you believe was carrying opium?"
"Yes,"
"Fucking hell!" Duo swore and threw his hands up in frustration, "Tis one damned trial after another. So what do you want from me, huh? A confession to being a bleeding opium lord? Or d'you want me to point the finger at someone so your Imperial Guards can haul their arses in jail? What? Hmm?"
"I want the truth,"
"Truth?" Duo snorted, "You've already made up your mind to what is the 'truth'. Nothing I say is gonna change your mind!"
"Were you or were you not a part of this drug smuggling operation?" Wu Fei questioned, his voice oddly static and emotionless.
"If you mean by being on the ruddy ship that carried the damned thing as 'a part of the operation'," Duo hissed through gritted teeth, "Then, FUCK, AYE! I am!"
"Do not twist my words to suit your spiteful retorts!" Wu Fei growled.
"Me? Spiteful? Have you looked in the mirror lately, mate?" Duo scoffed, "It seems like your father ain't the only one who's on a vengeance trail! I am not responsible for your brother's death, Wu Fei. I am not guilty simply because I was on the Croesus and I work for Jardine Matheson!"
"I am not so blinded by the cry of revenge as my father is. My brother is dead because of his own stupidity and selfishness. I do not blame you or anyone else personally, save perhaps he himself, for his death. But it was you and people like you that made it possible for the deadly drug to be brought into my home and poison my people!"
"Life is tough outside these mansion walls, MASTER Chang! People have to eat; we don't have the luxury to pick and choose who we work for. We don't ask questions. We count our ruddy blessings that we can earn a penny to keep us alive!!"
"A what a penny you must have earned to be able to get us these!" Wu Fei ripped the gold ring from the fragile chain around his neck and hurled it at Duo.
Amethyst eyes clouded even further as he caught the ring deftly as it sailed through the air. He looked at the gold ring in his palm then his gaze shifted back to the seething Chinese youth.
"So this is it?" Duo snorted in disbelief, "I worked me ass off for three whole months, taking other people's shift to earn and save some extra money to get you and Mei something I thought you might like only to have you throw it back in me face."
"Gold is not a cheap commodity," Wu Fei commented flatly.
"Neither are friendships, Wu Fei," the anger in the Irish's eye melted into sadness.
"Duo," Mei-Ran spoke up for the first time since the confrontation began, "Wu is very angry, but not at you. Things very wrong but nothing we do can make right. We need friends not enemy. You are friend - "
<"Mei, I do not need you to play the arbitrator in this,"> Wu Fei interrupted his wife, <"Why are you on his side?">
<"Wu, do I need to hit you for you to see reason? Duo is not liable! Why are you so determined to pin the blame on him?">
<"I AM NOT!">
"Hey! You wanna take your anger out on someone, do it on me. Don't go yelling at Mei-Ran because she the least guilty person in this room!"
"Do NOT presume to tell me how to talk to my wife, Duo," Wu Fei threatened, "This is between she and I."
"Not if you're arguing about me!"
"NO MORE FIGHT!" Mei-Ran suddenly bellowed, "No more. We friends! War is outside, not in home. Enough fight outside for foolish reason, no need you two fight as well. Please, no more."
"I'm sorry, Mei-Ran. I didnae come here to upset you both. I came to see if you're okay."
"We okay, thank you," Mei-Ran replied, "You?"
"I am as well as I can be. Although, if I get caught, either by your people or mine, I'm in deeper shit than I've ever been. All British civilians have been evacuated to Macao and other allied colonies. But I just couldn't go without making sure you're both okay. Canton ain't gonna be save much longer. You should get outta here as quick as you can."
"We have no intentions of leaving," Wu Fei responded curtly, "Now that you have seen us well, I would suggest you make a hasty departure. Your presence here puts all of us in danger."
"You're not leaving? What good will it do for you to stay? You're not military!"
"It's called duty and honour, Duo."
"It's called being a hero. Heroes die young, Fei. Don't be a hero. You of all people should know it's not worth dying for drugs."
"I have no intention of dying in this war. My duty is to my family and I will have to stay and defend my home."
"From what I can see, most of your family ain't here anymore. If you're so keen on protecting them shouldn't you be by their side?"
"I do not expect you to understand the way of life here, but I do expect you to respect my wishes and leave."
"Leave as in get out of here now because it's not safe or leave as in get out of my life because you're the bastard that killed my brother?" Duo's eyes narrowed, half filled with sorrow, the other with anger.
"Take your pick," Wu Fei retorted bitterly.
<"WU FEI!"> Mei-Ran cried, <"Don't do this to yourself or Duo. You will regret this.">
<"I already have,"> Wu Fei whispered and turned his back on both his wife and best friend.
"Mei-Ran," Duo began in a hushed voice, "I'm sorry. Don't be mad at him. I understand. Honestly, if I were in his shoes, I might feel the same. I never had family to lose so I don't know what you and Fei are going through. You both are the closest thing I have to a family. You take care, okay? If luck is on our side, who knows, we might meet again."
"You take care also?" Mei-Ran looked woefully at the Irish, "No get shot?"
Duo's lips lifted slightly, "I promise I won't get shot."
"Good, may the gods bless you."
"Amen, to that."
Duo stood motionless for a moment, looking at Wu Fei's rigid back. He sighed, then scooped Mei-Ran in a quick but firm hug and whispered his last goodbye to her before slipping out the window he entered the room by.
Mei-Ran watched as Duo melted into the night then turned and marched over to her husband.
The moment Wu Fei turned to look at her, he felt a sharp pain sear across his left cheek.
<"I did not believe you were capable of such hate and malice,"> Mei-Ran scowled at him, <"Duo was right, you have already made up your mind about what the 'truth' was, you didn't care to hear what he had to say!">
Wu Fei opened his mouth to defend himself but was silenced by another slap.
<"Damn right I'm taking Duo's side!"> she continued, <"Because his side is the logical and reasonable side! If you do not blame him for Brother's death, what do you blame him for then? The war?!
<"Duo is a kind and decent person. In the short time that I have known him, I do not believe he would lie, deceive or manipulate. Least of all to you. If you cannot see how much you mean to him then you are a greater fool than I you look!
<"Friendship is a hard enough thing to gain, a friend as loyal, sincere and dedicated as Duo are even harder to find. I hope you are happy with yourself. Happy about driving the one true friend you had away and into the arms of war because you simply want someone palpable to blame.">
<"Mei..."> Wu Fei whispered, <"I'm sorry,">
<"I am not the one you should be apologising to,"> Mei-Ran sighed sadly. She reached up to gently caressed Wu Fei's reddened cheek, but before she could continue Li burst into their room in a panic.
<"Li! Calm down. Breath. What is it?"> Wu Fei sat his friend down.
<"The... th..."> Li gasped for air, <"They're here!">
<"Who?">
<"The British! They have landed! They have taken over the docks and they are sweeping across the city heading toward the Government Centre!">
<"Father..."> Wu Fei murmured as his heart clenched in fear.
No more denying it. They were caught right in the middle of a war zone. The worst of it was having Mei-Ran there. He knew it was too late to evacuate, the best they could do was set up a defence point in the mansion. Wu Fei cursed himself and wished that he HAD knocked Mei-Ran out and had her carted out of the city.
<"Mei,"> he began but was silenced by her slender finger on his lips.
<"You must go to Father. Your place is with him.">
<"I cannot leave you.">
<"My place is to protect our home remember? We are not defenceless. Li and I will safeguard our home. We will gather all that has remained here to defend the mansion.">
<"No!"> Wu Fei was torn between his duty as a son and a husband.
<"Wu,"> Mei-Ran whispered, <"I love you. I am scared to death but you have given me the courage to stand and fight for what is ours. You do as you must and I will do the same. The gods will watch over us and deliver justice as they see fit.">
<"Mei, don't do anything heroic, please,"> Wu Fei begged, <"As Duo said, heroes die young. I have already lost my mother and brother, I cannot lose my wife as well.">
<"I promise I won't be a hero,"> Mei-Ran smiled, <"Just as long as you promise to come back to me.">
<"I promise, come hell or high water, I will come back to you. I love you."> Wu Fei captured her lips in a soul-searing kiss. He tried his best to sweep away the thought of that kiss possibly being their last.
Time stood still for a moment as Wu Fei took in all that was Mei-Ran. Imbued by her very essence, he worked up the courage and set out to be at his father's side.
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