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
Special Warning: This chapter is VERY angsty! Be warned, grab some tissues, and please don't hurt the author! Otherwise, enjoy!
The streets were consumed by panic and pandemonium. Wu Fei could see an eerie glow emanating from the direction of the docks - some of the warehouses were on fire. Before long, some of the houses would be too. He began a silent prayer - not quite sure what to ask for, he asked for courage and for Mei-Ran to be safe.
He wasn't sure how far the British troops had moved into the city, but being on horseback and knowing the city layout like the back of his hand, he was certain that he could reach the Government centres in a short time. Without wasting any more time, he urged his steed forward.
As he rushed through the city, a mix of gunshots and screams reverberated around him. A chill ran down his spine. Wu Fei tried not to think about it but it was not an easy thing to ignore. Preoccupied by his thoughts, Wu Fei nearly trampled someone who wandered into his horse's path. Startled by the sudden appearance of a figure, the horse bucked, nearly throwing Wu Fei off its back. It took Wu Fei several moments to calm his steed down before checking that his horse did not injure the other person.
Wu Fei looked around, searching for his unwitting victim, only to find himself being pulled off his horse. Before he could compose himself, he noticed he was on the ground looking at his steed run off into the night. Fear blossomed in his chest as he grappled for his broadsword. Whoever attacked him was going to pay dearly.
And whoever it was certainly had strength. Even as Wu Fei reached to unsheathe his sword, he was being bodily dragged into an alleyway, like it or not.
"Before you kill me, let me apologize,"
"Wha - ?" Wu Fei shook the haze out of his mind, "Duo?"
"Aye," Duo released Wu Fei and helped him right himself, "You shouldn't be riding through the streets like that! They'd see you coming a mile away and shoot you down. They aren't expecting civilians on horseback, only the cavalry. Most of the troops are a couple of blocks from the docks but they have reconnaissance troops littered all over the city. I'm sure they'd shoot you if they see you."
"What are you still doing here?"
"You try getting back to the harbour when there are people shooting at each other there! I ain't going to risk getting caught in the crossfire. C'mon, lets keep moving," Duo tugged at Wu Fei's sleeve.
"How did you get here?" Wu Fei asked as they made their way into the darkened alley.
"I walked?"
"If that was an attempt at humour, I am not laughing. This is not the time or the place."
"It's never the time and place with you," Duo snorted, "Where are we going?"
"We? 'WE' are not going anyway," Wu Fei replied, "I am going to my father, you can go where ever you please."
"Wherever I please?" Duo parroted.
"Wherever you please," Wu Fei confirmed without bothering to look at the Irish.
"Good, then I'm going with you."
"WHAT?" Wu Fei spun around and glared at the braided Irish, "That is not what I meant!"
"You did say 'wherever I please', not 'wherever I please except to where you're going'."
"I do NOT have the time for this, just stay out of my way!" Wu Fei growled and pressed on.
"Aye, Master Chang," Duo mumbled under his breath as he hurried after Wu Fei.
They ran, silent and stealthy, weaving in and out of abandoned lanes and deserted rooftops. The cries of war echoed through the city as the boys made their way to the Chamber of Council. Wu Fei was unsure why he was going there and what he could possibly achieve by being at his father's side, but he felt his duty was to be there. Damn those ideas of 'filial piety' and 'duty and obligation' which were part and parcel of his up bringing!
Wu Fei sped around a corner blindly, almost running into one of the reconnaissance companies that Duo had mentioned. He hurriedly shrank back into the shadows hoping fervently that he had not been spotted.
Duo, obviously not paying attention to where he was going, ran straight into the retreating Wu Fei. The boys collided with each other in the most not-stealthy way. Duo yelped when Wu Fei trod on his foot, while Wu Fei's sword clattered onto the ground noisily as he toppled backwards over Duo.
"Gods! Duo, there are British soldiers around the corner!" Wu Fei cried in a hushed whisper. He quickly picked himself up before pulling Duo to his feet, "Quick, up on the roof!"
"You must be having a laugh! Tis a sheer wall!" Duo stood and gaped stupidly at the wall before him, "If there was a window ledge or a door fra - "
"Damn! We don't have time! Run!" Wu Fei grabbed Duo's hand and began pulling the Irish in the opposite direction they were going. The one night that they needed it the most, Lady Luck had abandoned them. Even as the boys ran from one company, they were faced with another at the other end of the alleyway.
"Halt! Or I'll shoot!" a voice boomed over the commotion of battle happening half a city away.
"WHOA! I'M BRITISH! DON'T SHOOT!!!" Duo cried, knowing that there was no escape for them anymore.
"What in God's name?!" the soldier, a lieutenant, cried as he marched up to Duo, "Why are you in civvies looking like a Chinaman, soldier? And why have you got one with you?"
"Recon, sir! He's my local contact," Duo fabricated, putting on his best English accent. Wu Fei was about to protest but was silenced by a sharp pain at the base of his skull. Duo had the end of Wu Fei's braid firmly in his grasp. Taking the hint, Wu Fei stood silently and submissively behind Duo.
"Who's your commanding officer?"
"Lieutenant Zechs Merquise," Duo said the first name that came into his head. Wu Fei winced at the reference guessing that they were very likely done for now. One does not impersonate a soldier nor does on chose such a prominent officer to name as your commanding officer.
"The Lightning Count?" the lieutenant turned to one of his men, "Is Merquise on recon?"
"No, sir,"
Wu Fei's heart began to race like I had never before. Duo stood proud and seemingly fearless. Wu Fei could not help but admire his courage, even if it was foolish.
"What is your name, 'soldier'?" the lieutenant eyed Duo suspiciously.
"Company approaching!" another one of the soldiers interrupted before Duo could answer him.
"Get down!" the lieutenant ordered in an urgent voice. His men obeyed, taking up positions in the shadows, laying in wait, ready to attack if the approaching company was foe and not friend.
They let out a collective sigh when they noted the four approaching figures were dressed in British uniforms. Duo, too, heaved a sigh of relief when he spotted Zechs within their ranks. Evidently, Lady Luck had not abandoned them wholly.
"Lieutenant Merquise," the lieutenant saluted.
"Lieutenant Maynard," Zechs saluted in return then gestured to the two figures Maynard's men were restraining, "You seem to have a situation here."
"As a matter of fact, we do. We found these two skulking around in the shadows. The boy claims to be one of your soldiers on a recon mission with his local chink contact. Is he one of yours?" Maynard gestured for his men to bring Duo and Wu Fei closer.
Duo grinned sheepishly at Zechs as he walked into the light. If Zechs was surprised or angry, he gave no indication of it. Wu Fei was certain that Zechs was not going to bail Duo and him out this time. This was no longer a game, a prank, a joke, this was war and to be a fool at a time like this would mean certain death. Wu Fei wondered if Zechs would continue to tolerate Duo's unrelenting and constant delinquency. He wondered if he would ever get to his father or see Mei-Ran again. He was now in the hands of the British. Wu Fei held his breath waiting for Zechs to decide his fate.
"Regretfully, Maynard, he is not one of my soldiers," Zechs replied.
If Wu Fei was merely scare before, what he felt then was nothing short of terror. He could feel the cold, unyielding blade of a bayonet pressed into his back. He stiffened but did his best not to show it.
"However," Zechs drawled, enjoying every minute of watching Duo squirm, "He is a civilian operative who is in my custody. He speaks the local dialect and have civilian contacts that I would not have been able to establish myself."
"I shall leave him in your capable hands then."
"No, I would prefer it if they were escorted out of harm's way. One of my men will accompany three of yours to return them to base. Have them detained there and I will deal with them when this siege is over."
"Zechs!" Duo protested but was silenced by the tall blond.
"You may not be a soldier, Maxwell, but you are under my command!" Zechs replied in a chilling, authoritative voice. He then gestured for Duo and Wu Fei to approach. The boys obeyed.
<"Do as you are told and perhaps I do not have to incarcerate you both, you for disobeying military orders,"> the Lightning Count pointed at Duo, then at Wu Fei, <"And you as a prisoner of war. I do not care what you are doing running out in the streets when there is a heated battle going on around the corner. I do not have the time to deal with you now.">
<"I must go to my father,"> Wu Fei declared.
<"Not a chance. I cannot let you go, for I will be tried for treason for such an act. And if you tried to run, the other soldier will undoubtedly shoot you down." >
<"I will not be branded a traitor to my people!">
<"You value your reputation more than your life?">
<"I am the son of the most prominent General in this war, I cannot dishonour my father or my family." >
<"Then you are the fool I never thought you could be,"> Zechs shook his head in disappointment, <"Run if you wish, but be warned that you WILL be shot. Stay and obey me and you will live to see another day." >
<"Within the bars of your prison camps?"> Wu Fei retorted bitterly.
<"Not if you play your cards right." >
<"Fei, stop arguing! We follow, we live, you see Mei-Ran again, right?"> Duo cried in an urgent voice.
"Lieutenant Merquise!" Maynard interrupted them, "This is not a secured location - we need to leave before we are spotted."
"You are right, Maynard," Zechs agreed before turning to one of his men, "Brennon, escort Mister Maxwell and his comrade to base. See that they are secured until I return."
Brennon saluted smartly and waited for Maynard's men to join him before ushering Duo and Wu Fei towards the docks area.
Wu Fei cast Duo a malevolent look. If looks could kill, Duo would have been having tea with Mort himself. Duo shrugged and gave Wu Fei an apologetic smile.
A million and one thoughts were going through Wu Fei's head. He was at a loss too what he could do. No matter how much Zechs might favour him, he was effectively a prisoner of war. He would be treated as the enemy. He knew he could not afford to be taken to their base for once there; there would be little or no escape.
He made a promise - come hell or high water, he would return to his wife.
<"Fei, I am sorry,"> Duo whispered in Cantonese, not wanting the soldiers to understand their conversation.
<"Don't!"> Wu Fei growled, <"Do not apologize or attempt to rectify this matter with words, for words are of no use in this war!">
"Hey, chink! Be quiet!"
Wu Fei felt the butt of a rifle shoved rudely into his back, making him stumble.
"Oi! None of that nonsense!" Brennon reprimanded, "Didn't you hear Lieutenant Merquise? He ain't our enemy. We've gotta treat him right because that's our orders! Even if he sold out his own people, it's not for us to punish him."
Duo instinctively reached out to Wu Fei and held him close. He gripped his best friend's arm as firmly as he could without drawing too much attention. None of the soldier knew that Wu Fei could understand them.
<"Please, Fei, they are not worth it,"> the Irish whispered.
"So what have you heard, Brennon?" the soldier who hit Wu Fei asked.
"We're winning, what else do I care, Anderson?"
"You didn't hear anything about the General?"
"Which General? You mean Chang?"
Wu Fei gritted his teeth, doing his best to reign in his temper and anger. He had not realised that he was clutching Duo's braid with a white knuckled grip. Duo kept close to him, watching him with a wary look.
"Yeah, him," Anderson nodded.
"No, what did you hear?"
"Heard he was dead," another soldier added, "He was in the front lines when we landed, got himself shot and all."
"Codswallop, Wright!" the fourth soldier cried, "He's still at the Council Chamber, got himself barricaded with his high and mighty councillors and all!"
"We've got recon troops there," Brennon replied, "No one has sighted him in that vicinity."
"I heard he's back in his big, fancy mansion with his whores while his men are fighting the war for him. That's what them generals do, ain't it?" Anderson threw in his two cents.
Wu Fei felt a gentle yet restraining hand on his own.
<"Just words, no harm, just words,"> Duo repeated it like a mantra, hoping that it would calm Wu Fei down, even if it's only a little to keep from getting himself killed.
"We'll know for sure when we get back to base," Brennon said.
"How come?" Wright asked.
"We've got a covert company sent to the Chang Mansion. I hear the Admiral wants Chang."
Duo cast a nervous glance at his best friend - Wu Fei's expression was surprisingly passive and blank. Duo wasn't sure if that was more worrying than the look of deadly intent he had not a moment ago.
"Or maybe he wants some of them pretty Chang whores. They say he's got some real nice wives and daughters," Anderson laughed, "Won't mind some myself!"
This time, no amount of whispered reassurance or firm grips from his friend would stop the rage from spilling forth. The young lord lived up to his reputation of being a dragon.
Wu Fei's strikes were quick, precise and deadly. Anderson was dead before his broken body hit the ground.
Wu Fei had killed a man - killed a man with his bare hands.
Not anticipating an attack from WITHIN their formation, the rest of the company stood in stunned silence, gaping at Anderson's crumpled body and hollow eyes. Wu Fei used the moment of confusion to his advantage and took flight, not waiting to see if Duo was with him. Frankly speaking, he couldn't care less about Duo at that moment. His only thoughts were of Mei-Ran and Mei-Ran alone.
Gunshots rang aloud behind him. It was expected that the soldiers give chase. Zechs had said so himself, twice - if Wu Fei ran, they WOULD shoot. Even more so now that he had killed one of their comrades. He heard Duo's voice in a distance, words were incomprehensible but the urgency and worry in his voice was unmistakable. Wu Fei did cast a quick thought to his friend, hoping that Duo had the sense to run as well, for his actions would undoubtedly condemn the Irish lad.
Wu Fei did not stop running; he blended into the shadows of the alleyways once again, in hope that he would succeed in losing them in the maze. His body, fuelled by rage and adrenaline, knew no limit as he charged back to his home.
In that time, he cursed himself for leaving home, he swore that he would never forgive himself if anything should befall on Mei-Ran, that he would not rest until he avenged anyone who might have been slain within the walls of his mansion, and most of all he prayed that Mei-Ran was safe.
Wu Fei stopped when the mansion came into sight. It was fear that halted him in his tracks. It was fear that pounded in his temples and blurred his vision. It was fear that enflamed his rage. Curiously, it was also fear that fed his courage.
The gates to the main courtyard were open. That in itself was not a good sign. Wu Fei knew that they were closed AND barred behind him when he left. He feared the worst.
With each step he took towards home, the louder his heart pounded in his ears, the quicker his breath left his lips. A strange sense of detachment washed over him. He carried on forward, one ginger step at a time, not caring if Brennon and his men were still hot in pursuit.
He stepped over the threshold and into the courtyard. Bile rose from the pit of his belly and Wu Fei gagged. This was not a sight you wanted to see when you returned home. This was a sight that should not be within the walls of your sanctuary.
Broken plant pots and furniture strewn across the once pristinely sculpted yard. The stone paving was splattered with blood. Weapons littered the ground. Several bodies - both British and Chinese - lay motionless by the entrance of the main reception area.
A choked sob escaped from his lips as he steadied himself. A part of him cried for the senseless loss of life, the other part was, perversely, proud to see his people had put up a fight. His heart bled for those who have lived and died for his family so loyally. He would honour and grieve for them at a more appropriate time later. They would be remembered.
Steeling his courage, he ventured further into this home, only pausing to pick up a dagger and a broadsword. As he worked his way in, more scenes of carnage unfolded before him, more bodies desecrated his home, more blood spilt within the hallow halls of his once safe haven.
Wu Fei swore revenge. They had invaded his home, they had violated HIM, worse of all they had threatened Mei-Ran.
Searching the mansion methodically, he was relieved that he had yet to find Mei-Ran, or Li for that matter. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not - they may have fled or they may have been taken. Notwithstanding, the absence of bodies told him that at least they were alive - for now.
As he approached the servants' quarters, Wu Fei heard distant voices. He stilled himself and concentrated on them, straining to hear if they were friend or foe, and if they heard him approaching.
"Murphy, there is a time and place for this and this isn't it!"
English, Wu Fei thought, definitely foe. Slowly, he edged closer, taking care that his footsteps made as little sound as possible. He wasn't sure how many of them were in the room, or why they were still here. If he could corner one alive perhaps he could find out where Mei-Ran was taken.
"Fuck off, Lewis! No one asked you to stay and watch, prick!"
"We have our orders! Chang ain't here, we've gotta go back! Our mission does not include THIS!"
"If you shut up about this no one will know! I'm gonna teach her a lesson."
"Jesus fucking Christ!" Lewis swore, "You've already shot her. TWICE! She half dead! You don't have to fuck her as well!"
"This dragon bitch and her dogs took out all of the company but us! I mean to pay her back!"
Subterfuge be damned, Wu Fei knew in that instant that the one called Murphy was referring to Mei-Ran and charged headlong into the room. Both men within stunned to silence for this unexpected intrusion gaped stupidly at the enraged Dragon Lord.
Wu Fei did not hesitate to take action. With a quick flick of his wrist he let lose the dagger in his left hand towards the one WITHOUT his trousers around his leg - presumably Lewis.
Lewis gasped as the dagger slid home into his chest. Eyes widen with horror as the reality of death descended upon him.
"LEWIS!!" Murphy scrambled for his rifle but ended up tripping himself. He never got the chance to regain his composure as a flurry of attack from Wu Fei kept him down.
Wu Fei, completely blinded by rage, kept up his attack on the Briton. Even his own words to Chun Fei - 'never use kung fu in anger or for revenge' - were completely lost to him. All he cared about was to hurt the man that hurt his beloved.
Eventually, Wu Fei eased up on Murphy as the Briton rolled over to glare at the Chinese youth.
"Not so tough now, are you Briton?" Wu Fei spat, "You are a coward to prey on women and the weak."
"Fuck you," the soldier gasped.
"Your bravado has to be commended, let's see you maintain this façade when you fall into the depths of the underworld," Wu Fei's eyes reflected a glimmer of insanity as he drew his sword, slit the Briton's throat then sheathed the deadly blade in one seamless movement.
It was not a pretty sight. Still Wu Fei did not avert his eyes as he watched the soldier's lifeblood pour from him. A strange sense of satisfaction washed over him as watched the man who was responsible for his wife's murder choke on his own blood. Murphy could do nothing but slowly gurgle to death.
Broadsword slipped from slack fingers and clattered noisily onto the stone floor. Wu Fei rushed to Mei-Ran's side and hastily picked her up. He did not want her to be in the same room as the filth that shot and violated her.
Taking her into the courtyard under the full moon and a blanket of bright stars, he sank to his knees and cradled her gently on his lap. Her breathing was shallow and laboured, her pristine white dress was stained red, a large cut above her left eyebrow marred her perfect features, her hair was dishevelled and soaked with a mix of blood and sweat. Wu Fei's would've have done anything to have the situation reversed.
His beloved, his love, his life was hurt; she was dying.
<"Mei?"> he did his best to bite back the tears, <"Mei, it's me, please open your eyes." >
Eyelids fluttered at the sound of a familiar, comforting voice, <"... Wu ...?">
<"Yes, yes, it's me!"> Wu Fei stroked her face gently and mustered a reassuring smile, <"I came back, like I promised." >
<"Yes, you did,"> she returned his smile briefly then a tear rolled down her cheek, <"I'm sorry, I failed you, I could not protect our home, I - ">
<"No!"> he drew her closer, <"No, you did not! You defended our home bravely! Mei, I am proud of you, you have acted with honour befitting a warrior of the Chang family. Don't even think that you did not do well." >
Mei-Ran coughed and winced, <"You flatterer.">
<"Mei, I'm sorry, I should not have left you. Please forgive me, please don't leave me..."> Wu Fei could no longer put on a brave face, his broken heart and battered soul could not shoulder the burden any longer, he sobbed, <"Please...">
<"As I have said, dearest husband,"> she reached up to cup his cheek, <"I will never leave you, not by my choice. But the gods have decided it is time for me to go." >
<"... no ... please ...">
<"Hush, my love,"> she whispered, <"I do not believe there is a greater honour than to have lived and died in your name. I love you, Wu. Mourn me for seven days and seven nights, then honour me this last request and move on. Do not dedicate your life to vengeance, it will only bring you more pain and suffering.
<"If you must avenge me, do it by living. Live life brave and happy, as you would have with me by your side in the flesh. Live life strong and honourable, and make me even prouder than I already am. Nobody takes a bite out of life like you do. Live, my love, for the both of us. I will always be with you. I will always love you.">
<"Mei, please..."> tears ran unbidden down his cheeks as he clutched helplessly onto her, <"I need you...">
<"And you shall always have me - in heart and in spirit,"> she smiled feebly then grimaced again, <"Kiss me, you fool, and remember all that have I said." >
Wu Fei captured her quivering lips with all that his was. He shut his eyes and committed to memory every sensation, every taste, every emotion and every scent that came to him. This time he knew for certain that this was the last kiss that they would ever shared. He wanted it to last forever, he prayed to the gods to take him as they have taken her, he asked for them to be cast to stone so that they may remain in each other's arms for eternity.
His prayer went unheard, his request unfulfilled.
The tortured cry of a broken man ripped across the silent courtyard. The heartrending howl then slowly dissolved into uncontrolled sobs.
He did not want to believe, even as she lay motionless in his arms. He did not want to think how he could carry on without her. He just cried helplessly like child in need of succour.
As he cried into his wife's silken hair, he heard the soft padding of footfall approach. Wu Fei looked up to see Duo enter the courtyard.
"Oh, Christ!" the Irish swore, a tear ran down his cheek, "Fei, I'm so sorry."
Wu Fei said nothing. Duo continued toward the Chinese lad. Nearer, the Irish gasped in horror as he realised that Wu Fei's back was soaked in blood. He rushed to his friend, to examine his back, confirming his worst fears.
"Fei! You've been shot!" Duo exclaimed.
"Get. Your. Hands. Off. Me."
"Don't be an arse, you're bleeding to death!"
"If I can die by my wife's side then I welcome it!" Wu Fei replied bitterly.
"Mei-Ran would not want that."
"What the HELL would you know what Mei wants?!" Wu Fei forcibly pushed Duo away, "By the gods, if you do not leave me alone, I will kill you!"
"No, you won't," Duo replied stubbornly, "You are not a murderer, Fei."
"Not a murderer?" the young Dragon snorted, "Are you blind? Did you not see me kill the wretch called Anderson? Do you wish to share his fate and the fate of two more of his compatriots beyond those doors?"
"You were protecting your family, we are at war, that does not make you a murderer. Please, come with me, you need help!"
"HELP?! From you?! From your people?" Wu Fei cried hysterically before carefully laying Mei-Ran down to stand up to face Duo, "You've been already been a real great help! My brother is dead, my father is very likely dead and my wife is dead! All because of you and your people's 'help'!! I don't want anything from you. I've already got more than I bargained for!"
"I am not leaving you here to die, Fei," Duo took hold of Wu Fei's arms, "Mei-Ran would not let me leave you here to die."
"Don't you DARE use her name to threaten me! You sully it!" Wu Fei wrench his arm out of Duo's grasp.
"Fei, please!"
"LEAVE. ME. BE."
Duo did not budge. Not even when Wu Fei threw a punch.
<"Why can't you just leave me alone? I don't need you! I don't want you! The only person I want is DEAD!"> Wu Fei cried as he continued his assault on the braided Irish.
Wu Fei continued to ramble in Cantonese, cursing and swearing at Duo, calling him every name in the book, blaming him for everything that had happened - from the burning of his books to the war to Mei-Ran's death. Fatigued from the emotional stress and weak from the blood loss, Wu Fei's hits on Duo were not as potent as the ones he had delivered earlier. Duo took each blow staunchly, allowing his friend to release his anger, grief and anguish. Eventually the Chinese youth collapsed from exhaustion into Duo's ready arms.
<"Damn you, gwailo,"> were the last whispered words before Wu Fei fell into oblivion.
Notes:
I dunno what kinda profane words were common in late 19th C England so I just used something familiar in our time. It worked, somewhat. Shrug.
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