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 woke with a start. He immediately regretted regaining consciousness. He knew in that instant that he was still alive because every inch of his body hurt, he was convinced that even his hair hurt.
Blinking into the harsh light that was blinding him, he tried to find its source. He couldn't tell where it was coming from, just that it hurt his eyes. He moved his right hand to shield his eyes - or, at least, he THOUGHT that he moved it. Nothing seemed to be working. Actually, all his pain receptors were working very well, just not anything else.
He heard a groan - which, not surprisingly, came from his own lips. At least, he mused, his vocal cords were still working. He did not remember feeling this sore, not even after the most rigorous training that he had been put through while under Master Ron's tutelage. He tried moving again, this time his arms did respond but he regretted it instantly. Agony lanced through his entire being as his muscles twitched. He groaned again.
If this, he thought, was life, then I would have welcomed death, for he was certain that death did not offer this much pain.
Wu Fei began blinking furiously, trying to clear the haze away from his eyes. He searched his memories trying to recollect the events that had come to pass. He could not recall exactly why and how he was where he was. His memories were jumbled, he remembered the war reaching the shores of Canton, he remembered pain tearing through his body and his heart, he remembered a certain braided Irish and a dashing, young lieutenant.
Suddenly a shadow fell over him, startling him. Blinking some more, he tried to get his eyes to focus.
"Oh! You are awake, the shadow said in a mellow, calming voice, "I thought I heard something. How are you feeling?"
Hmm, he thought, English. Wu Fei opened his mouth to ask where he was but only a hoarse croak came from his parched throat.
"You must be thirsty. She smiled pleasantly at him, or at least Wu Fei thought she was smiling. "I will get you a drink. I am certain it would be alright for you to take something.
She straightened herself then paused and giggled, "Oh dear, I don't even know if you understand me!" she then began gesturing - drinking out of an imaginary glass.
Wu Fei nodded slightly, acknowledging his comprehension. Initially he had reservations about letting the 'enemy' know he could speak English, but he had reasoned that if he was in the British's hand that would mean he was brought there by Duo - the last person he, now, remembered seeing before passing out. Duo would've had no reason to hide Wu Fei's eloquence in English. Besides, Wu Fei was in too much pain to care.
"Oh, good! I will return shortly," she said and wandered off.
Wu Fei tried to move again. That, he decided, was not a good idea. However, he was relieved that his body was now obeying his thoughts, even if it hurt like hell.
As his vision slowly cleared he looked around to survey his environment. If the strange pungent smell had not given his location away, the pristine white walls and sterile sheets told him that he was, undeniably, in a Western hospital. It was then he knew that he was no longer in Canton. Unless of course, they had managed to take over a building and convert it into a hospital in the time he was unconscious. That in turned begged the question - how long has he been unconscious?
His thoughts were interrupted by the return of the lady who has spoken to him earlier, whom Wu Fei assumed was a nurse. Wu Fei studied her as she approached. She had pale skin, deep blue eyes and a tall stature. Her neatly pinned dark hair stood out against the whiteness of the room. She was rather pretty and had a kind and caring smile. Her eyes were large and deep set. Her lips were full and well defined, tinted in a mellow plum hue. She had high cheekbones and the bridge of her nose was prominent. He hoped that he was not gawking or gaping, but he could not tear his eyes away from her for she was the first Western lady he had seen in the flesh.
She had a couple large white pillows tucked under left arm and a glass of water in her right hand. Placing the glass down on the bedside table, she began to fluff the pillows.
"Here, let me help you sit up," she said.
Wu Fei mustered all his strength and grit his teeth. Even if he had lost everything, pride was the one thing that would remain with him for all times. He was not an invalid; he did not want to be molly-coddled even if it hurt.
"So, we're a tenacious one?" the nurse mused, "Well, that makes caring for you a little easier if I do not have to wait on you hand and foot. She smiled cheekily at him as she tucked the pillows behind him to prop him up.
Wu Fei said nothing; he offered her a scowl instead. That only proved to make her more amused. She giggled as she helped her patient get comfortable. Carefully, she brought the glass of water to Wu Fei's lips.
"Slowly!" she exclaimed as the Chinese lad gulped down the cool liquid greedily, "Don't rush yourself, we can't have you choking. Don't worry, there's more where this came from.
Wu Fei heeded her advice and slowed his drinking.
"There? Is that better?" She gave him a thumbs-up
He nodded.
"You must be hungry. Do you feel like eating something?" Again she mimicked the gestures of eating.
If Wu Fei werent hurting that much, he might have found it amusing. Instead, he mutely nodded again.
"All right then, I'll see what I can get you. She patted his hand reassuringly before wandering off again.
Now that he was sitting a little more upright, Wu Fei could see more of his room. He was in the bed nearest to the door, which was on his left. To his right were several beds but the were all empty. Each bed had an accompanying bedside table, candlestick and chair. Between the beds, curtain rails hung, to give the patients some privacy. Since he was alone in this room, all curtains were left open.
The room had large windows that allowed an ample amount of sunlight to filter in. All the curtains by the windows were also left open. As much as Wu Fei loved the sun, the reflection off the stark white walls were casting a rather harsh glare within the room, making his eyes and head hurt a little.
Wu Fei strained his ears to see if he could detect or recognise any ambient sounds that will give him a better indication as to where he was. In a distant he could hear a faint slosh of waves colliding with land. Apart from that he heard very little save the occasional footsteps and passing snippets of conversation outside his ward door.
Satisfied that he could discern no more from his immediate environment, Wu Fei turned his attention to himself. He found himself dressed in loose, white, cotton pyjamas. Flexing his arms he noticed that his right side hurt a lot more than his left. It also felt a lot weaker and non-responsive than the left. It was then he remembered, vaguely, Duo saying something about being shot and bleeding to death.
The thought of Duo made conflicting emotions rise from the depths of his stomach and head-butted in his the back of his throat. He was, for some unknown reason, still mad at Duo, yet he was grateful to the braided Irish for, presumably, saving his life.
Pushing the violet-eyed boy out of his thoughts, he continued to examine himself. He wriggled his toes, rotated his ankles and bent his knees, he shrugged his shoulders, turned his head left and right and swivelled his hips - each and every muscle in his body cried out in protest and screamed in pain. Wu Fei came to the conclusion that he had been lying in that hospital bed for a LONG time.
Question is, how long? That was something he had to ask that kind nurse who, undoubtedly, had been caring for him while he was oblivious to the world. He also wanted to know where he was, who brought him there and, most importantly, if was he a prisoner of the British Empire.
Wu Fei sank back into the fluffy pillows below him and sighed a weary sigh. Despite being 'asleep' for god knows how long, he was tired. He cleared his cluttered mind, determined not to think of anything that had transpired up till then, and practised one of the many breathing techniques he had been taught to calm his body and soul. He would deal with them later when his body was in better shape.
Time melted into nothingness until he heard the click of his door opening. The nurse had returned with a tray of steaming something. It smelled savoury and Wu Fei's stomach growled.
The nurse laughed, "Well, I hope you will like this. It is just a light chicken broth. You haven't eaten in a long time and I don't want to risk making you sick." She set the tray down on the bedside table and pulled the chair close to Wu Fei. "I'm sorry I couldn't get any Cantonese food - not that I know WHAT exactly to get you. Oh, listen to me babble at you. I must apologise for carrying on like that."
She chuckled lightly and began spooning Wu Fei the broth. Wu Fei gladly accepted her help in that but he refused to let her wipe his chin when a little trickle ran down his bottom lip. Quietly and hungrily he slurped up each spoonful. All throughout Wu Fei's meal, she kept chattering.
Wu Fei was the perfect audience. He displayed no weariness nor did he interrupt or attempt to change the subject. It was namely due to his preoccupation of the events that had taken place. Nevertheless, he WAS fascinated by her as she told anecdotes of her childhood in the far flung British Isle. She told him about her upper-middle-class upbringing, her education to become a nurse and her adventures and events of her voyage to the Orient. She told him of her own fascination and awe of his Empire and how spellbound she was with the traditions and auspicious festivals that his people celebrated.
Even after Wu Fei finished his meal, she continued talking.
"Oh, here I go again, prattling on like a gaggle of geese!" she giggled, "I must be boring you to tears. Then again, I don't even know how much you understood. Please, forgive me! You need your rest. Is there anything I can do for you before I go?"
Wu Fei looked intently at her for a moment, as if wanting to ask something. Instead, he shook his head lightly and shut his eyes.
"I'll leave you be and check on you in a while. Your friend should be here soon.
Wu Fei stiffened at the nurse's proclamation. He could only think of one person who they would consider his friend - Duo. In all honesty, he did not want to see Duo. He did not feel like he had the strength to confront the Irish. Although, Wu Fei was puzzled as to why he felt like he needed to 'confront' his friend.
"He usually turns up at three. It's twenty past two now. You still have time to get a little rest. The nurse tucked his blankets in then patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Rest well.
Wu Fei tried not to think about it and willed his body to relax. He slipped into light meditation as he waited for this friend to turn up.
True to her words, as soon as Wu Fei heard the distant chime of a clock striking three, the door to his room opened. He made no movement or acknowledgment of his visitor. He waited patiently for Duo to make the first move.
"Fei?" Duo whispered as he cautiously approached the bed, "You asleep? I saw Miss Noin and she told me you woke up.
<"Where is Mei-Ran?"> Wu Fei demanded hoarsely.
"What?" Duo cried, taken aback, "Fei, you do remember - "
<"Yes, Duo!"> the Chinese lad spat, <"I remember that she died in my arms after being shot and violated by one of your countrymen! I remember that she died in my name, protecting my home. Do you think I could ever dishonour her by forgetting?!">
"I'm sorry, Fei. Duo shuffled closer to him. "I really am. But I don't know where she is.
Wu Fei's eyes flew open. That one look of rage from him was enough to make Duo shrink back.
<"Please tell me you did not leave her there only to be thrown into some mass, unmarked grave site! I swear in Mei-Ran's name, I will - ">
"FEI! Please!" Duo raised his voice to be heard, "I didnae leave her there! I swear! Li took her.
<"Li?"> Wu Fei's voice softened, <"He's alive?">
"Yes.
<"Why was he not by his Mistress' side defending her?">
"Because he was taking the children to a hiding place.
<"Children?">
"From the neighbourhood. Duo pulled up a chair and settled beside Wu Fei. "Those who did not flee in time sought refuge in your home. Mei-Ran ordered Li to take the children and anyone who cannot wield a sword to her father's house.
<"The cellar,"> Wu Fei whispered. He remembered Mei-Ran telling him of a small underground chamber just behind the kitchen she found many years ago while hiding from Master Ron's wrath. The only person she ever shared her little secret with was Wu Fei. As far as he knew, no one else had knowledge of it, it would be a perfect hiding place. Cellars are not commonplace in Chinese homes, the soldiers would not see it if they were not looking for it.
"Aye, the cellar. Duo nodded, "Li hid everyone away and went back, but he came back too late to help Mei-Ran.
<"Where did he take her?">
"I don't know, he didnae have enough time to tell me what he planned.
<"Why not?">
"More British soldiers arrived. We didnae want Li getting caught as well. He took Mei-Ran while I stalled them.
<"Why did not he take me with him as well?">
"We both agreed that the British doctors stood a better chance of saving you.
<"I neither asked nor wished for your assistance,"> Wu Fei replied stubbornly.
"You're welcome.
<"Do not mock me!">
"Or what? You'll get up and hit me again?" Duo taunted.
Wu Fei chose to ignore him. He reached for the glass of water on the bedside table. Stretching his aching muscles a little too much for their liking, he winced and recoiled. Duo immediately picked up the glass and held it close to Wu Fei's lips. Instead of accepting the drink, he pursed his lips resolutely and spurned the Irish's help.
"Christ, Fei! You've been comatose from blood loss and delirious from fever for the past six weeks! You don't have to try to impress us by acting like a hero! You have been hurt, very badly! You've lost so much and you're lying in a hospital under British rule. You are allowed to grieve and feel scared, y'know!
"No matter how much you may think of yourself to be a warrior, you're still just a boy. Everybody needs a little comfort and support sometimes. No one will think any less of you if you ask for help, or even merely accept what is given to you freely and willingly!"
Wu Fei made no reply. He averted his eyes from Duo and resumed staring at the stark white ceiling.
Duo heaved an audible sigh then stood up, "You obviously don't want me here at the moment, so I'll let you rest. But I'm gonna keep coming back at three everyday until you tell me otherwise.
Please stay, I AM scared, Wu Fei pleaded silently but the words never left his lips. He was too stubborn to ask for help, to proud to admit that he needed someone, especially if that someone was a gwailo. Instead he heard himself saying, <"Leave, do not return, I asked not of your help.>
Within the silence of the room, Wu Fei could almost hear his, AND Duo's, heart break. He didn't know why he said what he said. Even as a part knew too well that he would live to regret it, nothing would make him take those cruel words back.
He lay motionless as he listened to Duo leave his room. When silence began to overwhelm him, a rogue tear rolled down his cheek, despite his determination not to cry.
Seeing Duo sent the memories of the horrors of the invasion of his home crashing down on him. He could see each scene of carnage with clarity in his mind's eye and the phantom pungent, sickly smell of blood mixed with gunpowder filled his nostrils. He could feel the warmth of Mei-Ran's last breath as they shared their final kiss and the ebbing of her heartbeat as he held her close.
Dignity be damned, he found himself in a flood of tears. Duo was right; he was still a child, a child who has lost beloved, family and home in one single night. It was then he realised that he may have also lost his best friend. Overwhelmed with guilt and regret and weary from months of inactivity, the Chinese lad eventually cried himself to sleep under the silent, watchful eye of Noin.
Days passed and Duo was true to his word. Wu Fei saw neither hair nor hide of the young Irish. Slowly and steadily he slipped into the abyss of guilt and depression. The Chinese youth became as responsive as when he was unconscious. Much to her frustration, Noin could elicit little or no reaction from him.
Wu Fei did little but eat, sleep and relieved himself. He would not speak to Noin for he would not demean himself to speak the Devil's tongue again.
Noin was at her wits end as to what she could do to get Wu Fei to snap out of his self-imposed catatonia. She read to him, talked to him and tried everything short of threaten him. It was almost like he had lost the will to live.
Indeed, he felt that he had lost his reason for living, for she lies far away from him in the cold embrace of death. He could not even pay his respects and honour her in the manner befitting a Lady of the Chang family. How could he call himself a worthy husband when he could not mourn her?
He had made a promise - that he would mourn her for seven days and seven nights, only then he would strive to live life the way she would have wanted him to. But how could he move on when he did not even know where her final resting place was?
Oft he had wanted to ask Noin for help to search for Mei-Ran or Li's whereabouts but pride forbade him. Apart from that, he knew that the wretched Opium War continued to rage on outside the walls of his refuge and understood that the task would be severely hampered.
Noin spoke little of it, but even through his indifference, he had heard a passing murmur or a muffled exchange of news of the outside world. He was surprised how much he heard when people did not think he was listening. From what he could gather, his people were losing. He heard that Canton was but the first of the Manchu cities to fall. The British Navy moved steadily up the Pearl River [1], shelling and occupying the cities along it.
Wu Fei could not help but wonder if and when the Emperor and his Ministers and Generals comfortable within the Imperial Courts of Peking will realise that arrogance cannot win a war. Despite being one of the strongest empires in the Far East, the Chinese were no match for the British when it came to warfare.
Wu Fei felt that if he could not keep his own wife and family safe, what little could he do to help keep his country secure? He was but a child. And even as he felt like he wanted to make a difference, the more obstinate and pessimistic side of him could not care less about this meaningless war. Hence, he continued in his little spell of apathy, driving his carer steadily to despair.
Comfort and warmth.
That was what he felt in this white, haze-filled environment. It was like being wrapped snugly by an old familiar blanket - the texture, the smell and the sensation all contributed to making him feel better. Whispered voices slowly filled his mind and reassuring caresses from misty tendrils calmed his soul. He nestled himself in this imagined blanket and revelled in the tranquillity his surroundings offered. Wherever he was, he felt save there.
Even as he drifted in and out of oblivion, he felt like he was missing something. Missing a part of himself. Reluctantly, he tore himself away from his snug blanket and began wandering. He waded through the cotton fog aimlessly, searching for that missing something but found nothing.
The voices amplified, calling out to him, enticing him to follow.
And follow he did.
The voices grew louder, clearer, more insistent as he surged forward. They seemed familiar yet a feeling of oddity crawled through his skin as he tried to listen harder.
<"Life,"> one murmured, louder, rising above the incessant whispering. He turned to direction where he thought the voice came from.
<"Love,"> the second one added. Again, he spun to face the voice.
<"Friendship,"> the third continued. He slowly whirled around to the voices as they chanted their strange message.
<"Family,"> said the first one again.
<"Joy.>
<"Honour.>
<"Pride.>
<"Strength.>
<"Valour.>
The words melted into the disembodied whispers he had heard earlier and started to retreat from him. Curious and not satisfied by the lack of explanation of the message, he followed.
As he continued toward the siren call, the mist around him began to thin and the light faded. The serenity of his surroundings gave way to a scene of carnage. Fires roared as gunshots pierced the once tranquil air. Screams of horror and frenzy, drowning out the fierce battle cries, echoed in his ears.
From within the chaos of the war, Wu Fei noticed three figures emerging. All three dressed in British uniform, all three stained with blood. They closed onto Wu Fei, screaming words that were incomprehensible to the Chinese lad. He looked steadily into their faces, faces twisted with rage, anger and malice, faces which he recognised as Anderson, Lewis and Murphy. Even as they leered at him and began clawing at him with cold, cruel fingers, he did not appear to be troubled or disturbed by the gruesome apparitions.
He stood transfixed, mesmerised, by the nightmarish events that were unfolding before him. He watched with morbid fascination as bodies fell around him and homes burned to the ground. He made no move to help or hinder, merely observed. He felt like he no longer had any stake in this, he had lost all he held dear and he wanted no part of this anymore.
His hatred slowly melted into indifference, his anger into dispassion, his sorrow into apathy, only one thing remained unchanged - guilt.
The whispered voices returned, calling out to him once again. Shutting his eyes, he gave into the sweet sound of the murmurs, letting himself fall into the mist that was coalescing around him again.
<"Live.>
Why? he asked.
<"Live.>
There is naught to live for, he replied.
<"Live.>
Why? he questioned again.
<"Because you promised,"> the voice replied sadly before fading into the depths of the opaque mist.
Wu Fei roused to the gentle, rhythmic patter of rain upon the windowpanes. It would seem it had begun raining again. He heard voices again. Muted, soft but no longer ghostly.
Wu Fei stirred and allowed his vision to clear. The stark white light that accompanied day was absent, replaced by a gloom from the clouded skies. He searched the dim room for the voices woke him.
Several beds away he found a figure perched upon a chair draping a length of red material over the curtain rail. Much to his surprise, he realised that the figure was none other than the braided Irish.
Brows furrowed momentarily, wondering why and what Duo was doing. The young Irish was mumbling to himself, possibly singing or humming. He was oblivious to Wu Fei waking up and seemed to be having a fight with the red banner. Wu Fei watched with fascination as Duo began cursing the cloth with fervour, and began admiring the slender yet powerful form of his friend. He remembered how easily Duo overcame him when they were last in Canton.
"Duo?" Wu Fei finally said.
Duo yelped and slipped off the chair pulling the red banner with him. Rail, curtain, chair, bedside table, candlestick and pillows followed, causing quite a ruckus to reverberate around the nigh-silent room.
"Duo!" Wu Fei exclaimed, alarmed, "Are you alright?!"
Duo swore then groaned from under various toppled items, "You HAD to pick the moment I'm lost in my own world, perched precariously on a chair to start talking to me again, didnae you, Fei?"
Wu Fei suppressed a smile. From where he was lying, the only visible part of Duo was his left foot and the end of his braid. Wu Fei would've have gotten up to help him but Noin beat him to it.
The door burst open with full force as a panicked nurse rushed into the room, no doubt alarmed by the awful crash. Behind her another figure strolled in.
Wu Fei's heart clenched as Zechs Merquise stepped through the threshold of his room. A mixed feeling of fear, gratitude and resentment boiled within him. His lack of understanding and clarity of Zechs' motive unnerved him.
The Lieutenant made a beeline to Duo and Noin.
"Duo?" Noin said as she began unearthing the Irish, "What happened?"
"I slipped.
"Are you alright?"
"Nothing broken. Duo grinned, lying spread-eagle on the cold terrazzo floor, then extended his arm. "Hello, Zechs, won't you give a fallen man a hand?"
"If he is worthy of my help, the I shall extend my hand willingly, Zechs said as he pulled Duo up.
"Must you be so dramatic and poetic all the time?" Duo dusted himself off, "You're giving me a headache.
"Then you are in the right place," Zechs quipped, "I'm certain Noin could give you something for it. While you're at it Noin, perhaps you also have a remedy for his clumsiness?"
"Enough," Noin interjected, "Duo, you were supposed to be quiet! You have probably woken the dead with your racket. You have taken great liberties when you are in this establishment. Have a care. It would do well to remember that you do not own this place, and there are other patients here. This is not a hotel for you to come and go as you please and do what you like."
Wu Fei blinked, surprised to see gentle Noin chide Duo in such a stern and strict voice.
"Miss Noin, I didn't throw myself off the chair for fun, y'know!" Duo pouted in protest.
"Come now, Noin," Zechs added, "Accidents happen. No harm was done. You will achieve little through reprimanding the boy. After all, I doubt anything could penetrate that thick skull of his.
"Oi!" Duo cried, slighted, "At least I don't - "
"Boys," Noin warned and Duo promptly fell silent.
Wu Fei had never thought that those three present were even friends, much less friends with such a close bond, to be jesting and indulging in playful banter in such a manner. He wondered how they met and how they had managed to forge such a relationship.
As if realising they were being watched, the three stopped talking and looked over to Wu Fei. The Chinese lad felt his cheeks flush.
<"Ah, Master Chang,"> Zechs spoke, <"I must apologise for this gawky Irish's antics. No doubt he woke you up with the noise he made.>
<"As a matter of fact,"> Duo said, <"He was awake before I fell, right?">
Duo looked at Wu Fei for confirmation.
"Oh for the love of - " Noin threw her hands in the air. Even though she did not understand what they had said, she could very well guess it was yet another taunt, "Can you both PLEASE stop acting like children fighting for the last cookie? If you boys do not behave you are both leaving, now.
"I am sorry, Noin. Zechs flashed one of his charming smile at her, "I would like some time alone with Master Chang. If you could keep the mischievous Irish occupied for a moment, I would appreciate it.
"What? You have some nerve, Zechs! What makes you think Fei wants to talk to you?"
"The same could be said of you," Zechs replied coolly, "I hear you have not spoken to the young Master since he had awoken.
Duo scowled.
"Duo," Noin said, knowing that it was a sore subject with the young Irish, "Will you please find someone to fix the curtain rail? I will fetch Wu Fei his lunch. That is, if you have no objections, Wu Fei.
Wu Fei shook his head but said nothing. Duo grudgingly left with Noin, she was whispering to him in a low and gentle voice.
With Noin and Duo gone, clear baby blue orbs held deep onyx ones. Zechs eyes were not patronising or gloating as Wu Fei had expected. They were soft and friendly with an edge of passion and determination. It seemed to Wu Fei that Zechs was trying to communicate with him in the same manner he had chosen to cut himself off from the world.
<"Is there anything I can get you to aid you in this time of need?"> Zechs asked.
Again, Wu Fei made no reply. Both youth sat staring at each other wordlessly.
In the past weeks, he had avoided most if not all eye contact with Noin. He was unsure as to what made him lock his gaze with this stranger. Still he made no move to break the link.
Finally, after weeks of silence, Wu Fei whispered, <"What I need, you cannot give me.>
<"I am sorry to hear that,"> a saddened look flashed across Zechs' face, <"Perhaps, then, we can give you something that would offer relieve if not solace?">
Wu Fei mistook the Lieutenant's kindness for pity and demanded of him instead, <"Why are you doing this? Why am I still alive? I am the enemy and my hands are stained with the blood of three of your men. Yet I find myself in protected custody of a prominent British officer and not incarcerated in a prison camp.>
Zechs sighed, <"I have no grudge against you even if three British soldiers did die by your hands. I am not proud to say this but countless Chinese Imperial guards have perished because of me. I did not start this war, Master Chang. I, personally, am not your enemy, but I serve my Empire and her people like a patriot should.>
<"Are you saying you would do anything your Empire commanded? Regardless of the moral or ethical implications?">
<"Is that not so with your people? Your customs and traditions demand obedience and loyalty. Would you question your Lord?">
<"You are asking the wrong Manchu, Lieutenant. I have defied my father from the day I spoke my first word. I question everyone if I feel I have reason to question.>
<"And that in itself makes you fascinating and important.>
<"Important?"> Wu Fei raised a curious eyebrow, <"How so?">
<"Everyone is important, Master Chang,> the leggy blond replied lightly.
Wu Fei scowled at the enigmatic answer he received. He wasn't sure if it was paranoia that fuelled his apprehension or if he truly had cause to be caution, but he was beginning to question Zechs' seemingly noble and selfless gestures. Why would the Lieutenant go to such lengths to ensure his well-being and safety?
<"You will not have my cooperation to betray my people.>
Surprisingly, Zechs chuckled, <"If that is the only thing you fear of me and my intentions, then you have little to worry. In his foolish haste, Mister Maxwell may have named you his local informant in order to keep you from death, but we do not require you to assume that role in life.>
<"What do you want from me then?">
<"Your recovery.> Zechs shrugged nonchalantly.
<"I find that hard to believe.>
<"You were not this cynical when we met.>
<"Your soldiers had not murdered my wife when we met.>
<"My condolences, Master Chang.> Zechs dipped his head in respect. <"But do not let the actions of the few speak for the many. Those soldiers sullied the name of the British Navy and our empire by their appalling and outrageous act.">
<"What would you have me believe then, Lieutenant?"> Wu Fei eyed him malevolently, <"That the only reason I'm lying in a medical facility under your custody is because you are genuinely concerned about my well being?">
<"Would you not do the same for Mister Maxwell? Or even Noin or I?">
<"If my compassion is the reason you have spared my life then why are there not more of my people here? I am not the only Manchu who possesses such a virtue.>
<"I am but one man, I do what I can but I cannot save every Manchu in Canton, Hong Kong, Shanghai and all the other fallen cities.>
Upon the mention of Shanghai, Wu Fei's heart fell as fear gripped him. Did Zechs mean what he thought the Lieutenant meant? He wanted to ask but he could not, he was too scared to do so.
<"Master Chang?"> Zechs asked with concerned, after noticing the Chinese lad turning paler than the sheets at was wrapped around him, <"Are you okay?">
<"Sh...Shanghai...?"> Wu Fei stuttered, eyes brimming with fresh tears, <"It...it's been taken?">
<"I'm afraid it has.>
<"...no ..."> Wu Fei squeezed his eyes shut. Tears fell as another stab of pain and guilt pierced his heart.
<"You have family there?"> Zechs asked gently.
<"Of my family, only my Father, my wife and I remained in Canton. The rest of my family and servants evacuated to Shanghai,"> Wu Fei replied tearfully.
<"I am sorry.>
"Zechs," Noin spoke, Wu Fei had not notice her return, "I think you should go.
Comforting arms encircled his shoulders and Wu Fei sank into them. Learning that his mothers and sisters could have been killed, he abandoned all restraint and clung onto Noin, desperate for a glimpse of comfort.
"Of course," the young lieutenant said, <"Get well soon, Master Chang.>
Zechs stood and left quietly.
Noin and Wu Fei sat in silence, save for a few strangled sobs escaping his lips. As much as he hated to admit, it felt good to be held, even if he was being held by strange arms. He could not remember ever having such a need for comfort and he chided himself for being weak. In this time war, he should be out there fighting for his Emperor, if not then avenging his family. He should not be lying in the arms of a stranger, an English woman no less, crying like a child.
Yet he made no move to extricate himself out of Noin's warm, soothing embrace. Wu Fei lost track of time. He did not care. He had nothing left to live for, what did he care if he simply lain there for all eternity?
Noin began humming a tune. He didn't know what it was but it made him feel better.
"That was lovely, Miss Noin," Wu Fei suddenly said, making Noin jump.
"Oh! You actually speak English? Neither Zechs nor Duo said anything about it. The rascals!"
"The Lieutenant and I have never exchanged words in English. Do not wrong him. Wu Fei sat up and out of her embrace, "Perhaps he has not realised that I speak your language. Duo, however, is very likely the rascal you proclaim him to be.
"There's no doubt that he is!" Noin chuckled then blushed, "Oh! Does that mean you understood all the stories that I was telling you in the past weeks?"
"Every word I'm afraid. Wu Fei mustered a faint smile, "But your secrets are safe with me.
"Thank you. she giggled and returned his smile then seated herself on the nearest chair, "Oh, in all this time we've spoken, well I have spoken, I have yet to introduced myself. I'm Lucrezia Noin.
"And I am Chang Wu Fei.
"A pleasure, I'm glad you have decided to speak to us again. she chuckled, "What was Zechs' secret? His good looks and charm or his silver tongue?"
"Do not feel offence, Miss Noin, for it was not the Lieutenant that persuaded me resume communicating with you. I must apologize if I caused you any worry or anger. Wu Fei bowed his head.
"Oh don't be silly, no apology is needed, I was not angry and now I am relieve to hear you communicating. I am also glad to actually talk TO you and not just at you.
"I am relieved to know that you do not bear any grudge against me. Wu Fei nodded solemnly. "If I may ask a question, Miss Noin. How is that I came to be here on Lintin Island?" [2]
"The Navy had established a military and economic presence here for years before this confrontation. It is commonplace to have doctors and surgeons in a place such like this. Your wounds were grave and this place is safe. Zechs brought you and Duo here. He said you and Duo were under his protection and no harm shall be visited upon you lest they wish to face his wrath. The Lightning Count is not a man to cross.
"Why is he protecting me?"
"That, even I do not know. Noin shrugged. "But rest assured that Zechs is a man of honour, he would not intentionally use you for ill. You must have impressed him to have gained his admiration and attention. However, I am not surprised. From what I have seen and heard of your people, you are a gem among them.
"So I have often been told.
"You should believe it then.
"But I have seen and done little to warrant such grace and compliment.
"Not according to Duo or Zechs. Noin's deep blue eyes twinkled. "Even in the short time I have known you, you seem to be the man they see you for.
"Would a man cry in a strange woman's arms?" Wu Fei whispered shamefully.
"Grieving does not make you a coward, Wu Fei," she murmured reassuringly, "But denying help from a friend would make you a fool.
Noin then stood up and began straightening Wu Fei's covers. He made no protest; instead, he sank comfortably into the soft mattress and pillows beneath.
"Oh, I had forgotten all about your lunch! It is now cold. Would you like me to fetch you something else?"
"No, thank you. Wu Fei shook his head lightly. "I am not hungry at the moment.
"If you are certain, but you must eat something later. Is there anything I can get you?"
"Perhaps if you could tell me what Duo was doing and why the room is half draped in red?"
Noin chuckled, "Oh that! I had forgotten about that too. I was told that today is Chinese New Year's eve.
"It is?" Wu Fei blinked, surprised.
"Yes it is. Is there something I can get you for the celebrations?"
"No, not entirely. New Year is a time you celebrate with family," Wu Fei replied in a whisper.
"I am sorry, Wu Fei.
"There is one thing. Wu Fei paused, Noin gestured for him to continue, "I would appreciated it if you would find Duo and let him know I wish to speak to him."
A big smile brightened Noin's face, "Of course!"
She got up and hurried to the door.
"Miss Noin?"
"Yes?" she turned and looked questioningly at Wu Fei.
"Thank you for caring for me. This is a debt I mean to repay.
Noin walked back up to Wu Fei and planted a soft gentle peck on his forehead. Wu Fei, not used to open show of affection, was stunned. He flushed to a lovely shade of fuchsia.
"You're very welcome, and you can repay the debt by getting better.
[1] Yangtze River, as it was called back then.
[2] A small island at the estuary of the Pearl River just out of Chinese Government influence. It was the base of the opium smuggling operation. Since the British Empire supported the opium trade, a military presence was established to protect their most lucrative investment alongside the traders' gunboats. Lintin Island was British in all but name.
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