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
Songshan Monastery.
Present day.
My dearest Phoenix,
Wu Fei stared at the parchment before him and felt silly. He wasn't even sure why he was doing this. Treize had suggested that perhaps writing his thoughts and feelings down would somehow help him come to terms with Mei-Ran's death. Wu Fei had though that writing it down as letters to her would make it easier for him to express himself. There was no harm in trying. Nevertheless, he wasn't sure WHAT to write.
Remembering the words Li said to him when he was last trying to write to Mei-Ran - 'just write what is in your heart ... as long as you're honest ... you cannot go wrong' - he set his jaw resolutely and re-inked his brush.
I miss you. You've been gone nearly a year, the longest we've ever been apart since we first met, even if we were chewing each other out! I never thought that it could hurt this much, yet I cannot help but laugh when I remember those times when I wished you'd leave me alone. Now my only wish is for you to return to me, even if it was to taunt me and get me into more trouble with sifu.
Speaking of which, I remember the very first time you got me into trouble like it was only yesterday.
Wu Fei gazed out his window and smiled at the memory.
Canton.
Nine years ago.
Wu Fei sat patiently waiting for further instructions from Master Ron, who had taken him as his disciple the day before. A girl about his age with twin pigtails bounded up to him.
<"Are you the new disciple?"> she asked him.
<"Yes,"> Wu Fei replied.
<"My name is Mei-Ran, and since I have been here longer than you have, you should call me MISS Mei-Ran!">
Wu Fei gaped, dumbfounded, at the girl before him. Who was this demanding, bossy girl? Wu Fei frowned at her, <"I don't think so! Unless of course sifu asks me to. Who are you anyway?">
Mei-Ran turned her nose up at the boy and cried indignantly, <"Humph! You're not very obedient, are you?">
<"Obedient?! I am not your pet, why should I obey YOU?">
<"Because I'm stronger and better than you.">
<"You are not!">
<"I am too!">
<"You're just a girl!">
<"OH!"> Mei-Ran exclaimed, scandalised, <"So what?! I'm still better than you!">
<"You're just saying it!">
<"Right! I'll race you to the rear courtyard from the front door, first one up the tree at by the moongate is the winner.">
<"Agreed!">
That was the first, and by no means the last, time Wu Fei was baited by the She-Devil of Canton into doing something silly.
So off they went, hurtling through the school like their tails were on fire. Wu Fei was at a disadvantage, seeing that was only the second time he had been to the school. As Mei-Ran knew every turn, every door and where every piece of furniture was, she manoeuvred the course flawlessly. What Wu Fei lack in familiarity he made up for speed. He was indeed faster than Mei-Ran but because she had the advantage, they reached the tree almost the same time.
Just as Wu Fei was scrambling halfway up the tree a loud authoritative voice boomed in the courtyard.
<"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?">
Startled by Master Ron's voice, Wu Fei slipped and fell out of the tree, landing unceremoniously on his bottom. The She-Devil began cackling evilly. She was securely perched on a branch above Wu Fei; she had her tongue out at Wu Fei.
<"Told you I was better!"> she taunted.
<"Mei-Ran!"> Master Ron reprimanded, <"Go to your room and stay there! I will deal with you when I am finished here.">
The transformation from imp to angel was remarkable. Mei-Ran clambered down from the tree, bowed demurely and hurried away with no protest or objections.
Wu Fei was still on his back when the image of his sifu appeared before him, upside down. Master Ron was scowling at his newly recruited disciple with disappointment clearly etched on his face. Wu Fei wished he had continued falling INTO the ground. What a way to begin his first day!
<"Are you hurt, Wu Fei?"> Master Ron asked.
<"No, I don't think so.">
<"Get up then.">
Wu Fei scrambled to his feet, dusted himself off and stood at attention before his sifu, his eyes firmly on his feet. He was sure that Master Ron was going to renounce him and send him packing.
<"What were you and Mei-Ran doing tearing through the school like hooligans in some kind of playground? Do you know how many classes you disrupted?">
<"Mei-Ran said she was better than me so I agreed to the race to prove her wrong."> Wu Fei thought he had better tell the truth.
<"Better? Perhaps in baiting and fooling the new students.">
<"I'm sorry, sifu.">
<"Don't do that again, and try not to let Mei-Ran trick you into doing foolish things like that in the future. Rest assured that she will certainly again.">
<"Yes, sifu.">
<"Since this is your first day here, I will show you leniency, but if you do not learn from this lesson, you will be punished the next time. Moreover, if you do not learn from this lesson, you will undoubtedly fall into Mei-Ran's traps time and time again."> Master Ron then smiled, <"And I can promise you that sometimes being a victim of her pranks can be far worse than receiving the punishments I deliver.">
Wu Fei gaped at his sifu, unsure if he was joking or serious, WHO was that girl?
<"Sifu?"> Wu Fei plucked up his courage to ask.
<"Yes?">
<"Who is Mei-Ran? Why do you let her play pranks on the others? Is she a daughter of some minister?">
Master Ron laughed, <"No, Wu Fei, she is not the daughter of a high ranking official. You will grow to learn that class distinction mean little within the walls of my school. Just like you'll not get preferential treatment for being General Chang's son. You will be judged by your own actions. That is the only fair and just way to measure a man - by his deeds not his affiliations.
<"As for why I let her play pranks - it's not a matter of allowing her to do so. There will always be certain things beyond our control. Mei-Ran is one of mine; she will not be tamed, at least not by me. You should know that not every parent has a tight rein on their child.">
<"She's your daughter?!"> Wu Fei exclaimed.
<"Yes, and that means as long as you remain my disciple, you'll be seeing a lot of her. I would advise you to be wary. I think Mei likes you. She usually doesn't pick on anyone until they've been here a few days!"> Master Ron teased.
Wu Fei frowned and puffed up his cheek in protest, not relishing the idea of girls at all. Especially not one who had gotten him into trouble deliberately on his first day. Wu Fei vowed that he would get his own back some day!
Master Ron chuckled, <"Come on, if you're not hurt, let's get started.">
Songshan Monastery.
Present day.
You certainly have a way of making an impression, my Phoenix! How you managed to get me so many times after that is still beyond me. Despite sifu's warning, I guess I didn't learn my first lesson well enough, nor did I learn from the others that followed it. Seven years you've managed prey on and torment me! And I wouldn't change a day in that time!
Seven years... We had known each other for half our lifetimes. But that is not enough, not by a long shot. At this moment, I would give anything for another seven years. And those years, I would spend my days loving you instead of trying to get back at you. There is so much more we can do. We were supposed to explore the vast expanses of the world together, be it through stories told, written books or wondrous journeys. We were supposed to build new lives for ourselves as we dictated. We were supposed to grow old and die in each other's arms.
Oh, Gods! I miss you!
Where are you now, my love? Do you watch me as I wander this lonely realm? Have you found peace and contentment in the afterlife? I pray that you have. I can offer you nothing else save prayers. How pathetic is that? I wanted to give you the world but I guess I was not strong enough. I am sorry, Mei.
I failed in my duty, as husband, as son, as heir, as patriarch. I do not have the right, or the desire, to carry the legacy and preserve the honour of the Chang family.
Sometime I feel life would have been simpler if I had not been born of the Chang family. My mother was a free spirit, culled by the aristocracy. Often, Mother Hoi Yee and Aunt Pui San would tell me how much I am like her for I too feel stifled and caged. I don't remember much of her, Mei, but I miss her.
Do you remember your mother? I know when your mother died you were even younger than I was when I lost mine. We have more in common than I first realize, like two peas in the same pod.
A knock interrupted Wu Fei's thoughts. He rose and answered the door. A young boy bowed before him. The boy was dressed in the robes of an acolyte. He was there to inform Wu Fei that lunch would be served soon. Wu Fei thanked the boy and tidied up his desk before leaving to join the monks for lunch.
While he stayed with at the monastery, although not expected to carry out chores, he was expected to rise and retire as the monks did. He had no objections. In fact it was this kind of discipline that he had lacked since he married. Master Ron had been strict. Perhaps this would help him re-establish that discipline.
He walked silently through the hallowed halls of the monastery. It was old and filled with an aura of austerity and reverence. Simply by being there gave Wu Fei as sense of serenity he had been missing for too long. It was the perfect place for him to reflect on what had transpired for the last two years.
So many things had happened. He could barely believe that they did. It seemed like a strange story, an impossible dream yet they did happen and not all of them pleasant. When did it all begin?
Two years ago at Chinese New Year - they say the New Year always ushered in a new beginning for everyone. They weren't kidding. Wu Fei just didn't expect it to be so new and different. He had met Duo that very same night and finally realised that he had been in love with Mei-Ran the next. It started out great; Wu Fei wouldn't have believed that it would end in tragedy, losing both of them within the next two years.
When did it all go sour? Was there anything he could've done to prevent it or avert it? Even as he knew the truth deep within his heart, he just refused to believe that. Things beyond his control happened, but taking the blame seemed to be the only way he knew how to 'grief'. It was silly, but Wu Fei didn't care. It was better than blaming the dead, better than blaming his brother and blaming his father.
Canton.
Five years ago.
Wu Fei looked around him, making sure that no one had followed him. The last thing he needed was to get into trouble because of this. He was sorely tempted to let his brother face the consequences for his foolishness but he was much too loyal to Kim Fei to just sit and watch him burn. Heaven knows Kim Fei would protect him if the situations were reversed.
Sneaking into an opium den was sure to get him into serious trouble, but Kim Fei would be in even more trouble if he were found out. The place smelled awful. Wu Fei was feeling sick from the pungent smoke wafting all around him. He hurried through the dimly lit den frantically looking for Kim Fei. He was just glad that everyone else was too doped to throw him out.
Eventually, he found Kim Fei at one of the private rooms at the back of the den with .. uh... company. Blushing furiously, he ventured in, doing his best to ignore the other occupant in the room.
<"Brother!">
<"Hmmm?"> Kim Fei's eyes were glazed over, he didn't look like he recognise his own brother.
<"Brother, we've got to go now!">
<"Why? I just got here.">
<"I don't care!"> Wu Fei began pulling at Kim Fei, <"Move! You're going to get into serious trouble!">
Kim Fei chuckled, <"Uh, huh...">
<"I'm not joking, Father is on his way!">
<"Oh, good, then we can have a nice father-sons session!">
<"Brother!!">
<"Come, join me?"> Kin Fei shoved his pipe into Wu Fei's face.
<"NO!"> the younger Chang growled and pushed his brother's hand away, then pleaded in desperation, <"Will you get up? I'm not playing! I heard Father organising a raid on this place! Please! Please come with me? I don't like it here, and all this smoke is making me sick.">
Kim Fei wiped the inane grin off his face and regarded his brother for a moment. The severity of the situation suddenly permeated his opium-filled mind.
<"WU FEI!"> he exclaimed, as if realising for the first time that his brother was with him, <"What are you doing here?">
<"Trying to keep you out of trouble!"> Wu Fei cried, his eyes were watering and he looked an unhealthy shade of green. That in turned spurred Kim Fei into action.
<"You shouldn't be here!"> Kim Fei sprang to his feet and picked Wu Fei up.
<"Don't you think I know that? Use the back door,"> Wu Fei mumbled, grateful that Kim Fei was bodily dragging him out of the den. He didn't think his legs weren't going to obey him.
<"Honestly, Wu!"> Kim Fei continued to reprimand his baby brother, <"Don't ever go into one of those again! If you really need me get someone else to come find me! I don't want you anywhere near that place!">
<"But you go there.">
<"Do as I say, don't do as I do!">
As they stepped into the cool night, Wu Fei took two huge gulps of blessed fresh air. He felt his head clear almost immediately.
<"Come on! We have to get rid of the smell of opium on you before - oh shit!"> Kim Fei hurriedly pulled Wu Fei into the shadows when he spotted a number of Imperial Guards. Sure enough their father was within their ranks.
Once the troop had passed, Kim Fei led them away from the place. They were spared from a harsh punishment that night and Kim Fei's secret addiction remained a secret. That was until he killed himself three years later.
Songshan Monastery.
Present day.
Wu Fei wiped a stray tear from his eye.
Perhaps, he continued writing to Mei-Ran, I should've let him get caught. Who cares about the embarrassment that our family might have suffered? Who cares about the harsh punishment that Brother might have been given? Perhaps if I had allowed him to get caught that night, he might not have continued smoking. Then he might be alive today.
Did I do the right thing? It seemed right to me then. With hindsight, I now know it was the wrong thing to do and I wish I hadn't.
You told me not to blame myself for his death. I know you're right. Nevertheless, I cannot help but wonder if there was truly something I could've done to prevent it. We'll never know, will we?
Do you also believe that his death was the catalyst to the tragedy that had befallen us? Perhaps it's naïve of me to believe that if I have prevent his death, the war could've been averted. I guess we all simplify things to make it easier for us to come to terms with them.
If Brother had not killed himself, Father would not have mounted the maniacal crusade against the West. I know it was ultimately not his decision, but I believe that if more of our ruling elite had decided to approach the conflict through diplomacy rather than force, the war might not have happened.
Am I fooling myself, dearest? Do you see it that way, too? Or do you also believe that it was inevitable? Duo thought it was.
Wu Fei set his brush down and stared out into the picturesque scene out side his window. Lush hillside surrounded the monastery and only a single dirt track led to civilisation. From his window he could peek at the waterfall not far from the monastery. He would have to ask directions there.
He didn't want to think about the war again. It was over; there was nothing he could do to make it better. Nothing. He only wanted to remember the good things and hold on to the happy memories. He wanted to start on his journey of healing. He wanted to be happy again, yes, even with out Mei-Ran.
If he knew his Phoenix at all, she would be heartbroken to see him wallowing the self-pity and self-recrimination. Heaven knows no one else blamed him for all that had happened, he, too, should start believing that he hadn't done anything wrong.
Have I been more of a disappointment after your death, my love? How ironic, you who were the bravest and fiercest ended up with a weakling like me. Perhaps the gods wanted me to learn from you? I am not doing a good job, am I? But I promise you I will beat this and emerge triumphant.
As Treize said, I am still alive, and you asked me to live like I would with you by my side. I will not fail you any further and I will not fail myself. Despite what I may feel at the moment, I know I am not alone. I have friends that care more for me than my family ever will and for that I am grateful.
I only wish you could've known them, Mei. You and Miss Noin would have been great friends. You both are so alike - headstrong and wily, I am certain, together, the both of you would drive Zechs and I to despair! You would have appreciated their company. They would have adored you too.
I owe all of them a debt of life. And I don't know how I can repay them. Although I am certain they expect no reward in return, save perhaps my gratitude and friendship. Those I give them freely and willingly.
How can they possibly be seen as the barbarians? Duo would not abandon me, even if it could mean certain death to himself. Zechs protected me on Duo's request. He never once questioned me. Miss Noin cared for me like I was her kin. She had never doubted me. Treize gave me the chance of a new life on Zechs' counsel. He has shown to trust me and have faith in my counsel.
What have those of my own blood given me? Even now, I can hear the slurs and slander against me that Kwan has sowed among my kin. I would sooner lay my life down for my British friends than sacrifice myself for the honour and prestige of the Chang Clan.
Does that make me a traitor? Am I really disobedient and ungrateful? To them I have done little but brought shame to the family name. I am unworthy to carry the mantle of patriarch. I have no wish to do so. Do you think they still regard me as the heir to succeed the title? Perhaps! If I know my family, tradition dictates it all. They cannot usurp my title nor oust me out unless they can prove that I have betrayed the family. Liberal thinking is not grounds enough.
Is that a good or bad thing?
Wu Fei sighed. His thoughts wandered to his surrogate mother, Hoi Yee. He fervently hoped that Kwan was telling the truth when he proclaimed her to be alive. He wondered how she was keeping. Surely, Aunt Pui San would have extended a helping hand if she was in Peking? What of his sisters? Did they survive? And Mother Su Yin? Was his mother disappointed in him? Would his mother forgive him for not protecting his father?
Hoi Yee had cared for him like her own since his mother's death. Because of her, he felt loved, because of her, he could know and remember what a mother's love was.
Canton.
Eleven years ago.
When Wu Fei woke one morning he wondered why everyone looked upset. He hoped that he didn't do something wrong again. Although, having said that, most of the things he got blame for were things that his nasty bully of a brother did. Being the youngest, he often got the blame. Wu Fei couldn't understand why the big people did that. Did they honestly think a five-year-old boy could do all those pranks that Kim Fei was capable of?
He hurried to his mother's room. There, he could always find refuge. No one disturbed him there. They would read together and draw pictures, his mother would sing to him and play with him.
There were people crowded around the door to her room. Wu Fei meandered around the knees trying to get in. It was, after all, HIS mother's room!
<"WU FEI!">
Wu Fei jumped at the voice; it was Hoi Yee. She looked really upset.
<"Yes, Mama Hoi Yee?">
<"You're awake, come, let me get you some breakfast,"> she said as she took his hand.
<"But I wanna see Mama. Why is everyone here?">
A pained look washed over her eyes as she peered at the bright-eyed boy, <"Come, I'll get you something to eat first.">
<"Where is Mama?"> Wu Fei refused to budge; he felt that something wasn't right. He had understood that his mother was sick although none of the big people told him. Suet Wan had hardly left her room for the past few months. The doctor was often there and his father seemed to be spending a lot of time with her too. Even as he understood illness, Wu Fei did not know what death was yet.
<"Wu Fei, please, come with me?">
<"No!"> the boy screamed and tore himself away from Hoi Yee, <"MAMA!">
As he pelted into the room, he was swept off his feet. His father had picked him up just as he entered. Chang Jung promptly carried the struggling, crying Wu Fei out of Suet Wan's room.
<"Wu Fei..."> he whispered as he held his youngest close, <"It's okay, my little Dragon.">
<"I want to see, Mama."> he sobbed into his father's shoulder, <"Where's Mama?">
<"Mama's..."> General Chang faltered.
<"Your Mama's is resting in the other world,"> Hoi Yee said and relieved the General of his burden and headed back to the boy's room, <"She's been really tired here and the deities have asked her to join them so she can rest easy and peacefully.">
<"Was I disturbing her?">
<"Oh, no, you silly boy!"> Hoi Yee tapped his button nose, <"She loved your company! You could never be any kind of trouble for her. She wanted to say goodbye to you but you know what gods are like. Busy, busy, busy! They're always rushing off to do this or that. I'm afraid they didn't have time to wait for you to wake even though I'm certain your Mama wanted to.">
<"When will Mama come back?">
<"I'm afraid she can't come back, little Wu.">
<"But we haven't finished our book!"> he wailed, tears streaming down his cheeks in torrents.
<"Oh, hush, dearest."> Hoi Yee drew him close, <"I know it's going to be hard, but I want you to know I'm always here for you. Always. We'll read the book together, eh? How about that?">
Wu Fei sniffed and scrubbed his nose with his sleeve, <"You will read with me? And draw with me? And play with me?">
<"Of course, my little Wu."> She smiled at him, her own cheeks marked by tears, as she cuddled the boy, <"From now on, I'll take care of you.">
Wu Fei looked up at her, his eyes red and wet. It was then, perhaps, he understood the true meaning of death. That he had lost the most important person in his life. His lower lip began quivering and fresh tears spilled from the corner of his eyes.
<"M-A-M-A!">
Songshan Monastery.
Present day.
Wu Fei woke with a start. He didn't even realised that he had fallen asleep at this desk. He was just glad that he hadn't upset the ink all over himself.
Scrubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he moved to the window. It was dark and judging by the position of the moon it was past twilight.
He had dreamt of his mother, of the times they spent reading and drawing. Even though he was five when she died, he remembered little of her. That was perhaps the first time he had dreamt of her. The only clear memory he could associate with her was the scent of sandalwood. Every time he had a whiff of the scent he would feel an overwhelming sensation of comfort and security. Mei-Ran also wore that scent on occasion, it was no wonder he had and attachment to the scent.
Spying the glistening waterfall among moonlit trees, Wu Fei had decided to pay it a visit. It was only a short walk there and a rough path had been hewn for the monks utilised that gift from nature as well. Wu Fei knew he would pay the price for this midnight endeavour. The monks rose at dawn and there was no excuse unless you were ill. Nevertheless, he wanted to be within nature's splendour.
He padded silently out of the monastery, depending on nothing more than the moonlight to light his way. The roaring of waterfall filled his ears as he moved through the forest. The water glowed in the bright moonlight, shimmering and inviting. After stripping, Wu Fei waded into the ice-cold water. The river bottom was pebbled and it was only chest deep.
Shivering, he dared to submerge himself completely. As cold as it was, Wu Fei felt refreshed. He must be crazy to willingly stand in a hillside river in the middle of winter. At least it help cleared his mind a little. He waded towards the falls and stood directly under it. The powerful cascade pounded down on him, almost forcing him to his knees, but Wu Fei persevered. He stood proud and steady, enjoying the cold caress of fresh water.
Time became unimportant as he continued to bathe under the powerful falls. When he finally looked up into the sky he notice that the sky had begun to lighten. Dawn would arrive in the next couple of hours. Wu Fei decided to head back to the monastery. Sleep had long been banished from his body by the biting water, Wu Fei thought several hours of mediation might help him last through the rest of the day.
Some monks were already awake. Wu Fei surmised that someone HAD to wake early to prepare breakfast. They greeted him warmly and Wu Fei stopped for a quick chat before going back to his room.
Being at the waterfall reminded him of his trip to Foshan with Mei-Ran, Duo and Li. That was one of the most memorable events that he and Duo shared. It was then Duo shared his past for the first time.
Foshan.
Fifteen months ago.
"What's out there, Duo?"
"Huh? Out where?"
They were lying in the hot spring near Mei-Ran's uncle's cabin.
"Out in the world," Wu Fei replied, "You've seen a lot more than me."
"People, lots of it. There's little to tell." Duo shrugged.
"Little to tell? I thought you were into adventuring through your voyages. How can there be little to tell?"
"I've only been to five ports. All apart from Canton are so heavily influenced by the West I might as well have stayed in Liverpool! I guess it's because I don't have that much time to explore and the only place where I do have the time, I'm quarantined to the docks!"
"Never thought of it that way."
"I'm not complaining much. I do enjoy being other there, just being in the open sea. It's so... free, so calm, pure and untouched."
"I wonder if I'll get to see it." Wu Fei sighed wistfully.
"If that's what you really want, I have not doubt that you will."
The Chinese lad giggled, "You seem to have a lot of faith in me."
"Hey, everyone can achieve what they want, if they are willing to work at it. Look at me! Three years ago I was on the streets, now I am doing a job I love in the wonderful exotic East." Duo grinned, "Anything can happen if you put your mind to it."
"Profound."
"Heh, I try."
"Why are you so fascinated with the east?"
"Why are YOU so fascinated with the west?"
"Touché!"
Duo smirked, then shrugged lightly, "Because it's a different. So very different, and tis far, far away from Ireland."
"Bad memories in Ireland?"
"The worst so far." Duo sighed.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to open old wounds."
"Tis okay, some wounds ain't ever gonna heal. You just get used to it." Duo shrugged, "It was years ago but I still remember it like it was yesterday."
"You don't have to talk about it," Wu Fei hastily said.
"No, I want to share." Duo began telling the tale of his past, "I don't remember me parents. The only guardians I remembered were Father Maxwell and Sister Helen from the orphanage. They were the best any wee bairn could ask fer.
"I was there fer four years. It had been the happiest time of my life that I can remember. O'course I ain't counting right now!" the Irish grinned, "I felt loved there and I was taken care of, even if Father Maxwell was strict. I got punished all the time by Sister Helen and Father Maxwell. I didnae mind, it only meant they cared, right?"
Duo paused and looked up into the darkening sky, "It was great and being the optimistic, naïve child I was, I thought it would last forever. But tragedy struck, and I lost everything. Everything I loved was taken from me - Father Maxwell and Sister Helen were killed, I was separated from my friends, and I knew that I could not consider the orphanage my home any longer."
Wu Fei moved to grasp Duo's hand, hoping that simple act may offer a measure of comfort. The Irish lad squeezed back, grateful of the gesture.
"I took to the streets because of that. God must have been watching over me. I eventually made my way to Britain and managed to land meself on a Jardine Matheson ship. Well, you know the rest." he smiled, "In a perverse way, what happened might have done me a world of good in the long run."
"Oh, how so?"
"It brought me to Canton." the braided Irish winked at the Chinese lad, "And that led to our meeting. That's a good thing, ain't it?"
"Meeting me is a good thing?" the Chinese youth laughed.
"You don't give yourself enough credit." Duo slapped Wu Fei on his arm, "I believe it's your turn to return the compliment!"
"Oh, so that's why you were flattering me!"
The Irish shrugged, a large grin plastered on his face.
Songshan Monastery.
Present day.
Wow, I have written a lot these past seven days, Wu Fei smiled to himself, You can never accuse me of keeping things to myself.
I miss you so, dearest Phoenix. I wish I could tell you in person one more time that I love you. I tell myself this is it. It is time to move on, it is time to fulfil your final request and I know you're always true to your word. But can I do it? Do I have the strength to? I know if you were by my side I would. Then again I also know you promised to be with me always in spirit.
I'll just have soldier on and make you proud. I wish I could have some reassurance that no matter what I may do in the future, be it by design or accident, I'll not disappoint you. I guess I will just have to trust that you trust me.
This has been an enlightening experience. Never realized that I had so many skeletons in my closet. I think I have come to terms to a lot of things I have previously buried. And I have you to thank for that.
Wu Fei chuckled, This is your plan all along, isn't it? Even from far reaches the afterlife, you are still taking care of me. Can I carry on without you? Will you continue to look out for me?
Ahh, so many questions, so little answers.
Treize said to me that we cannot have all the answers for that would lead to boredom and complacency. I shall have to learn to be patient then. It would seem I still have so much to learn. I only hope, in your absence, that someone out there is willing look after me.
Wu Fei's attention drifted out of his window. The sun was bright and it was a beautiful day. His journey home would be pleasant.
I have to go, my love. The Grand Master has very kindly offered a prayer session to honour you before my departure. We can't be late for that, now can we? Do not be disheartened, I promise that this is not going to be the last letter I write to you, Phoenix. I never expected that writing to you could bring me so much comfort. Remind me to thank Treize for his suggestion when I get home.
I will always love you, Mei.
Your devoted husband,
Wu Fei
Hong Kong.
Present day.
It was good to be home, Wu Fei thought. Noin had finished decorating the house for Christmas. It was, after all, only four days to Christmas. The house was adorned in a tasteful mix of green and red. Wu Fei thought that the Oriental mansion looked strange with the Western decorations; nevertheless it was a nice touch.
He made his way to the family room, where the others were. A servant told him that they had guests. Wu Fei had wanted to get fed and cleaned up before greeting their guests but gathered that it was important for a guest to be visiting this late in the evening.
Knocking on the door sharply, Wu Fei opened the door. Almost immediately he found himself being assaulted by a little boy leaping into his arms enthusiastically.
<"COUSIN WU!"> the boy squealed.
<"Wha--?"> Wu Fei stumbled backwards into the opposite wall trying not to drop his burden, <"Chun Fei?!">
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