"Now...", the owl begun to talk after Shiren met up with his classmates again: Shiren felt such a big joy he never could have imagined as he saw them after the ambush.
However, he decided to talk about this later since the chieftain was the highest priority.
Still near by the sea in the forest Jil and her students listened to the owl while he spoke up to everyone:
"I rallied you all for one specific reason: The day after tomorrow will be our final attack. To be honest, I was not able to make the other chieftains attacking precisely tomorrow.
However now where Quántóu, one of my biggest worries, is out of our way and you all still here I, firstly want to congrats you. For just some volunteers you did not give in, retreat or vanish so far.
You are the only group which made it so far. Huan's classmates, for example, left after the second day or something after getting wounded in battle. But you, still standing and healthy.
And you even made it while engaging every singe one of the furious five. You pushed them back, conquered every city you passed, did not have any high losses and now you are even giving me the right to ban this crocodile from the final battle. His inconsiderate strategies were more a pain than a help for us.
I want you to know you have my full trust though there were some stories about some false loyalties but you proved they were false. All of you.
That's why I have a special mission for you: Since you are the ones who met all of the furious five in battle, you may be the perfect ones to infiltrate the Jade-Palace and seek for the scroll with all it's knowledge of Chi."
Shiren grew a bit insecure about that plan. He might be one of those fighting the furious five but every time they met them in battle something weird happened. Somehow they always were lucky at some point. He did not know how the battle against Tigress progressed but he did not assume any different scenario. It was never the straight or any strategy. It was like something wanted them to prosed.
"And since we have the experience, you do think we six are able to fight the Furious five, don´t you?", he asked.
"I guess you understood me wrong.", the owl explained Shiren and Jil commentated:
"Sadly you are on your own out there. I won't help you with this mission because I have my own."
The owl nodded and said: "Precisely. I will need every Kung Fu master I can get in order to deviate the Jade-Palace and allow you to enter the palace savely."
"I have spoken to the Chieftain already. I know you guys can do this. You with your experiences are perfect.", Jil said to her students. Shiren wanted to scrutinize that statement but the owl already spoke up again:
"Be warned: As soon as you entered the palace you are on your own. We cannot help you as long as you are in there.
You goal is to get the scroll and bring it back here so we can destroy it before everyone's eyes. I trust you to not take a look on it. Jil told me, according to your stories, you met Kai once and are experienced how dangerous the Chi can be.
I tell you again: I trust you. You must not disappoint me. Now: Are you able to do this?", he asked but since nobody screamed: "YES!", he said:
"You got one night to think about it. Infiltrating the Jade-Palace is a high risk. Nobody knows what you may expect out there. But if we manage to get the scroll of the Chi, we can show the Jade-Palace is mortal. Now go."
After that speech Shiren shook his head. This day was way to much for him. He woke up at night, freed grandmaster Viper, fought two of the furious five, got arrested and… so much happened so he was very glad the day was nearly behind him.
But now he found out that much more is forward him. Infiltrating the Jade-Palace is the first objective. What's next?, he thught. The future is a mystery, as a wise man once said.
Now he was glad to go to sleep right as the sun was going to set or maybe get something prober to eat before doing so.
But before he even managed to do this and the sun was not setting yet, he met Hao and Chang approximately hundred metres or more before the walls of the encampment. He forced himself to smile though he was very tired.
Hao hugged him immediately: "I'm glad you are okay."
Shiren smiled: "I'm happy to see you. I must admit this was close this time. Way to close for my like."
Chang sighed and said: "Man, if only I could have such a story like this… like: Chang helped out the chieftain who trusts him now … it would finally prove I'm worthy to get the next mayor of our town. Just to be have noble origin and being a little solder in a war… nah, I'm not satisfied yet. But I'll catch up with you, Shiren." Shiren was surprised how relaxed Chang was like nothing really happened. Maybe he did not know yet Shiren literally almost died. But he decided to not mention it now.
"Don't make me laugh.", Shiren chuckled: "You don´t want to have my troubles if you want your mind to stay ordinary."
"What? Do you think I am weak? Yeah, probably everybody would think that way about me… I don't have any dangerous story I could be proud of … yet… I don't even have the privilege to join you taking the scroll of the Chi, or what did your comrades were just chatting about there?"
"Calm down, Chang.", Hao said: "I can prove you are strong and completely capable doing dangerous stuff too. You do never show any fear no matter which threat lies before us. Please tell me you were kidding as you said, you just joined a war or something. It's not like a war is that easy to judge."
Chang looked a bit aside and then answered: "… Yeah, you are probably right… but I really don't want come home, taking my dad´s place and listen to Shiren´s stories. I can't stay in his shadow, you know? I know war is hard but I have no great battle I can tell you something about. They were… all equal. And anyway you did the most, mother."
Hao chuckled: "Your first step is to calm down, Chang and stop expect things to happen. Future events will happen whenever they suppose to happen. You are still young and as far as I know your daddy is currently very healthy and in top conditions."
Chang grew a bit inpatient:"Hah! That is so easily to say, is it not? You know how frustrating it can be waiting for something to happen and if it happens it does not happen to you."
Hao sighed and shook her head: "Stop thinking that selfish way. Shiren is not your enemy and I am sure you will find your purpose which will satisfy you."
Chang often is very mulish and expect great things from himself. Mostly perfection. But he also is very reasonable if he sees when he is wrong.
"Oh, you really think so? Well, I guess if nothing else happen during the days I will be on my own way after we succeeded in two days. I mean, if I would manage to get something excellent done the chieftain will appreciate, maybe I`ll..."
Hao interrupted him: "For the last time, stop thinking about things which yet are not meant to happen. I would be happy if you would really do so but..."
Chang answered casually: "I know; I know. Just a little bit of… nah, planning. I won't you to be surprised when I say I´ll leave you."
Shiren laughed: "At least I don't have to listen to your endless speeches and explanations then any much longer."
Chang immediately wanted to defend his pride after he heard something negative about him: "Do you talk about me? You must be mistaken… I´m just a forthright person! You know, if you would talk that much to other persons and don't be so self-contained it probably would make many things much more easier and stuff like you get prisoned would never happen. Image I would get prisoned. My status would destructed for ever. I just want everybody to know I am a kind and trustful person."
"Whatever. I won't this conversation going to heavily.", Hao decided and looked at both Shiren and Chang to no longer talk about each other.
"Yes, of course, mother. I think I´ll go then and have some contact with the chieftain if you don't mind.", Chang said and turned away already.
"Sure, if you insist.", Hao answered and did not even pay attention any much longer to him.
Chang still was not ready with talking and he said:"Well, I guess we will talk later then. You´ll..."
"Now go or you will miss him!", Hao commanded him to. Shiren smiled how Chang never changed. He was never done with talking unless someone ordered him to.
"You are totally right. I will see you later.", he said and went into a conversation with a guard.
"I´m glad you came. I nearly thought I was done for. The chieftain really saved my life out there."
Hao turned at Shiren perplexedly. "What does that mean?", she asked.
"Well, I nearly… nah, got killed by that croc and his allies.", Shiren answered.
Hao looked at him like she was judging his body to be clean. "You… nearly killed? Did this guys really wanted to..."
Shiren nodded: "When I am telling you, you can believe me."
Huge worries grew in Hao's face and she looked up and took a deep breath as a light wind started to blow.
"It´s better go back into the save encampment, Shiren before...", she started to say.
The next moment went so quick Shiren was not able to recognise everything.
Hao went around him as quick as he could never imagine anyone to be.
He turned around and everything went silence.
Everything but one sound: Hao´s scream. It echoed like Shiren was staying in the mountains.
As swift as he could he caught her before she fell down. "Hao!", he yelled and now things started moving again.
The next voice Shiren heard was Chang wondering: Mother…?", then he gasped and exclaimed: "Mohter!", as he, in panic, came towards Hao, took her face and with hecticness in his voice as well as in his movements went on: "Open your eyes! Speak to me!"
An arrow crossed trough Hao´s body and she breathed irregularly and injured as she made an effort to open her eyes and speak up: "Are you alright?", she asked.
When Shiren saw the arrow in her body he realized that Hao saved him from it.
Chang turned around and spoke up: "We need a medic here! Quickly!"
Shiren answered for both: "We are fine. Please, don't talk!"
Hao nodded as happily as she was able to. "That's good.", she whispered. "That's good.", she repeated.
While this happened, Huan went to a bush in front of Hao and demanded: "You there! Show yourself!", with rage in his words.
Chang turned back to her: "Please Mother, stay with us!"
Her view turned to Chang and she said: "Please, don't cry, Chang. I don't think I-"
"Be silent, please...", Shiren begged her.
"No, please. Listen.", she insisted to speak: "I don't want you two to freak out now. No language in
this world has a word for how much I am proud of how far you both came. Now… move on, my prideful prince and my honourable warrior. Try to be… at peace..."
With a smile in her face she faded away in a sudden wind with flowers and leafs.
Shiren watched them flying away and slowly tried to get one of them but did not manage to since he was so shocked in this moment he was not even able to move properly.
Chang heavily breathed and looked at the ground where just one arrow was the only thing left of his mother while silently crying as the wind carried the leafs and flowers away towards the sky. "Mother...", Chang sobbed.
Few moments later the atmosphere still unchanged as Shiren was back in the in a save room for any other ambushes.
He wasn't talking to anyone though his friends were here for him.
Only Chang attempted to speak but he couldn't conjure a proper sentence.
Huan came into the room, and looked around. His view was stuck on Shiren and Chang for a little moment but then he went on to the chieftain who was discussing with a rabbit. "Chieftain… Huyuan caught the assassin."
After Huan said that Chang opened his eyes. "Where?", he asked before he looked up and said: "Where is this scumbag!"
The owl shook his head: "No, Chang. With you current mindset you rather should not speak to him right now. But don't worry, I will make sure he got his punishment after what he has done. Rest yourself please. I´ll-"
Right as he spoke another person entered the room: "Boss! Big news from our province!"
"What is it now? I´m currently very busy.", the owl asked.
"We got a report from our southern messengers: One of our cities got destroyed. Yǐnshé that is. They say they found no survivors. Everything was burned down."
As the messenger mentioned the name, Yong tried to signalling him to stop but he did not see her. She knew the truth about which one this city was.
"Any signals of a perpetrator?", the owl asked while Chang was turning up and said: "Repeat yourself. What did you say? Yǐnshé was burned down?"
Shiren was able to hear out the excitement in his voice and his body looked like he was up to jump up and punch the next person who would come his range.
"You know… oh right...", the owl said and told the messenger to leave before he turned back to the shocked Chang, who said in a depressed tone: "This was… my home. That means…" then he grew more confident and said: "I have to go!"
"Hold on.", the owl said and turned to Chang and Shiren and demanded: "You two stay here in this house. I'll go and speak with my ministers about this situation. I forbid you two to leave this stronghold until we know more about the current situation. Now if you´ll excuse me…" After that he turned away and left the house.
Chang turned calmly to the everyone but Shiren and said: "Could you… maybe leave us alone, please?"
"Just ask if you need something...", Huan said and waved the others to leave with him.
After everyone was gone Chang said: "This… is a massacre… first Hao and now… just everyone? … And I was unable to save them… Me, as their… ah, what am I saying… it doesn't matter now..."
Shiren sighed, clicked his tongue and wanted to say something but Chang spoke on: "Shiren… can you… can you promise me something?" He made a pause but did not wait for an answer: "The arrow which… nah, you know. But… Hao, she… she protected you. Please listen to the chieftain and don't leave this place. I don't want you to be die as well. So far you are my only family left. But I won't believe this."
"Why are you saying this?", Shiren asked: "That sounds like you are not gonna stay here..."
"Shiren...", he turned towards his cousin and looked him dead in his eyes. He was serious, inpatient and angry: "I need to have a look at my home! I do no longer care about this hell of a war! Whatever happens! I need to take a look. I know our people are not that easy to eliminate. Some of them had to survive and I need to find them! That is my duty if the worst happened to my father. So please…", he smiled: "I need you to stay here where I know you will be fine, okay?"
Shiren shook his head: "No. No, Chang, please! I can't afford to loose you as well! As you said, you are the only family I currently have."
Chang took a deep breath before he continued: "But as I said I do not believe this message. I know they are alive. Your parents for example, I could hardly believe they were home at this point. I´m sure they are keeping care of the village when they come home again. Our family is, right?"
"… I don't have a good feeling about that..."
"Me neither. But I don't have any good feelings at all right now. I just want to slay this crap of an assassin. But the chieftain is right… revenge might not be the right way… In my eyes everyone is an assassin now. But you… I guess you have friends on your side here. Hao was the only one I was familiar and comfortable with in this war."
A long pause of silence grew in this room.
At some time Shiren lost his senses if he was still awake or already asleep. Both seemed like a nightmare.
In his dreams he saw Hao's death again as she was stabbed by Quántóu. Shiren was not moving like he was watching an execution. He was not able to remember properly what exactly happened after or before. He was behind grids somehow though the execution was placed outside. His chest was hurting like as Peng hurt him there again. Jil was near by him and told him about balance in this world. And she somehow showed him how to use Chi.
As he turned around the cage was replaced by rose and rose of trees. Some of them made a way towards some kind of light. "Come here.", Lao said and went this path. "This is a very silent place to hang out and relax."
Shiren went the way and after he passed the trees he found himself on a cliff at some kind of shrine. Down the mountain he saw a city burning. On the other side up the mountain was the Jade-Palace. Shiren knew he had to choose one path. The wind blew cherry blossoms around the place into the sky while Shiren was grabbing a scroll from his bag and thought about throwing it away. Somehow he was alone and nobody stood on his side he could ask for help. Lao was not to be seen anymore, not even on the path he came from. He looked at the Jade-Palace as the cliff broke and he fell down into a forest where the fragments of his dream ended.
He woke up in his tent and everything was silent. He felt refreshed but he knew one thing: Hao was dead, that was a fact. He did not want to get up. He saw something to eat right in front of him but he did not feel any appetite.
He felt pain and a void in his body and heard the normal day on the outside.
Finally he decided to get up. He did not want to be alone. He wanted to have someone familiar with him or have something to do or… just walk.
As he went out he saw Ku Zhan and Xing playing some kind of card game. As they saw him Xing said: "Hey."
Shiren closed his eyes in order to hold back his tears and answered shortly: "Hey.", as he slithered away. He looked around and saw nothing had changed since yesterday. It looked like a normal day in an encampment in a war. Someone must have carried him to his tent while he was sleeping. Now where was Chang, he wondered.
On his way to his Aunts tent he met Jil who greeted him with a smile. "Good morning, Shiren.", she carried some kind of bag. "Are you okay?", she asked.
Shiren nodded slightly while she went towards him and knelt before him to get direct eye-contact. "Listen...", she said: "Please… be strong now, okay? The chieftain already declared you are free from your duties today. He broke up the infiltration so you can… take all the time you need."
Shiren nodded. "And...", she added with hesitation and a deep breath: "Chang is… he… disappeared last night. We already sent some scouts to locate him or any other threats for you… Everything we are able right now to do… Now… come with me. I think you were going to go to this place anyway." Shiren did not respond to her statement. He silently went with her until they reached Hao´s tent which looked normal like any day before. Nobody dismantled it yet.
A few people stood in front of the tent.
One was saying: "I trained with her just a day ago. I still can hear her laugh. She was so peaceful, she did not deserve it!"
As Shiren went to this place everyone went out of his way and cleared his view to the tent. Right before the entry were laying some bunches of flowers. As Shiren saw them he could no longer contain his emotions and burst into tears.
Jil went near by him and gave him a flower which was a yellow júshǔ flower.
"We should offer her our respect.", she quietly said.
As long as it took, Shiren bedded his flower on top of the others.
Jil laid her wing gently on Shiren to comfort him. As a respond he laid his head in her chest for few moments. Now with Chang gone Jil was one of the last persons he felt familiar with.
Shiren left his aunt´s tent after a half of an hour. His head was filled with thoughts about her. He still could not believe she was completely gone. Jil recommended him to eat something even though she knew about his saddened.
"I wish I could have been faster...", someone suddenly said behind him. Shiren did not pay attention on his way who was going there so he did not know if anyone wanted to speak to him. He turned around and saw that fox… Huyuan.
"I know we don't know each other well… but I want to offer you my condolences. Catching that assassin was the only thing I was able to do. It… It was my job to watch over our encampment, I failed and the person who had to suffer for this is… everyone but me. That does not seem fair. Let me know if I can do something for you. But I guess that's what everyone else already said…"
"Thank you.", Shiren answered with a coarse voice before he went on. He did not know where he wanted to go. Likely In the forest or something but he was told to not leave the village.
As he saw Lao stumbling over some scrolls in a tiny library he went to him. "Hey, eh… Lao?", he asked.
"Hm?", Lao turned to him as he was clean the chaos and lightly got frightened: "Oh, Shiren, yes, eh, wait... eh… can I help you?"
"Would you mind to read some scrolls with me?", Shiren asked. He wanted to get something different thoughts into his mind. Lao stared at him for few seconds before he siad without even knowing what he wanted to say: "I respect how strong you are but… one part of your family… I mean… sure, yes. I was about to do a new order in this library I found in this village. The people how used to live here really do have no clue how to conduct a neat library. But according to the last proceedings I found one exceptionally interesting documentation about the origin and the reason for different colours of Chi. Not that any of that includes any kind of explanation how you specifically use it, but they got some interesting theories why Kai used green Chi and the others yellow ones. The author, named Cóngming, thought it had to do something with about the animal you are, in comparison with your personality. I, for myself, also made some interesting theories I can share with you. Listen to this: What if Chi depends on your origin? Besides that I got some other theories about the Chi´s colours. Do you think they have some special abilities according to their colour?"
Lao forgot pretty quick how sad Shiren felt as he lost himself to one of his endless monologues.
It was the second time Shiren did not interrupt him in his ramblings. The first time had been when Lao firstly started one of his theorizes speaches. Back then Shiren had no clue what to expect.
He enjoyed Lao's endless talking about books, authors and theories. He grew very interested about the new issue: The Chi. He wanted to know everything about it and studied it though the war was about destroying every knowledge about Chi but in his opinion it was enough to just forget how to use it.
Shiren did not know how much time passed until he finally realized he was hungry. And Lao heard the stomach grumbling: "Oh, sounds like someone is hungry there. You better get yourself a good meal. Well, I still have to get some work to be done. Maybe you find someone you can eat with? If you ask me I would ask Xing or Ku Zhan. Those never skip a good meal."
"Yes. Thank you, Lao.", Shiren said smiley and went out of the library.
For one moment he still felt a little bit happy, but as he was few seconds outside he had to think about Hao and Chang again.
"Now here you are!", Huan said as he ran into him: "I was close to ask the people to search you! How do you feel? Oh, sorry, forget about that question. Eh, yes! I just finished a patrolling task. Would you mind if I joined you for a little bit? I don´t want you to be alone at this time. We can play Shógi if you want. This could be the first time I´ll am able to beat you.", [ ]
"I´m just about going to eat something. Would-"
Huan nodded: "Oh, of course! I would appreciate if I can share a meal with you. Haven´t you eaten yet? You must be very hungry. I´ll get what I can."
"There should be something in my tent. I haven't eaten it yet."
After Huan got something to eat he sat down with Shiren and made some small talk: "If you want to… would you mind telling me about your aunt? I don't know if I ever had uncles or something…"
Shiren ate before he started to tell him something about her: "Well, she was something like… a second mother to me since I did not spend much time with my parents. They were busy in the whole land and Hao was so gentle to take care about me with her own son, Chang. Well, I also kinda had two sisters..."
"Really? You never told me.", Huan said interestedly.
"Maybe because I rarely speak about my family.", Shiren answered. His relationship with his family was a bit complicated since he grew up barely seeing his parents. Hao somehow did not take care of his sisters. He never asked and he quite was not able to remember properly and he never asked them. He knew they were taken by somebody for sure. Shiren just was not able to remember the name.
"Why? Is there something you want to avoid telling?", Huan asked and Shiren lightly grinned:
"As if! There are just not many people asking me about it and… there is not much to tell. Well, as I said, Hao was to me like my second mother when mine was not at home which was quite often, to be honest.
And Hao was the best mother you could imagine. Careful, gentle, strict if necessary… like… the most part of my childhood is connected to Hao."
"I understand."
"But,", Shiren continued: "sometimes she was funny too. She was careful but I remember how we lost our way in a foggy forest and she lost every orientation.
Or one morning when she slept with an open window. She told us she was that tired she fell asleep before closing it but we always thought she simply forgot it. And I remember as if it was yesterday as she punched down a big elephant after he made rude commentaries about us. I don't remember any specific details I just saw her knocking down a whole elephant. She was a beast."
Huan smiled and said:"Sounds like she loved you very much." Shiren nodded.
"Yes. So much she sacrificed herself for me."
"Keep those memories in your heart, Shiren. I have heard that those who reside in the spirit realm they can see us. So in some way she is still among us, maybe watching us right now and thinking: Don't cry, Shiren. I did what I had to do to save you. So please don't cry."
Shiren squinched up his face and answered: "That sounds actually really like her."
Huan laughed: "Oh, really? Looks like I got her character from your stories. Now we did yet not speak of Chang. I heard he is some kind of prince?"
Shiren siad: "He always calls himself that way, yes. He is the son of our mayor."
"Alright. That's close enough I guess. Does he have siblings?"
"Not as far as I know.", Shiren explained but he was very sure Chang had no siblings. He was kinda a brother for Shiren but they weren´t actually brothers.
"Okay. So he talks probably very much."
"Man, stop that! I got the feeling you are reading my memories!"
Huan chuckled: "Sorry. But I know that kind of person pretty good. I met so many people in my life now and everyone is as interesting as the next one. And right now… I´m a personal spy of our chieftain. May I ask you another thing? What do you want to do in your life? Do you want to keep punching and fighting?"
Shiren looked away and pondered about that question for few seconds: "Well, I planned to use this power to protect my people. But since this is now out of choice… I don't know any more."
"Let's wait then.", Huan decided: "We´ll wait for Chang´s report and see what happens after this war. But I will promise you to not let you down. Whatever comes… let us guide each other. None of us needs to go back to Xun any more. So if we need to do something after tomorrow… I guess we can do it together, right?"
Shiren smiled insecurely: "Why me, Huan? You could offer very much with that. I mean, I am comfortable walking alone through the world and I may find a place for me."
"Nah, don't, Shiren. I am serious here. You know, I really like you and I want to help you. ´Specially now where you mostly need it. I want you to know I won't let you down."
Now Shiren genuinely smiled: "You are such a good guy. Thank you, Huan."
"Yeah, rely on me and get rid of your tears."
Shiren nodded: "I will remember that. Yes, let us be friends forever."
"Now I really want to win this war! And you look so much better now. And… well, I think my break is over. Now I need to go back on my duties. Keep care, Shiren."
Shiren answered: "You too, Huan."
Though he was not able to completely get rid of his sadness he felt a bit better now since his hunger was taken care of and he had a very good chat with Huan.
On an arsenal shop he found Yong testing out the stability of a tool. She caught Shiren´s view and sighed: "Sorry, I have never been good with giving condolences. Seeing people cry was… well, kinda something I had to do with, you know. Being a merc doesn't leave much space for emotions. But as far as I can judge, your eyes are no longer as red as I saw you last time crying. So I guess you feel better now or something? Nah, don't answer that. I know this will haunt you for a few days if you are lucky. Now, eh… can I do something for you, or why are you skipping your resting?"
"No, sorry. I did not mean to. I just saw you here and thought..."
"Oh. A bit of a small talk?"
"No. I know you are the worst person having a small talk with."
"Ey. Sit down here and I can tell you how much I can tell you."
"I´m listening."
"..."
"I knew it."
"Hey, what´s wrong with you now? I mean, really! You should be sad, feel emotions, feel… bad. But it does not seem like you have any feelings any longer."
"Please don't. I´m glad to not be that unhappy currently. Maybe I am just good in hiding it."
"You really shouldn't. I mean… you are no merc and not training to be one so… you should keep your emotions. Don't be like me. Please. Hao meant a lot for you, right? Show her your respects."
"I am and I will go to her tent again and… offer some words for her. I am sure I´ll cry a lot in the future. When I have realized… something is gone. Something is different. Someone is no longer here for me… Or… if I see my home again…"
"… Sorry if I made you sad again, you should stop having a… small talk with me. I am not making any good mood in my area and I am currently preparing for the final battle."
Shiren nodded. "Yeah. Alright I guess I will leave you then with this."
"Do so. See ya."
She said and turned back to her stuff. She was such a cold person but a very reliable ally and friend. Shiren knew as long as he was around her he would be fine whenever he would leave the outside.
Shiren went back to his aunt´s tent and prayed for her. He was silent and just starred at her flowers. Some were added while he was not here.
"Here you are.", someone said. It was Xing. "How do you feel?", she asked.
"Okay.", Shiren answered. "I mean… my tears are currently out of order and my head is humming from it. But…", he sighed: "I still feel bad. Very bad."
"I can understand that. Maybe that´s the reason my family sent this guy named Huyuan on my guard. I felt very annoyed about that but now when I am seeing what happened to you… I should be thankful about that."
"It is nice having a family helping you out in time of need, right?"
"Yes…maybe it really is.", she said honest.
"I wanted to ask you this morning if we could help you but… you were gone so quick."
"I tried to hide my tears and be strong, like Hao asked me to. You should know that, right? You always seem like you can stand back up anytime."
"Well, normally yes, but… Shiren this is different. She was your family. It´s okay to cry in times like this. It really is. Not crying is like… being a dump or… cold. It shows you have feelings and a good heart. You should not feel bad about that."
"Yeah but I really don´t want to bother other people with my problems."
"No, right now this is the time to bother other people. I mean… I took care ofyour work with Ku Zhi today. Lao and Yong did as well.
Like, having a look at the library was your task for example. I mean, some of our warriors used it so we kinda needed to establish order again."
After she said that she went to the tent and laid down a flower as well. "Let´s stop talking now and mourn together okay?"
After a long time she said: "I do not mean to be rude or something but… I remember Ku Zhan is training like there is no tomorrow. If you have time you could have an eye on him. I mean… you do not have to but maybe he wants to say something to you. But don´t it let interrupt this here for that, okay?"
"Nah, it´s okay. It´s just her tent. I am sure I will take this with me after we won tomorrow and that way I can be near by her every time and she… will be on my side."
"… Wow… that´s… You are a very interesting person and I mean like a good person. Hao can be happy having a nephew like you. You know I am never kidding."
"I learned a lot from her. Now it´s my turn to keep her sacrifice in honour."
Xing hugged him and after that she repeated : "You are a good person. Let us win this war together. I mean, as long as you feel comfortable. I don´t want to rush you to things you might not be able to do."
"I will head to Ku Zhan now and see what he wants. I feel my tears are replenishing so I should hurry up."
"Don´t push yourself too hard."
Shiren found Ku Zhan where he expected him to be: Where the most loud noises came from. The training area.
"Shiren...", he, said, suprized. "Are you coming to deviate yourself from your suffer?"
"Kind of. Doing things with other people around cheers up. Now why are you training that hard?"
"Well, we are facing strong enemies tomorrow. What reason would it would there be not to train?"
"True.", Shiren said right as he got a punch of Ku Zhan´s stick.
"You are really not that sober, are you?"
"Sorry. Try again.", Shiren said but even after few tries he did not manage to even dodge Ku Zhan´s hits. "That has no sense.", he said, grabbed some water and drank a bit of it.
"You are still not through your suffer due to your aunt and pushing you is not the right way, you may know that."
"Hm… maybe. My thoughts are still running in circles. Hao… Chang… my home… Hao… I am glad if I have someone around me to talk with."
"That´s the way.", he said and laid down his stick.
"Shiren...", he started to say: "I am glad for everything you have done for me. Really. You did things… I never expected someone to do for me in this war. And I think now it´s my time to pay everything back. Though it´s not easy I will fight double as hard as I can, for you."
"Man, thank you."
"Don´t worry. I know how you must feel now. I mean… I can certainly imagine. I have been trough so much suffer during this war… mostly when I visited my family in Wang Fu… it was not easy, I can promise you that."
"I appreciate your effort."
"Yeah. Of course you would say that. And that´s why I wanted to ask you: I planned to still invade the Jade-Palace like we discussed yesterday but the problem is… if we do so we need to leave you behind even though I do not want to do so and the worst thing is: I do not want you to come with us either. What do you say we should do?"
"Is this a serious question? The last thing I want is splitting with more people I care about! If you would get lost out there I… I mean, you are keeping me up. Without you I would still lay on Hao´s tent and refuse any kind of contact with anyone. I know you are my friends and after that year we have been trough… I can surely say we are very close friends."
"Yeah. Especially after we met Kai I believe in every one of you. Looking into our enemies eyes while we got defeated… that was a true spirit of teamwork and that´s why I am willing to fight on all of your sides. If we do not run away from Kai… we can do everything."
"Yeah… probably..."
Ku Zhan looked at Shiren´s dazing face and said: "You better get some more sleep. Don´t push yourself too much."
Shiren nodded. "Yes… maybe… yes. Sorry I did not mean to..."
"It´s totally fine. Here, let me guide you to our tent and you can have some time for yourself."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it."
