Part 2
AN: Yeah, I know nothing about Chinese names, these are just what I gathered. I used some names of Mulan *sniggers*
Master Yen sat ensconced on a large throne-like chair when Shen-ling was dragged before him, arms bound, cutting into his young flesh. The small boy was clearly terrified as he stared across the dark chamber at the man before him.
A few guards stood silently by their master. Tao Yi kept a rough grasp on the child while Shiang Po stood beside him solemnly.
" Ah, so this is the next descendant of the Dragon Clan!" Master Yen exclaimed mockingly. " He's of mixed blood, I can tell. I shall not be disposing of this pathetic little creature just yet, though. We need to wait for his daddy to cotton on where he is and get caught in our snare. I shall not be happy until the Solitary Dragon is destroyed!"
" My father will never be defeated by you weaklings!" Shen-ling hissed defiantly. For this insolence, he received a sharp kick from Tao.
Master Yen just sneered; " We'll see about that, shall we? "
~ * ~
" The red flag of the Yen Clan is prominently marked with a black dragon," Sally recalled. " We should be able to see it from the craft. It can't be far. I'm sure it's somewhere near here."
The terrain was mountainous and low clouds often obstructed Zechs' view. Despite this, the four of them were determined to uproot the whereabouts of the Yen Clan. Everything about the situation pointed to them as responsible.
Wufei looked over his shoulder. They had been up in the air for about an hour now. Noin hadn't had much sleep since she and Zechs had set off to China, as she had flown the craft for most of the journey and Zechs had only taken over after they had refueled a few hours before landing. Obviously, she was weary and was resting with her head on Sally's shoulder.
" Weak woman," Wufei muttered to himself.
Sally was staring mournfully out of the window, a few tears escaping from her blue eyes now and then, desperately searching for any sign of the Yen Clan.
Wufei felt pity for her. He knew he felt exactly the same. He lay back in his seat and thought about Shen-ling. His only child, his Little Dragon. Wufei remembered the day Shen-ling was born in a military hospital near the Preventers' base. Like she did with everything, Sally had just gotten on with the labour and crushed her pain. It was only then when Wufei had realized that women were actually stronger than he'd perceived. Or maybe it was just Sally.
He recalled the first time he'd held his son in his arms. The baby was so innocent and unspoiled. Wufei remembered the tiny heartbeat against his chest. There was never such an enchanting moment than this and he realized he would do anything for that child. Of course he had rarely got any quality time alone with his son, as there was Lady Une, Noin and others, not to mention Sally herself, cooing pathetically over the newborn. But Wufei didn't really mind much as he would be the one to teach and guide Shen-ling, as he grew older. The Little Dragon was his pride and joy...
Sally's sudden shriek woke up Noin and Wufei lost all train of thought. " I can see the flag! I'm sure that's it!"
The small dwelling of the Yen Clan was shrouded with mist but the red flag blowing threateningly in the wind was clear. Zechs prepared to land the craft. Noin rubbed her eyes and loaded her gun. Sally took another of the handguns and Zechs bore the last. Wufei clutched his sword and prepared himself for almost definite war.
~ * ~
" If Chang Wufei doesn't make an appearance within two days, then I shall eliminate Shen-ling," Master Yen announced to his clan. " I was hoping keeping the boy alive would make it easier taunt his father and ensure he submits to us."
Shen-ling's dark eyes widened in horror. He desperately wanted his mother's comforting arms around him at this moment in time, telling him everything would be okay - but there was no way this was going to turn out all right. If his father didn't arrive within two days, Shen-ling would be killed, and if he did, they'd both be killed. Shen-ling knew he should have more faith in his father's abilities than that.
" Let me go you ugly piece of.... (He wasn't going to dishonour himself)!" Shen-ling snapped, sounding like a baby lion trying to roar.
Master Yen had little patience. " Tao Yi, deal with the little rat."
Tao kicked Shen-ling and sent him rolling across the floor. Shen-ling yelped in pain. He attempted a second blow but the sound of gunshots filled the air, the door was rammed open and four figures emerged from the light outside.
Shen-ling recognized his father and mother, but had never seen the other man or woman before. They were holding guns and pointing them threateningly. Shen-ling had never seen his mother with a weapon but she looked as if she'd had years of experience by the way she had the gun cocked and her finger stroking the trigger.
" How dare you harm my son," Wufei snarled. Tao sneered and gave the child another kick. He was consequently met by a bullet delivered by Noin and crumpled to the floor.
The others of the clan were unarmed at the present, and each one of them knew their knives couldn't win over a spray of bullets anyway. Zechs reminded them of this and proved just what cowards they really were, as the majority of them fled for their lives. The only two to remain were Master Yen himself and Shiang Po.
Master Yen was glaring at Wufei with bitter hatred in his jet black eyes. Wufei returned the expression, fingering the hilt on his sword.
Shiang wasn't interested in the conflict going on at that moment; his eyes were fixed on the blonde woman freeing her son from his cruel binds and cradling him against her chest. He knew her by the way she spoke so gently and nursed the little boy's injuries. The way she had always done to her teddy bears as a little girl when playing doctors. It was Sally Po, his daughter.
"Sally, it's you, isn't it? My daughter!" Shiang exclaimed. Sally turned and stared the man in the eye.
"Father..." she replied, recognizing him instantly. He obviously looked a lot older but Sally could still see the troubled look in his eyes - the look of a weak, frightened man, totally overpowered by his leader.
Wufei broke away from his glare directed at Master Yen, to look at his wife. She was trying to keep her pent-up emotions at bay but looking upon the face of her father, which she had tried to forget for so long, just brought the events of her childhood almost back to reality. It was as if they were happening all over again.
" I just want to forget!" Sally whimpered. Shen-ling nuzzled against her neck to comfort his mother. "Leave me alone, Father, leave my son alone and most of all, leave Chang Wufei alone or....or...he will KILL you!"
~ * ~
Shiang sighed deeply, and glanced over at Zechs, Noin and Wufei, who looked about to strike at any false move. Then, he turned to Master Yen.
" Master, I am sorry but I cannot support you in the purging of the Dragon Clan. Not when their heir is my own grandson. I cannot betray my daughter. I failed her once and I shall not fail her again."
" You fool! You are a treacherous rebel - just like the rest of the Po's!" roared Master Yen, snatching his knife. Before anything could be done, he brutally punished Shiang Po so there was no hope of the man ever clinging onto his life. He fell to the floor, as Sally untangled herself from her son and knelt at her father's side.
" Father. I respect you now. I forgive you," she whispered and kissed his cheek. Shiang Po smiled weakly and drew his last breath, brushing his hand over his daughter's soft hair. Sally took his hand, still warm, and her face crumpled with anxiety. Then a burning anger spread over her usually calm features.
Sally stood up and lunged at Master Yen, knocking him back a little and dropping her gun in the process. Master Yen saw this as a perfect oppurtunity to blackmail Wufei into challenging him, as Zechs and Noin had evidently run out of bullets so could not attack him.
He snatched Sally by the collar and shook her forcefully, screaming: " Who do you think you are, you impudent woman! You filthy half-breed! Your father was a pathetic excuse for a man - not even full-blood himself, and you rank below him as a woman!"
Shen-ling was disturbed by the treatment his mother was recieving and ran to his father for protection. Wufei pushed him aside. He wasn't in the mood for comforting his son; he was in the mood for murder. Noin put down her useless gun and took the shaking child in her arms, soothing him.
Wufei sprang forward, brandishing his sword, but Master Yen held his own knife against Sally's slender neck. She cringed at the cool metal pressing against her skin. " One wrong move and this wretched woman you dare to call your wife will meet a sorry end. Unless, of course, you decide to challenge me to a battle, in which case, I shall free her."
Wufei's anger simmered and he nodded. " All right, have your wish. But if there is any justice in this world, you will lose."
Master Yen fingered his knife and smirked. " You're not afraid, are you Chang?"
Wufei curled up his lip in disgust. Master Yen relased his grasp on Sally and tossed her aside like a limp rag. She returned to her fallen father's side. Yen's mistreating of her had caused her a few neck injuries. Wufei wasn't going to let him get away with it.
~* ~
The two began to clash knives almost at once. Wufei was a skilled fighter and his foot-work was excellent. Master Yen, on the other hand was used to being protected by his clan and had not had a man-to-man battle for quite a while. Despite this, he wasn't giving Wufei an easy ride.
Zechs, Noin and Sally watched with their hearts in their mouths, though each one was quietly confident Wufei would be the victor. Shen-ling still clutched onto Noin's jacket, whispering: " Papa."
The two men were hurling abuse at each other and Sally wondered whether she should cover her son's ears.
Wufei managed to bash Master Yen, the impact sending the older man careering backwards into the wall, his knife slipping from his grasp.
Wufei jabbed the blade of his sword into his victims' neck, not enough to kill him, just to unnerve him. " Now you're at my mercy, Yen," he sneered. " Did you honestly think you could defeat me? You weakling. Now give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here on the spot."
Master Yen gulped, as he peered into the eyes of his young aggressor. " Because.....I......surrender. Now you know....there...is....no....honour in killing.....someone who has surrendered.......a weakling...is there.....Chang?"
Wufei glowered at his enemy, knowing there was some truth to his words. There was no point in cold-blooded murder. He withdrew the sword, to the horror of the others. Only Sally understood.
Master Yen eyed Wufei then bowed with a hint of insincerity, a smirk forming on his lips. " Oh thank you, most merciful one," he simpered.
Zechs stiffened and moved to another angle of the room, his eyes fixed on Master Yen's next move. Master Yen bent over a little, clutching his heart in pretend relief. Wufei frowned and put down his sword.
" Wufei! Look out!" Sally shrieked, as Master Yen regained the possession of his knife.
Seeing as Wufei was unarmed, Yen managed to yank him round and point his own knife to Wufei's throat. There was no chance he would spare his opponent, he just wanted to taunt Wufei a little more, as the other's were powerless to do anything.
" I guess you'll be meeting Master Long very shortly," Yen said. " Then you can tell him what a failure you made of the Dragon Clan and your wife can join her treacherous family, too. And I shan't be sparing your son. What do you have to say before you die, Chang?"
" Kisama!" Wufei hissed.
Master Yen raised his knife then a shot was fired and he collapsed. Wufei turned, alarmed, to see Zechs stood behind the fallen body of the enemy, holding the gun Sally had dropped. He had realised the gun was still loaded and this was the only way to preserve Wufei's life.
" Why? Why did you kill him?" Wufei demanded. " I was....weak....I deserved my fate... I let the enemy triumph! Why, Zechs?"
Zechs tossed back his flaxen hair and lowered the gun. " Because unlike you, I have no code of honour to obey," he replied.
Despite his wounded pride, Wufei had to agree this man had saved his life, that of Sally and his child, and at least deserved some gratitude.
" Zechs Marquise, I never thought there'd come a day when I'd say this, but I and the Dragon Clan owe you our lives."
~ * ~
Zechs was loading the supplies into the craft, as Wufei made his daily visit to the Dragon Clan temple. Zechs had helped him lay Shiang Po to rest there yesterday so Sally could have a part of her own family with her, too.
Sally was bathing Shen-ling inside the house, accompanied by Noin. The two woman were chatting and catching up on old times, despite the pain of having to see the little child's bruises as he was undressed.
" I'm sorry I couldn't be at you and Zechs' wedding," Sally said regretfully, pulling her son out of the bath tub and wrapping him in a white towel. " Though I knew you'd end up together."
" I think I would have self-detonated if Zechs had fallen for someone else," Noin admitted. " That reminds me, I wonder what happened to Heero Yuy and the other Gundam pilots."
" I know what happened to the fifth one," Sally laughed, towelling Shen-ling dry so that he squealed in annoyance. " Though I think you were pretty safe. I mean, who else could end up with Zechs?"
" Well who else could end up with Wufei Chang?" Noin snickered, all in good humour, and the two of them shared another moment of laughter.
" Mama, what's a Gundam?" Shen-ling piped up, his voice muffled by the towel.
" Ask your father," Sally replied, ruffling his hair.
Once Shen-ling was dry, Sally dressed him and combed his wet, waist-length hair into a tight braid. " Duo Maxwell, eat your heart out," she said with a chuckle.
" Who's Duo Maxwell?" Shen Ling asked.
" Nobody, now you just run along and play," Sally answered. Shen-ling happily obliged.
Noin watched the little boy's retreating figure with a sentimental gaze. " You're a really good mother, Sally," she commented. " I just hope I will be too."
Sally turned and peered into her friends soft violet eyes, looking for the spark she remembered in herself.
" What are you searching for?" Noin asked, blinking.
" I knew it, I had my suspicions but I kept quiet," Sally replied, triumphantly. " You're having a baby, aren't you!"
Noin smiled and patted her currently flat stomach. " Yes. I'm only two months gone so Zechs and I have got plently of time to let Lady Une know and set up a stable home. Relena was delighted."
" Congratulations!" Sally exclaimed, swamping Noin with a hug. " I just know you'll have a wonderful family. And I hope the child brings you as must joy as Shen-ling brings me."
~ * ~
Noin and Zechs bid farewell a half hour later. Sally and Noin had promised to make more of an effort to keep in touch, though it was still a little emotional having to say goodbye.
As the craft took to the morning sky and disappeared, Wufei emerged from the temple, a calm and composed expression on his face. Sally was relieved. She wandered up onto the grassy knoll to stand beside him.
" What are you looking at?" she inquired softly.
A gentle smile spread over Wufei's features. " Our son."
Sally stared down into the garden to see Shen-ling crouched under the blossom tree gathering the fallen petals.
She tucked her arm in Wufei's and gave her husband a questioning look.
" He says they're for his grandfather," Wufei explained with the tender smile only Sally had ever witnessed. " Your father."
" How sweet of him," Sally laughed fondly. " Did I mention Zechs and Noin are expecting a child?"
Wufei arched an eyebrow and then he shook his head, smirking. " I guess it was only a matter of time..."
" Oh can't you ever just be pleased for someone?" Sally grumbled, squeezing his arm.
" I...am, it's just I wouldn't want that foolish woman Noin as the mother of my children!"
" Well that's why you married me," Sally reminded him.
Wufei nodded. " Absolutely. Well, I must say, you've done me proud, Onna."
Sally punched him gently; " Call me by my real name, Wuffy."
" Sally," he smiled, and kissed her.
Down in the shaded garden, Shen-ling examined the white petals in his hands, deciding he needed a bigger range of colour. He knew just where to look. Turning to motion to his parents that he was leaving, he gave his mother a meek smile and his father a respectful bow. Then, watched under the adoring gaze of his parents, the Little Dragon turned and headed towards the flower fields.
The End
~*~
AN: Sorry this part is shorter, it always kinda happens when I write a longer fic and break it up...oh yeah, I wondered since I wrote this fic, why would Wufei use Japanese words? Well, that's just fandom for ya ^^;;. If I learn the Chinese version, maybe I'll alter it...well, this was one of my earlier ones I suppose.
I am thinking I might write an epilogue or something if I have time, just something to add onto the story because I feel like it, what do you peeps think?
AN: Yeah, I know nothing about Chinese names, these are just what I gathered. I used some names of Mulan *sniggers*
Master Yen sat ensconced on a large throne-like chair when Shen-ling was dragged before him, arms bound, cutting into his young flesh. The small boy was clearly terrified as he stared across the dark chamber at the man before him.
A few guards stood silently by their master. Tao Yi kept a rough grasp on the child while Shiang Po stood beside him solemnly.
" Ah, so this is the next descendant of the Dragon Clan!" Master Yen exclaimed mockingly. " He's of mixed blood, I can tell. I shall not be disposing of this pathetic little creature just yet, though. We need to wait for his daddy to cotton on where he is and get caught in our snare. I shall not be happy until the Solitary Dragon is destroyed!"
" My father will never be defeated by you weaklings!" Shen-ling hissed defiantly. For this insolence, he received a sharp kick from Tao.
Master Yen just sneered; " We'll see about that, shall we? "
~ * ~
" The red flag of the Yen Clan is prominently marked with a black dragon," Sally recalled. " We should be able to see it from the craft. It can't be far. I'm sure it's somewhere near here."
The terrain was mountainous and low clouds often obstructed Zechs' view. Despite this, the four of them were determined to uproot the whereabouts of the Yen Clan. Everything about the situation pointed to them as responsible.
Wufei looked over his shoulder. They had been up in the air for about an hour now. Noin hadn't had much sleep since she and Zechs had set off to China, as she had flown the craft for most of the journey and Zechs had only taken over after they had refueled a few hours before landing. Obviously, she was weary and was resting with her head on Sally's shoulder.
" Weak woman," Wufei muttered to himself.
Sally was staring mournfully out of the window, a few tears escaping from her blue eyes now and then, desperately searching for any sign of the Yen Clan.
Wufei felt pity for her. He knew he felt exactly the same. He lay back in his seat and thought about Shen-ling. His only child, his Little Dragon. Wufei remembered the day Shen-ling was born in a military hospital near the Preventers' base. Like she did with everything, Sally had just gotten on with the labour and crushed her pain. It was only then when Wufei had realized that women were actually stronger than he'd perceived. Or maybe it was just Sally.
He recalled the first time he'd held his son in his arms. The baby was so innocent and unspoiled. Wufei remembered the tiny heartbeat against his chest. There was never such an enchanting moment than this and he realized he would do anything for that child. Of course he had rarely got any quality time alone with his son, as there was Lady Une, Noin and others, not to mention Sally herself, cooing pathetically over the newborn. But Wufei didn't really mind much as he would be the one to teach and guide Shen-ling, as he grew older. The Little Dragon was his pride and joy...
Sally's sudden shriek woke up Noin and Wufei lost all train of thought. " I can see the flag! I'm sure that's it!"
The small dwelling of the Yen Clan was shrouded with mist but the red flag blowing threateningly in the wind was clear. Zechs prepared to land the craft. Noin rubbed her eyes and loaded her gun. Sally took another of the handguns and Zechs bore the last. Wufei clutched his sword and prepared himself for almost definite war.
~ * ~
" If Chang Wufei doesn't make an appearance within two days, then I shall eliminate Shen-ling," Master Yen announced to his clan. " I was hoping keeping the boy alive would make it easier taunt his father and ensure he submits to us."
Shen-ling's dark eyes widened in horror. He desperately wanted his mother's comforting arms around him at this moment in time, telling him everything would be okay - but there was no way this was going to turn out all right. If his father didn't arrive within two days, Shen-ling would be killed, and if he did, they'd both be killed. Shen-ling knew he should have more faith in his father's abilities than that.
" Let me go you ugly piece of.... (He wasn't going to dishonour himself)!" Shen-ling snapped, sounding like a baby lion trying to roar.
Master Yen had little patience. " Tao Yi, deal with the little rat."
Tao kicked Shen-ling and sent him rolling across the floor. Shen-ling yelped in pain. He attempted a second blow but the sound of gunshots filled the air, the door was rammed open and four figures emerged from the light outside.
Shen-ling recognized his father and mother, but had never seen the other man or woman before. They were holding guns and pointing them threateningly. Shen-ling had never seen his mother with a weapon but she looked as if she'd had years of experience by the way she had the gun cocked and her finger stroking the trigger.
" How dare you harm my son," Wufei snarled. Tao sneered and gave the child another kick. He was consequently met by a bullet delivered by Noin and crumpled to the floor.
The others of the clan were unarmed at the present, and each one of them knew their knives couldn't win over a spray of bullets anyway. Zechs reminded them of this and proved just what cowards they really were, as the majority of them fled for their lives. The only two to remain were Master Yen himself and Shiang Po.
Master Yen was glaring at Wufei with bitter hatred in his jet black eyes. Wufei returned the expression, fingering the hilt on his sword.
Shiang wasn't interested in the conflict going on at that moment; his eyes were fixed on the blonde woman freeing her son from his cruel binds and cradling him against her chest. He knew her by the way she spoke so gently and nursed the little boy's injuries. The way she had always done to her teddy bears as a little girl when playing doctors. It was Sally Po, his daughter.
"Sally, it's you, isn't it? My daughter!" Shiang exclaimed. Sally turned and stared the man in the eye.
"Father..." she replied, recognizing him instantly. He obviously looked a lot older but Sally could still see the troubled look in his eyes - the look of a weak, frightened man, totally overpowered by his leader.
Wufei broke away from his glare directed at Master Yen, to look at his wife. She was trying to keep her pent-up emotions at bay but looking upon the face of her father, which she had tried to forget for so long, just brought the events of her childhood almost back to reality. It was as if they were happening all over again.
" I just want to forget!" Sally whimpered. Shen-ling nuzzled against her neck to comfort his mother. "Leave me alone, Father, leave my son alone and most of all, leave Chang Wufei alone or....or...he will KILL you!"
~ * ~
Shiang sighed deeply, and glanced over at Zechs, Noin and Wufei, who looked about to strike at any false move. Then, he turned to Master Yen.
" Master, I am sorry but I cannot support you in the purging of the Dragon Clan. Not when their heir is my own grandson. I cannot betray my daughter. I failed her once and I shall not fail her again."
" You fool! You are a treacherous rebel - just like the rest of the Po's!" roared Master Yen, snatching his knife. Before anything could be done, he brutally punished Shiang Po so there was no hope of the man ever clinging onto his life. He fell to the floor, as Sally untangled herself from her son and knelt at her father's side.
" Father. I respect you now. I forgive you," she whispered and kissed his cheek. Shiang Po smiled weakly and drew his last breath, brushing his hand over his daughter's soft hair. Sally took his hand, still warm, and her face crumpled with anxiety. Then a burning anger spread over her usually calm features.
Sally stood up and lunged at Master Yen, knocking him back a little and dropping her gun in the process. Master Yen saw this as a perfect oppurtunity to blackmail Wufei into challenging him, as Zechs and Noin had evidently run out of bullets so could not attack him.
He snatched Sally by the collar and shook her forcefully, screaming: " Who do you think you are, you impudent woman! You filthy half-breed! Your father was a pathetic excuse for a man - not even full-blood himself, and you rank below him as a woman!"
Shen-ling was disturbed by the treatment his mother was recieving and ran to his father for protection. Wufei pushed him aside. He wasn't in the mood for comforting his son; he was in the mood for murder. Noin put down her useless gun and took the shaking child in her arms, soothing him.
Wufei sprang forward, brandishing his sword, but Master Yen held his own knife against Sally's slender neck. She cringed at the cool metal pressing against her skin. " One wrong move and this wretched woman you dare to call your wife will meet a sorry end. Unless, of course, you decide to challenge me to a battle, in which case, I shall free her."
Wufei's anger simmered and he nodded. " All right, have your wish. But if there is any justice in this world, you will lose."
Master Yen fingered his knife and smirked. " You're not afraid, are you Chang?"
Wufei curled up his lip in disgust. Master Yen relased his grasp on Sally and tossed her aside like a limp rag. She returned to her fallen father's side. Yen's mistreating of her had caused her a few neck injuries. Wufei wasn't going to let him get away with it.
~* ~
The two began to clash knives almost at once. Wufei was a skilled fighter and his foot-work was excellent. Master Yen, on the other hand was used to being protected by his clan and had not had a man-to-man battle for quite a while. Despite this, he wasn't giving Wufei an easy ride.
Zechs, Noin and Sally watched with their hearts in their mouths, though each one was quietly confident Wufei would be the victor. Shen-ling still clutched onto Noin's jacket, whispering: " Papa."
The two men were hurling abuse at each other and Sally wondered whether she should cover her son's ears.
Wufei managed to bash Master Yen, the impact sending the older man careering backwards into the wall, his knife slipping from his grasp.
Wufei jabbed the blade of his sword into his victims' neck, not enough to kill him, just to unnerve him. " Now you're at my mercy, Yen," he sneered. " Did you honestly think you could defeat me? You weakling. Now give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right here on the spot."
Master Yen gulped, as he peered into the eyes of his young aggressor. " Because.....I......surrender. Now you know....there...is....no....honour in killing.....someone who has surrendered.......a weakling...is there.....Chang?"
Wufei glowered at his enemy, knowing there was some truth to his words. There was no point in cold-blooded murder. He withdrew the sword, to the horror of the others. Only Sally understood.
Master Yen eyed Wufei then bowed with a hint of insincerity, a smirk forming on his lips. " Oh thank you, most merciful one," he simpered.
Zechs stiffened and moved to another angle of the room, his eyes fixed on Master Yen's next move. Master Yen bent over a little, clutching his heart in pretend relief. Wufei frowned and put down his sword.
" Wufei! Look out!" Sally shrieked, as Master Yen regained the possession of his knife.
Seeing as Wufei was unarmed, Yen managed to yank him round and point his own knife to Wufei's throat. There was no chance he would spare his opponent, he just wanted to taunt Wufei a little more, as the other's were powerless to do anything.
" I guess you'll be meeting Master Long very shortly," Yen said. " Then you can tell him what a failure you made of the Dragon Clan and your wife can join her treacherous family, too. And I shan't be sparing your son. What do you have to say before you die, Chang?"
" Kisama!" Wufei hissed.
Master Yen raised his knife then a shot was fired and he collapsed. Wufei turned, alarmed, to see Zechs stood behind the fallen body of the enemy, holding the gun Sally had dropped. He had realised the gun was still loaded and this was the only way to preserve Wufei's life.
" Why? Why did you kill him?" Wufei demanded. " I was....weak....I deserved my fate... I let the enemy triumph! Why, Zechs?"
Zechs tossed back his flaxen hair and lowered the gun. " Because unlike you, I have no code of honour to obey," he replied.
Despite his wounded pride, Wufei had to agree this man had saved his life, that of Sally and his child, and at least deserved some gratitude.
" Zechs Marquise, I never thought there'd come a day when I'd say this, but I and the Dragon Clan owe you our lives."
~ * ~
Zechs was loading the supplies into the craft, as Wufei made his daily visit to the Dragon Clan temple. Zechs had helped him lay Shiang Po to rest there yesterday so Sally could have a part of her own family with her, too.
Sally was bathing Shen-ling inside the house, accompanied by Noin. The two woman were chatting and catching up on old times, despite the pain of having to see the little child's bruises as he was undressed.
" I'm sorry I couldn't be at you and Zechs' wedding," Sally said regretfully, pulling her son out of the bath tub and wrapping him in a white towel. " Though I knew you'd end up together."
" I think I would have self-detonated if Zechs had fallen for someone else," Noin admitted. " That reminds me, I wonder what happened to Heero Yuy and the other Gundam pilots."
" I know what happened to the fifth one," Sally laughed, towelling Shen-ling dry so that he squealed in annoyance. " Though I think you were pretty safe. I mean, who else could end up with Zechs?"
" Well who else could end up with Wufei Chang?" Noin snickered, all in good humour, and the two of them shared another moment of laughter.
" Mama, what's a Gundam?" Shen-ling piped up, his voice muffled by the towel.
" Ask your father," Sally replied, ruffling his hair.
Once Shen-ling was dry, Sally dressed him and combed his wet, waist-length hair into a tight braid. " Duo Maxwell, eat your heart out," she said with a chuckle.
" Who's Duo Maxwell?" Shen Ling asked.
" Nobody, now you just run along and play," Sally answered. Shen-ling happily obliged.
Noin watched the little boy's retreating figure with a sentimental gaze. " You're a really good mother, Sally," she commented. " I just hope I will be too."
Sally turned and peered into her friends soft violet eyes, looking for the spark she remembered in herself.
" What are you searching for?" Noin asked, blinking.
" I knew it, I had my suspicions but I kept quiet," Sally replied, triumphantly. " You're having a baby, aren't you!"
Noin smiled and patted her currently flat stomach. " Yes. I'm only two months gone so Zechs and I have got plently of time to let Lady Une know and set up a stable home. Relena was delighted."
" Congratulations!" Sally exclaimed, swamping Noin with a hug. " I just know you'll have a wonderful family. And I hope the child brings you as must joy as Shen-ling brings me."
~ * ~
Noin and Zechs bid farewell a half hour later. Sally and Noin had promised to make more of an effort to keep in touch, though it was still a little emotional having to say goodbye.
As the craft took to the morning sky and disappeared, Wufei emerged from the temple, a calm and composed expression on his face. Sally was relieved. She wandered up onto the grassy knoll to stand beside him.
" What are you looking at?" she inquired softly.
A gentle smile spread over Wufei's features. " Our son."
Sally stared down into the garden to see Shen-ling crouched under the blossom tree gathering the fallen petals.
She tucked her arm in Wufei's and gave her husband a questioning look.
" He says they're for his grandfather," Wufei explained with the tender smile only Sally had ever witnessed. " Your father."
" How sweet of him," Sally laughed fondly. " Did I mention Zechs and Noin are expecting a child?"
Wufei arched an eyebrow and then he shook his head, smirking. " I guess it was only a matter of time..."
" Oh can't you ever just be pleased for someone?" Sally grumbled, squeezing his arm.
" I...am, it's just I wouldn't want that foolish woman Noin as the mother of my children!"
" Well that's why you married me," Sally reminded him.
Wufei nodded. " Absolutely. Well, I must say, you've done me proud, Onna."
Sally punched him gently; " Call me by my real name, Wuffy."
" Sally," he smiled, and kissed her.
Down in the shaded garden, Shen-ling examined the white petals in his hands, deciding he needed a bigger range of colour. He knew just where to look. Turning to motion to his parents that he was leaving, he gave his mother a meek smile and his father a respectful bow. Then, watched under the adoring gaze of his parents, the Little Dragon turned and headed towards the flower fields.
The End
~*~
AN: Sorry this part is shorter, it always kinda happens when I write a longer fic and break it up...oh yeah, I wondered since I wrote this fic, why would Wufei use Japanese words? Well, that's just fandom for ya ^^;;. If I learn the Chinese version, maybe I'll alter it...well, this was one of my earlier ones I suppose.
I am thinking I might write an epilogue or something if I have time, just something to add onto the story because I feel like it, what do you peeps think?