Note: Thanks to everyone's suggestions for this story. A lot of you
suggested an Ancient China plot for Wufei but unfortunately I'm trying to
make these dreams as logical as possible. Sally's only half-Chinese and
has blonde hair and blue eyes; you wouldn't find someone like that in
Ancient China. I hope you're not too mad at me cause I hate it when peole
are mad at me (puppy dog eyes). Hope you enjoy this next installment and
please review cause I won't continue if no one likes it or had a heart
attack cause it was so bad.
Prologue
Wufei completed his nightly exercises as usual though he wasn't use to doing them in such a small area. The sleeping quarters on this ship leave much to be desired he grumbled as he pulled the band that held his hair back. Pulling the band completely off he set it down on the table beside the bed and stretched his shoulders a couple more times. It would be his turn at watch in a couple of hours so it was important that he get as much sleep as possible for the coming battle. They knew little about the enemy and Wufei had a feeling that they would be worthy adversaries. He'd missed this Wufei admitted with a small amount of surprise. He came from a warrior line but before he'd gotten involved in the war he'd avoid conflict as long as his honor wasn't at stake. Yet know he looked forward to this battle, a chance to test himself and his skills. And anything was better then deskwork Wufei thought with a grimace as he remembered the large amount of paperwork on his desk. Poor Sally Wufei thought with a slightly evil grin, the Onna would have her work cut out for her. Grinning now Wufei settled back on the bed and closing his eyes he concentrated on getting to sleep as quickly as possible in order to gain the maximum amount of rest.
Wufei's Dream
Moving with the grace of a powerful feline the young man in black melted into the crowded area where he was instantly swallowed up and became just another person on his way to an unknown destination. Creatures from all over the worlds and galaxies walked the heavily crowded streets and the young man was just another traveler here on a pit stop to see the sights and rest for a while. The young man wore the heavy cloak despite the heat, it hid his face from the outside world and had anyone stopped to look they would be able to draw nothing from what they could see of his appearance. It was on purpose of course; the young man had no wish to draw attention to him self. Had they been able to get a good look at him they would have seen a young man with shoulder length black hair tied back at the nape and eyes as dark as his hair. He had a slender build and yet what was there was well muscled from use and had he bothered to smile at all he would have been considered good looking, for a human anyway. However humans were not that well liked in this region and though the war was over there were still many who carried the fighting spirit in their blood and would have liked to shed his.
"But I didn't survive the war to be killed in peace times." The young Jedi warrior whispered to himself as he moved out of the way of a rather large Wookie that was several feet taller and wider. Their were few Jedi's left alive as it was without him getting killed by letting his guard down in a dangerous area. People either feared, hated or revered the Jedi Knights and being that he was in a former Empire capital he knew that in most cases it would be the second one on the list. He really shouldn't have come here at all but he needed to find out what had happened to her as foolish as it was. He'd already called himself seven times the fool for doing this but his heart wouldn't listen to his head's reasoning. He had met her when he was at his lowest, when he'd been about to lose all faith in mankind and their essential goodness. She had given him that hope, that reason to continue to fight, to believe that there was still something worth saving. They had only spoken twice and yet he'd felt a connection to her that he'd felt with no other before or since. He didn't understand the feelings nor did he want to, that was not why he'd come he assured himself as he turned the corner, he simply wanted to know what had happened to her and he knew that the best way to find out was to go to the village they had meet at.
"So why are we doing this again?" A voice said from beside him asked and Chang Wufei would have rolled his eyes and asked God why if he were the type to do so, which he wasn't. Not even bothering to acknowledge his friend Wufei continued to look only straight in front of him and hoped that for the first time in history the other Jedi would leave because he obviously wasn't wanted.
"There is no we. I don't need your help Maxwell." Wufei said dryly still not bothering to look in the young Jedi apprentice's direction. Somehow it had come to pass that Duo Maxwell would be a Jedi Master soon like himself, that is if he ever stops treating life like a game which Wufei seriously doubted. The other man would have been dead long ago if he hadn't been there to cover his back Wufei thought with a slight shake of his head.
"Hey, of course I'm coming with you buddy. What kind of a friend would I be if I let you walk into this kind of place without someone to cover your back? A pretty lousy friend is what I'd be. So where are we going again exactly?" The cocky ex fighter pilot named Duo Maxwell asked as he flipped his long brown braid over his shoulder. Like Wufei he had fought for years on the Rebellion's side against the Empire and like him had hid his Jedi training in order to remain alive. Despite the fact that they'd won thanks to war heroes such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and Han Solo it was still dangerous to be a Jedi knight even today and both of them were looking forward to the day when they could once again show themselves for what they were.
"I don't need your help." Wufei said with a hint of pride that had gotten him into more trouble then had ever been entirely necessary. He prided himself on needed nothing and no one. He was not weak like the other humans of his kind. He had not stood by and watched the Empire destroy everything good in the world and galaxies. He had not been a coward.
"Well you have my help whether you want it or not Wufei." Duo said with a rare, serious look on his face. "You didn't ask, I volunteered. So where are we going cause I'm not leaving this place without you."
"I'm going to a village five hours from here. I was heading for a place nearby that rents out speeders before you decided to join me." Wufei said giving up. He knew from past experience that he wouldn't be getting rid of his friend anytime soon.
"So why are you going to this village?" Duo asked as he smiled over Wufei's shoulder at a good-looking Aquarian who waved one of her many hands at him.
"I'm looking for someone. I'm hoping I can find out the information I seek at this village." Wufei said shortly as he mentally shook his head at Duo. Never mind that the alien had as many arms as a black widow spider, if it was female Maxwell flirted with it.
"Who are you looking for?" Duo asked curiously as he grinned at the way people were giving his friend a wide birth. He probably doesn't even realize how intimidating he is even when he's in disguise. They'd probably go running if they ever saw him glare at them.
"Someone I met during the war not that its any of your business. I want to know what happened to her." Wufei said moving out of the way of a vendor who'd just shoved something green and smelly under his nose. If it didn't resemble food he stayed as far away from it as possible, he'd rather fast.
"Old girlfriend?" Duo said in surprise. Wufei never talked about himself and Duo was surprised Wufei could get a girl considering his sexist attitude about woman.
"No. She was a medic I met up with while I was working here on a mission. She did me a favor and I want to make sure that she got out okay." Wufei said, as he glared slightly at Duo for daring to mention the possibility that Sally was anything more then a friend, not that she was even that despite the fact that she'd kissed him. If you could even call it a kiss. And even if it had meant something Jedi's didn't have relationships with the other sex. It clouds the judgment and took away from training. Anakin Skywalker had gotten involved with a woman and look what happened; he'd gone to the dark side and killed billions.
"You know if she is your girlfriend then that's okay. Seeing as there's only a handful of Jedi's left in the galaxies I doubt that there would be many out there who'd think less of you for having a girl. Besides, we need more Jedi's in the world and seeing as it tends to be hereditary us getting married wouldn't be the worst thing in the world." Duo said as he swung his arm around Wufei's shoulder. "So is she pretty?"
Wufei just shook his head; Maxwell would never change and for some reason that fact made a rare smile cross his features.
"Excuse me sir. We wish to rent two of your speeders." Wufei said as he removed his hood so that he could see the shore owner better.
"You boys ain't from around here are you?" The store owner said leaning back against his chair behind the front counter. "I don't recognize either of you boys. Are you tourists?"
"We'll need the speeders for today and will return them tomorrow." Wufei said not answering the question. It was better that the old man knew as little as possible about them. "How much do you charge?"
"Twenty nine credits each and that's not including fuel for the trip." The owner said looking more closely at them. The one doing all the talking looked like most humans, as did his silent companion but he was an educated man and so he decided not to judge them by the rest of their race partly because they didn't look like they were anything more then travelers and mostly because he sensed with long honed instincts that neither were men to be toyed with. "Oh and ninety credits as a deposit."
"That's acceptable." Wufei said with a nod before reaching into his robes for his money. Pulling out a leather sack he opened it and turning his back to the owner counted out the amount needed. Turning back he placed the amount into a separate pocket. "I will see the machines first to make sure they are suitable. Then you will get your money.
"Sounds fair." The owner said as he heaved his considerable bulk out from behind the desk. "Right this way gentlemen."
Wufei zipped along with Duo not far behind. Speeding through the air they came to a stop on top of a hill that should overlook the village. Standing straight on their speeders the two looked down in dismay at what lay before them.
"No." Wufei said not wanting to believe what was in front of him. He remembered the village well, the children running through the dirt streets, the old woman who'd told him about the tree, the people just coming and going, minding their own business. But they weren't there anymore. The streets were empty and the children, the old woman were probably all dead and buried nearby. The attack must have happened soon after he'd left because the forest around it had already begun to retake the area. What buildings had remained standing were barely standing and were surrounded by debris and flora.
"That's the village?" Duo asked quietly as he viewed what remained of a thriving small village. "Maybe we're in the wrong place."
"No, this is it. The Troopers must have heard that there were rebel sympathizers here and set troops to wipe them out. They probably never saw it coming." Wufei said and prayed he was right. He didn't want to think that they'd suffered, that she'd suffered. There was a chance she hadn't been here but he doubted it, she'd cared too much about the villagers and the cause to just pack up and go.
"Maybe someone still there or nearby. They might know where your friend is." Duo said with a hopeful look. He didn't want this girl to be dead whoever she was. For a moment when Wufei had mentioned her he'd seen a hint of a smile on his friend's face. He wanted to see that again.
"Doubtful. The nearest settlement is two hours north and the chances of anyone wanting to remain here would be slim. The only people we'll find here are dead." Wufei said looking off into the distance without really seeing it. She'd been so young he thought picturing the first time he'd seen her. His commanding officer at the time had dragged her in and her eyes had been wide with indignation and controlled fury and he remembered thinking that if she'd had the strength she probably would have punched the commander. He would have deserved it too.
"Well it can't hurt to look." Duo said giving him a look that said they were going to go look whether he liked it or not.
"You can check the village, I need to check something else first." Wufei said as he motioned to the left where he remembered the tree to be.
"What's her name so that I can ask if I find anyone?" Duo said revving his engine.
"Sally Poe."
"Gotcha. Back here in a half an hour?"
"Agreed." Wufei said as they both set off in their given directions.
Wufei stared at the tree and let out the breath he hadn't been aware he was holding. Unlike the village it had stood over the tree remained as unmoved and beautiful as before. It's branches swaying slightly with the faint wind Wufei inhaled the sweet scent of its blossoms and wondered what to do. He had come along way only to find that she was gone. He had already planned what he intended to do with his life and yet somehow now that he knew she wasn't going to get a chance to live out her life his own plans seemed lifeless. Which was strange given that none of his plans had involved her. Scanning his surroundings his gaze was caught by a bouquet of flowers leaning against the trunk of the tree. Bending down on one knee Wufei pulled back his hood and the reached out a hand to touch the delicate petals. Stroking the delicate petal of a flower that resembled a flower on his home world that was called a rose Wufei tensed ever so slightly as he became aware of another's presence. Carefully moving his hand from the flower he carefully moved it towards the light saber strapped to his side but stopped when the figure spoke.
"Chang Wufei, is that you?"
Wufei slowly got up and straightening up he turned to look at the speaker who'd called his name and there she was, as though she'd been waiting for him to come here, to come to the tree.
"Sally?" Wufei asked eyeing her suspiciously as he took in her appearance having learned to not always trust his eyes and what they saw. Her long blonde hair was in a large bun at the back of her head and she was wearing the usual army camouflage clothing with a gun strapped to her waist. There was a slight smile on her pretty face as she looked at him that he recognized well and he allowed a similar smile to cross his face before disappearing into his usual blank expression.
"Yea it's me. I'm glad you made it." Sally said with a sparkle in her blue eyes as she walked towards him with her usual purposefully stride. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."
"I came back to see how the village had weathered and to see if there was anything I could do to repay them for their help." Wufei said not really wanting to let her know that she had a lot to do with his returning. It wouldn't do for the woman to think he cared for her.
"Well then I'm afraid your trip was for nothing Wufei." Sally said with a sad smile as she stopped at his side, seeming to sense his inner conflict. "But I'm glad you came, I wondered what had happened to you."
"I'm glad you survived." Wufei said looking sideways at her. "Were you here when the Troopers attacked?"
"They attached the rebel bases first so we were able to give the villagers some warning to get out. We even managed to hold them back for a while and so most of the villagers managed to survive." Sally said her voice devoid of emotion. Not because she didn't care Wufei thought but because she knew that crying and whining wouldn't do any good.
"You were lucky." He said simply as he waited for her to continue.
"Its funny really, I had no intention of ever coming back here once the war was over but for some reason I had the overwhelming urge to see this tree and the village one more time. I guess the fate knew I'd want to know what had happened to you. So many of my patients ended up dead, its nice to know that at least one of them lived." Sally said with a smile.
"Where will you go now?" Wufei asked as he caught a flower that had fallen from the branches above.
"I don't know exactly. My immediate family was all killed and home just won't seem like home without them. I guess I'll just have to take things as they come for a while until I get my footing." Sally said with a brave smile. "You?"
"My planet was destroyed and I have no family. I will start up an academy for the training of Jedi knights." Wufei said despite the fact that it was not something you admitted to someone you'd only meet a handful of times but there was something about her that made him trust her.
"You're a Jedi knight, I thought so." Sally said with another smile. "Where do you intend to build your training centre?"
"You knew? How is that possible?" Wufei demanded visibly giving her his full attention for the first time.
"My brother Lex was a Jedi and there were countless in my mother's family tree. I've never bothered to harness what little abilities I have but I got the sense that you might possibly be strong in the force when I touched you to examine your shoulder."
"Oh." Wufei said not knowing what else to say. There had been huge rewards on any information about possible Jedi knights and she could have made a sizeable profit turning him in. She truly was an honourable and truly good person. "If you don't have any plans your welcome to join me. I'm on the way to the Shanghais planet in the Netger system; I have a family holding there. It's not much but I will have little use for it once I build the school so your welcome to stay until you decide what you wish to do now." Wufei said before he realized what he'd said. By all the Gods what the hell had possessed him to say that!
"You barely know me, why would you offer to do such a thing?" Sally said echoing his thoughts.
"Just a thought." Wufei said rather stiffly not willing to admit that he hadn't meant to say what he'd said. "You needn't say yes on my account."
"Well then I'll say on my account." Sally said shooting him an amused look like she was perfectly aware that he regretted offering. "That is if you're sure you don't mind having a house guest. I wasn't looking forward to living in army bases for the next couple of months."
"I would be happy to have you for a guest." Wufei said stiffly and it was true, he didn't mind and that was the truly puzzling thing about it. If he didn't know any better he'd think that the thought of having her stay with him was responsible for the smile threatening to overtake his bland expression.
"It's a deal then." Sally said holding out her hand. Repeating her words Wufei took her hand and felt his eyes widen at the shock that went through his system as their hands connected. She obviously had felt it to because she dropped his hand just as quickly.
"So when do we leave?" Sally asked as they walked down the hill leaving the tree swaying calmly behind them.
"We simply have to collect a friend of mine and then were free to go, I own my own shuttle and provided Maxwell's still in one piece when we reach the hill we should be able to leave tonight if that's all right with you."
"Sounds good to me. So who's Maxwell and why wouldn't he be in one piece?" Sally asked kicking a large rock off the beaten path. "What planet is he from?"
"He's a humanoid too. He just has a habit of finding trouble where ever he goes. Especially if there's a woman nearby." Wufei said rolling his eyes slightly, which made her smile even more which pleased him though why he had no idea.
"So he's a ladies man or does he just think he is?" Sally asked her eyes sparkling again, distracting him again.
"The ladies seem to like him though why is beyond me. You'll probably find him an annoyance." Wufei stated and for some reason it came out sounding more like a command then a statement. Frowning at the thought he missed the speculating smile she threw his way.
"So do you have a girl waiting for you back home Wufei? I'd hate to think I'd wasted that kiss on someone who was already taken." Sally said daringly and Wufei could barely keep his jaw from dropping at her words. Just what exactly had she meant by that little comment?
"No." Wufei stated and hoped that that would be the end of it.
"Well that's good." Sally said shaking him even further.
"And why is that?" Wufei asked suspiciously as his speeder came into view.
"If you can't figure that out then your not half as smart as I think you are." Sally said with a smile as she waved at the young man coming towards them, his braid flying behind him.
Wufei came awake gradually as his body alerted him that it was time to get up. Opening his eyes he sat up and went through the activities of getting dressed and awake without really thinking about his dream. He was a firm believer that everything had its place and time and right now wasn't the time to study his dream or the meaning behind it. But there couldn't be any meaning Wufei decided as he laced up his boots, it was simply a bunch of nonsense that had no point except to take up valuable learning time. Normally his dreams were representations of goals he wished to achieve or things from the past that were or importance. This dream however had been pointless and without any obvious meaning. He had only to look at the characters and the plot in his dream to know that it was a bunch of garbage. Being something called a Jedi knight, having special abilities and powers, caring that way for Sally, the dream meant nothing. Right, right. Wufei having assured himself he quickly tied back his hair and sticking his hands into his pockets to make sure his notes were still there gave a slight start as his hand closed around something that didn't belong there. Holding it carefully Wufei withdrew his hand and turning on the light stared down at the foreign object. For there, nestled in his hand was a perfectly shaped cherry blossom flower.
Well, what did you think? It went a lot longer then I intended but oh well, say la vie. Anyway I really like to thank all those who have reviewed and to thank you for reading my fic. Thanks and I hope you liked it enough to continue to read this fic and maybe some of my others. ALSO ANY HELP WITH THE MILLIARDO DREAM WOULD BE APPRECIATED CAUSE I'M KINDA DRAWING A BLANK!!!!
Prologue
Wufei completed his nightly exercises as usual though he wasn't use to doing them in such a small area. The sleeping quarters on this ship leave much to be desired he grumbled as he pulled the band that held his hair back. Pulling the band completely off he set it down on the table beside the bed and stretched his shoulders a couple more times. It would be his turn at watch in a couple of hours so it was important that he get as much sleep as possible for the coming battle. They knew little about the enemy and Wufei had a feeling that they would be worthy adversaries. He'd missed this Wufei admitted with a small amount of surprise. He came from a warrior line but before he'd gotten involved in the war he'd avoid conflict as long as his honor wasn't at stake. Yet know he looked forward to this battle, a chance to test himself and his skills. And anything was better then deskwork Wufei thought with a grimace as he remembered the large amount of paperwork on his desk. Poor Sally Wufei thought with a slightly evil grin, the Onna would have her work cut out for her. Grinning now Wufei settled back on the bed and closing his eyes he concentrated on getting to sleep as quickly as possible in order to gain the maximum amount of rest.
Wufei's Dream
Moving with the grace of a powerful feline the young man in black melted into the crowded area where he was instantly swallowed up and became just another person on his way to an unknown destination. Creatures from all over the worlds and galaxies walked the heavily crowded streets and the young man was just another traveler here on a pit stop to see the sights and rest for a while. The young man wore the heavy cloak despite the heat, it hid his face from the outside world and had anyone stopped to look they would be able to draw nothing from what they could see of his appearance. It was on purpose of course; the young man had no wish to draw attention to him self. Had they been able to get a good look at him they would have seen a young man with shoulder length black hair tied back at the nape and eyes as dark as his hair. He had a slender build and yet what was there was well muscled from use and had he bothered to smile at all he would have been considered good looking, for a human anyway. However humans were not that well liked in this region and though the war was over there were still many who carried the fighting spirit in their blood and would have liked to shed his.
"But I didn't survive the war to be killed in peace times." The young Jedi warrior whispered to himself as he moved out of the way of a rather large Wookie that was several feet taller and wider. Their were few Jedi's left alive as it was without him getting killed by letting his guard down in a dangerous area. People either feared, hated or revered the Jedi Knights and being that he was in a former Empire capital he knew that in most cases it would be the second one on the list. He really shouldn't have come here at all but he needed to find out what had happened to her as foolish as it was. He'd already called himself seven times the fool for doing this but his heart wouldn't listen to his head's reasoning. He had met her when he was at his lowest, when he'd been about to lose all faith in mankind and their essential goodness. She had given him that hope, that reason to continue to fight, to believe that there was still something worth saving. They had only spoken twice and yet he'd felt a connection to her that he'd felt with no other before or since. He didn't understand the feelings nor did he want to, that was not why he'd come he assured himself as he turned the corner, he simply wanted to know what had happened to her and he knew that the best way to find out was to go to the village they had meet at.
"So why are we doing this again?" A voice said from beside him asked and Chang Wufei would have rolled his eyes and asked God why if he were the type to do so, which he wasn't. Not even bothering to acknowledge his friend Wufei continued to look only straight in front of him and hoped that for the first time in history the other Jedi would leave because he obviously wasn't wanted.
"There is no we. I don't need your help Maxwell." Wufei said dryly still not bothering to look in the young Jedi apprentice's direction. Somehow it had come to pass that Duo Maxwell would be a Jedi Master soon like himself, that is if he ever stops treating life like a game which Wufei seriously doubted. The other man would have been dead long ago if he hadn't been there to cover his back Wufei thought with a slight shake of his head.
"Hey, of course I'm coming with you buddy. What kind of a friend would I be if I let you walk into this kind of place without someone to cover your back? A pretty lousy friend is what I'd be. So where are we going again exactly?" The cocky ex fighter pilot named Duo Maxwell asked as he flipped his long brown braid over his shoulder. Like Wufei he had fought for years on the Rebellion's side against the Empire and like him had hid his Jedi training in order to remain alive. Despite the fact that they'd won thanks to war heroes such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia and Han Solo it was still dangerous to be a Jedi knight even today and both of them were looking forward to the day when they could once again show themselves for what they were.
"I don't need your help." Wufei said with a hint of pride that had gotten him into more trouble then had ever been entirely necessary. He prided himself on needed nothing and no one. He was not weak like the other humans of his kind. He had not stood by and watched the Empire destroy everything good in the world and galaxies. He had not been a coward.
"Well you have my help whether you want it or not Wufei." Duo said with a rare, serious look on his face. "You didn't ask, I volunteered. So where are we going cause I'm not leaving this place without you."
"I'm going to a village five hours from here. I was heading for a place nearby that rents out speeders before you decided to join me." Wufei said giving up. He knew from past experience that he wouldn't be getting rid of his friend anytime soon.
"So why are you going to this village?" Duo asked as he smiled over Wufei's shoulder at a good-looking Aquarian who waved one of her many hands at him.
"I'm looking for someone. I'm hoping I can find out the information I seek at this village." Wufei said shortly as he mentally shook his head at Duo. Never mind that the alien had as many arms as a black widow spider, if it was female Maxwell flirted with it.
"Who are you looking for?" Duo asked curiously as he grinned at the way people were giving his friend a wide birth. He probably doesn't even realize how intimidating he is even when he's in disguise. They'd probably go running if they ever saw him glare at them.
"Someone I met during the war not that its any of your business. I want to know what happened to her." Wufei said moving out of the way of a vendor who'd just shoved something green and smelly under his nose. If it didn't resemble food he stayed as far away from it as possible, he'd rather fast.
"Old girlfriend?" Duo said in surprise. Wufei never talked about himself and Duo was surprised Wufei could get a girl considering his sexist attitude about woman.
"No. She was a medic I met up with while I was working here on a mission. She did me a favor and I want to make sure that she got out okay." Wufei said, as he glared slightly at Duo for daring to mention the possibility that Sally was anything more then a friend, not that she was even that despite the fact that she'd kissed him. If you could even call it a kiss. And even if it had meant something Jedi's didn't have relationships with the other sex. It clouds the judgment and took away from training. Anakin Skywalker had gotten involved with a woman and look what happened; he'd gone to the dark side and killed billions.
"You know if she is your girlfriend then that's okay. Seeing as there's only a handful of Jedi's left in the galaxies I doubt that there would be many out there who'd think less of you for having a girl. Besides, we need more Jedi's in the world and seeing as it tends to be hereditary us getting married wouldn't be the worst thing in the world." Duo said as he swung his arm around Wufei's shoulder. "So is she pretty?"
Wufei just shook his head; Maxwell would never change and for some reason that fact made a rare smile cross his features.
"Excuse me sir. We wish to rent two of your speeders." Wufei said as he removed his hood so that he could see the shore owner better.
"You boys ain't from around here are you?" The store owner said leaning back against his chair behind the front counter. "I don't recognize either of you boys. Are you tourists?"
"We'll need the speeders for today and will return them tomorrow." Wufei said not answering the question. It was better that the old man knew as little as possible about them. "How much do you charge?"
"Twenty nine credits each and that's not including fuel for the trip." The owner said looking more closely at them. The one doing all the talking looked like most humans, as did his silent companion but he was an educated man and so he decided not to judge them by the rest of their race partly because they didn't look like they were anything more then travelers and mostly because he sensed with long honed instincts that neither were men to be toyed with. "Oh and ninety credits as a deposit."
"That's acceptable." Wufei said with a nod before reaching into his robes for his money. Pulling out a leather sack he opened it and turning his back to the owner counted out the amount needed. Turning back he placed the amount into a separate pocket. "I will see the machines first to make sure they are suitable. Then you will get your money.
"Sounds fair." The owner said as he heaved his considerable bulk out from behind the desk. "Right this way gentlemen."
Wufei zipped along with Duo not far behind. Speeding through the air they came to a stop on top of a hill that should overlook the village. Standing straight on their speeders the two looked down in dismay at what lay before them.
"No." Wufei said not wanting to believe what was in front of him. He remembered the village well, the children running through the dirt streets, the old woman who'd told him about the tree, the people just coming and going, minding their own business. But they weren't there anymore. The streets were empty and the children, the old woman were probably all dead and buried nearby. The attack must have happened soon after he'd left because the forest around it had already begun to retake the area. What buildings had remained standing were barely standing and were surrounded by debris and flora.
"That's the village?" Duo asked quietly as he viewed what remained of a thriving small village. "Maybe we're in the wrong place."
"No, this is it. The Troopers must have heard that there were rebel sympathizers here and set troops to wipe them out. They probably never saw it coming." Wufei said and prayed he was right. He didn't want to think that they'd suffered, that she'd suffered. There was a chance she hadn't been here but he doubted it, she'd cared too much about the villagers and the cause to just pack up and go.
"Maybe someone still there or nearby. They might know where your friend is." Duo said with a hopeful look. He didn't want this girl to be dead whoever she was. For a moment when Wufei had mentioned her he'd seen a hint of a smile on his friend's face. He wanted to see that again.
"Doubtful. The nearest settlement is two hours north and the chances of anyone wanting to remain here would be slim. The only people we'll find here are dead." Wufei said looking off into the distance without really seeing it. She'd been so young he thought picturing the first time he'd seen her. His commanding officer at the time had dragged her in and her eyes had been wide with indignation and controlled fury and he remembered thinking that if she'd had the strength she probably would have punched the commander. He would have deserved it too.
"Well it can't hurt to look." Duo said giving him a look that said they were going to go look whether he liked it or not.
"You can check the village, I need to check something else first." Wufei said as he motioned to the left where he remembered the tree to be.
"What's her name so that I can ask if I find anyone?" Duo said revving his engine.
"Sally Poe."
"Gotcha. Back here in a half an hour?"
"Agreed." Wufei said as they both set off in their given directions.
Wufei stared at the tree and let out the breath he hadn't been aware he was holding. Unlike the village it had stood over the tree remained as unmoved and beautiful as before. It's branches swaying slightly with the faint wind Wufei inhaled the sweet scent of its blossoms and wondered what to do. He had come along way only to find that she was gone. He had already planned what he intended to do with his life and yet somehow now that he knew she wasn't going to get a chance to live out her life his own plans seemed lifeless. Which was strange given that none of his plans had involved her. Scanning his surroundings his gaze was caught by a bouquet of flowers leaning against the trunk of the tree. Bending down on one knee Wufei pulled back his hood and the reached out a hand to touch the delicate petals. Stroking the delicate petal of a flower that resembled a flower on his home world that was called a rose Wufei tensed ever so slightly as he became aware of another's presence. Carefully moving his hand from the flower he carefully moved it towards the light saber strapped to his side but stopped when the figure spoke.
"Chang Wufei, is that you?"
Wufei slowly got up and straightening up he turned to look at the speaker who'd called his name and there she was, as though she'd been waiting for him to come here, to come to the tree.
"Sally?" Wufei asked eyeing her suspiciously as he took in her appearance having learned to not always trust his eyes and what they saw. Her long blonde hair was in a large bun at the back of her head and she was wearing the usual army camouflage clothing with a gun strapped to her waist. There was a slight smile on her pretty face as she looked at him that he recognized well and he allowed a similar smile to cross his face before disappearing into his usual blank expression.
"Yea it's me. I'm glad you made it." Sally said with a sparkle in her blue eyes as she walked towards him with her usual purposefully stride. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."
"I came back to see how the village had weathered and to see if there was anything I could do to repay them for their help." Wufei said not really wanting to let her know that she had a lot to do with his returning. It wouldn't do for the woman to think he cared for her.
"Well then I'm afraid your trip was for nothing Wufei." Sally said with a sad smile as she stopped at his side, seeming to sense his inner conflict. "But I'm glad you came, I wondered what had happened to you."
"I'm glad you survived." Wufei said looking sideways at her. "Were you here when the Troopers attacked?"
"They attached the rebel bases first so we were able to give the villagers some warning to get out. We even managed to hold them back for a while and so most of the villagers managed to survive." Sally said her voice devoid of emotion. Not because she didn't care Wufei thought but because she knew that crying and whining wouldn't do any good.
"You were lucky." He said simply as he waited for her to continue.
"Its funny really, I had no intention of ever coming back here once the war was over but for some reason I had the overwhelming urge to see this tree and the village one more time. I guess the fate knew I'd want to know what had happened to you. So many of my patients ended up dead, its nice to know that at least one of them lived." Sally said with a smile.
"Where will you go now?" Wufei asked as he caught a flower that had fallen from the branches above.
"I don't know exactly. My immediate family was all killed and home just won't seem like home without them. I guess I'll just have to take things as they come for a while until I get my footing." Sally said with a brave smile. "You?"
"My planet was destroyed and I have no family. I will start up an academy for the training of Jedi knights." Wufei said despite the fact that it was not something you admitted to someone you'd only meet a handful of times but there was something about her that made him trust her.
"You're a Jedi knight, I thought so." Sally said with another smile. "Where do you intend to build your training centre?"
"You knew? How is that possible?" Wufei demanded visibly giving her his full attention for the first time.
"My brother Lex was a Jedi and there were countless in my mother's family tree. I've never bothered to harness what little abilities I have but I got the sense that you might possibly be strong in the force when I touched you to examine your shoulder."
"Oh." Wufei said not knowing what else to say. There had been huge rewards on any information about possible Jedi knights and she could have made a sizeable profit turning him in. She truly was an honourable and truly good person. "If you don't have any plans your welcome to join me. I'm on the way to the Shanghais planet in the Netger system; I have a family holding there. It's not much but I will have little use for it once I build the school so your welcome to stay until you decide what you wish to do now." Wufei said before he realized what he'd said. By all the Gods what the hell had possessed him to say that!
"You barely know me, why would you offer to do such a thing?" Sally said echoing his thoughts.
"Just a thought." Wufei said rather stiffly not willing to admit that he hadn't meant to say what he'd said. "You needn't say yes on my account."
"Well then I'll say on my account." Sally said shooting him an amused look like she was perfectly aware that he regretted offering. "That is if you're sure you don't mind having a house guest. I wasn't looking forward to living in army bases for the next couple of months."
"I would be happy to have you for a guest." Wufei said stiffly and it was true, he didn't mind and that was the truly puzzling thing about it. If he didn't know any better he'd think that the thought of having her stay with him was responsible for the smile threatening to overtake his bland expression.
"It's a deal then." Sally said holding out her hand. Repeating her words Wufei took her hand and felt his eyes widen at the shock that went through his system as their hands connected. She obviously had felt it to because she dropped his hand just as quickly.
"So when do we leave?" Sally asked as they walked down the hill leaving the tree swaying calmly behind them.
"We simply have to collect a friend of mine and then were free to go, I own my own shuttle and provided Maxwell's still in one piece when we reach the hill we should be able to leave tonight if that's all right with you."
"Sounds good to me. So who's Maxwell and why wouldn't he be in one piece?" Sally asked kicking a large rock off the beaten path. "What planet is he from?"
"He's a humanoid too. He just has a habit of finding trouble where ever he goes. Especially if there's a woman nearby." Wufei said rolling his eyes slightly, which made her smile even more which pleased him though why he had no idea.
"So he's a ladies man or does he just think he is?" Sally asked her eyes sparkling again, distracting him again.
"The ladies seem to like him though why is beyond me. You'll probably find him an annoyance." Wufei stated and for some reason it came out sounding more like a command then a statement. Frowning at the thought he missed the speculating smile she threw his way.
"So do you have a girl waiting for you back home Wufei? I'd hate to think I'd wasted that kiss on someone who was already taken." Sally said daringly and Wufei could barely keep his jaw from dropping at her words. Just what exactly had she meant by that little comment?
"No." Wufei stated and hoped that that would be the end of it.
"Well that's good." Sally said shaking him even further.
"And why is that?" Wufei asked suspiciously as his speeder came into view.
"If you can't figure that out then your not half as smart as I think you are." Sally said with a smile as she waved at the young man coming towards them, his braid flying behind him.
Wufei came awake gradually as his body alerted him that it was time to get up. Opening his eyes he sat up and went through the activities of getting dressed and awake without really thinking about his dream. He was a firm believer that everything had its place and time and right now wasn't the time to study his dream or the meaning behind it. But there couldn't be any meaning Wufei decided as he laced up his boots, it was simply a bunch of nonsense that had no point except to take up valuable learning time. Normally his dreams were representations of goals he wished to achieve or things from the past that were or importance. This dream however had been pointless and without any obvious meaning. He had only to look at the characters and the plot in his dream to know that it was a bunch of garbage. Being something called a Jedi knight, having special abilities and powers, caring that way for Sally, the dream meant nothing. Right, right. Wufei having assured himself he quickly tied back his hair and sticking his hands into his pockets to make sure his notes were still there gave a slight start as his hand closed around something that didn't belong there. Holding it carefully Wufei withdrew his hand and turning on the light stared down at the foreign object. For there, nestled in his hand was a perfectly shaped cherry blossom flower.
Well, what did you think? It went a lot longer then I intended but oh well, say la vie. Anyway I really like to thank all those who have reviewed and to thank you for reading my fic. Thanks and I hope you liked it enough to continue to read this fic and maybe some of my others. ALSO ANY HELP WITH THE MILLIARDO DREAM WOULD BE APPRECIATED CAUSE I'M KINDA DRAWING A BLANK!!!!