**I do not own Valdemar, it is property of Mercedes Lackey. I do not
own the Gundam Boys either, I just use them for my own twisted purposes.**
~~~YAY! A finished Chapter 5! An entire chapter dedicated to the Solitary Dragon. Now, Wufei is definitely my least favorite pilot, however, after spending so much time trying to think of how to handle this chapter, I'm liking him more and more. This has definitely been my most difficult chapter so fair, but I hope it turns out okay. Please Enjoy!
Thank you to everyone that has been giving me suggestions. Some things, however, I have already made decided on.
Dreamweaver: You got me. Two characters are going to be from the Eastern Empire, and I have already decided on them though. You'll see one soon ^.~ The Empire plays a huge role in the story, I've been planning that from the beginning…but I have said too much, and I shall not ruin the surprise!!!
Vialana: Yay! If you read any Mercedes Lackey books start with Arrows of the Queen or Magic's Pawn! I would feel so honored if I got another person addicted to Valdemar!!! Happy Reading!
I believe all of the major GW characters are going to be in the story. But most are not going to play major roles. That means Relena will be in the story, but she will not be a stalker and she will not give long annoying speeches. So, she will not be with Heero. I hate that pairing. I've only read one story where I actually liked it; I was quite ashamed of myself. Yeah, I'm not a Relena fan, so she is definitely OOC for my ficcie.
Also, I will be adding two characters that are not from Gundam Wing, but another anime. We'll see if anyone can guess the characters and what they're from. They'll be in later chapters.
Everyone's suggestion really helped me out with characters, the plots already been decided on. Arigato, you are my motivation and my inspiration!~~~
//Flashbacks are in Italics//
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arrows of Honor
Chapter 05: Wufei
Every morning the sun would shyly peer over the horizon, it's first rays touching the walls and houses of the city of Haven, and every morning as those first rays entered his room, Wufei, son of the Chang family, would wake and stretch and prepare for the day. This day was no different.
As soon as the sun invaded his room, Wufei opened his eyes and pulled back the covers. He stood, stretching tired muscles, and reached for his clothes, taking his time in sliding them on. Once he was dressed and fully awake, he padded noiselessly down the stairs and out the back door into the yard beyond. The yard of the Chang house was surround by a tall brick wall like most of the yards of the wealthy in Haven, but unlike those yards, which were filled with flowers, trees, benches, and fountains, the Chang yard was mostly bare. There were no trees or fancy fountains, and the only flowers were planted in small rows at the base of the wall. The rest of the yard was just a dirt square with a small wooden shed in one corner.
Like every morning, Wufei walked calmly toward the shed and opened the door. Inside, various practice weapons and armor lined the walls. He stepped inside, picking up a light wooden sword, and exited closing the doors behind him. Placing himself in the center of the yard, Wufei stood still, eyes closed, breathing evenly, before he began his daily training. Well, a portion of his daily training anyway. Each day, he rose early, and practiced before breakfast. After breakfast, he moved to the library or his bedroom for lessons until lunch. Once lunch was completed, he either trained or assisted his father with business. Following dinner was more training or reading until he felt it was time to retire. Almost everyday was the same, but it was the way he liked it, disciplined, routine, albeit, a little monotonous at times. His life had been this why for quite sometime and it would continue in this fashion until…until it had to change, which was sooner then he wanted it to.
Wufei practiced diligently, until the sun rose to a certain point in the sky and he know breakfast would be served shortly. He replaced the practice sword to its place in the shed and made his toward the house, wiping the sweat from his eyes. Making his way silebtly up the stairs, he returned to his room, washed the sweat and dirt from his body, and changed before heading down to breakfast, where his parents awaited his arrival.
Breakfast in the Chang house was nothing special. It held the same monotonous feel of Wufei everyday life. Kwan and Lei Chang were already seated at the large oak table when their son emerged, fully awake and freshly washed. He moved to his plate and began his meal, which was eaten in near silence, like every morning. With such a respectful and disciplined son, the Chang's never needed to give any commands or instructions to Wufei…almost never.
"Wufei."
The young man looked up from his half eaten breakfast to give his father his full attention.
"I know that you tend to stay in the house anyway," Kwan Chang began, "but I want to remind you that the Longs should be arriving in the next few days."
"How could I forget?" Wufei muttered under his breath.
His father continued without hearing the comment. "You should be prepared to greet them when they arrive. I am sure I don't have to remind you to be polite and respectful of them." Kwan gave his son a warning look.
Wufei glared back at him. "I'm sure I will be on my best behavior, now if you'll excuse me," he pushed away from the table and stood, leaving his breakfast unfinished, "but I seem to have lost my appetite. I'll be in studying in the library."
"Wufei…" He heard his mother softly call his name, but he was already out the door and heading for the stairs. He knew he had hurt his mother, and she was concerned for him, but he didn't want to discuss it again. He was tired of fighting a losing battle.
"Wufei!" He heard the call again and turned from where stood, halfway up the stares. Lei Chang floated up the stairs to stand in front of her son. She gazed at him with sad eyes. "Wufei, please be kind to them. I know what you are going through, but it is your duty and it is something we have all had to go through. This is important. It is a favor to an old friend. We had agreed on it."
Wufei snorted. "I did not agree to this. I had no say." With that he turned his back toward her and ascended the rest of the stairs. As he disappears down the hall, his voice drifts down to where his mother stands. "I do not understand why we still owe favors to those that we left behind, two kingdoms away."
The frustrated young man shoved upon the door to the library with such force that it rebound back at him, quivering slightly. He strode angrily toward a desk cluttered with books and papers. Removing a book from the mess, he walked toward the only window in the room, and flopped ungracefully down into the cushioned chair that was placed there. He opened the book and tried to concentrate, but the words on the page blurred together and his eyes seem to want to drift toward the window and the sunny streets of Haven. His mind didn't want to cooperate, didn't want to read or study, but rather wanted to remember things that Wufei felt would best be forgotten…
~*~*~*~*~
A boy of six years with straight black hair ran quietly through a peaceful garden. His intelligent black eyes flicked left and right, searching through the flowers and bushes. He clutched a small wooden sword in his hand and a wooden shield in the other as he calmly pursued his prey. He passed a large tree and moved toward a small shed where he was sure that the prey he sought would be hiding.
He slowed to a walk and crept toward the shed, but a noise behind him caught his attention. He turned around quickly, sword raised to strike…only to find another wooden sword pointed straight at his chest.
"I win." A girl, no older than six, with long black hair and shining black eyes, stood at the other end of the stored, smirking happily at the boy. Her other hand was placed smugly on her hip. "I mean, I win again."
"No fair, Meiran!" The boy pouted at her. "Where did you come from?"
She giggled. "I was hiding in the tree. You walked right under me." Her smirk seemed to grow with each word. "But it doesn't matter, Wufei. I still win. Again."
"You haven't won yet!" Wufei said as he knocked her sword away with his own. He backed away, but Meiran pursued. They hit swords a few times in a playful, childlike way until Meiran managed to knock Wufei's sword from his hand. He fell back and watched his wooden weapon fly into a nearby bush.
"I told you!" Meiran stood above him, weapon poking his chest once again. "You can't win. I'm just that much stronger than you are."
"You are stronger than me, girl!" Wufei glared up at her. "I'll beat you one day."
"I don't think so." Meiran smiled down at the angry boy, eyes sparkling with laughter. "You know I'll always be stronger then you."
~*~*~*~*~
Storm clouds gathered above and the wind whipped furiously through the garden and around the seven year old girl that sat, hugging her knees to her chest, beneath the trees. The tears that fell from her eyes were quickly blown away by the fierce winds and the air seemed to crackle with lightening. She didn't seem to notice, or care.
"Meiran! Meiran, where are you!!!"
She didn't when she heard her name being called, not wanting the person searching for her to see her tears, but he found her anyway.
"Meiran, what do you think you're doing out here?!?!" A seven year old Wufei stood over the girl glaring at her. "And why are you crying. Weak girl," he sneered.
She glared at him. "I'm crying because you're leaving! But I don't know why, you jerk." She stood and faced him, her hands forming fists.
Wufei just laughed. "You're crying because you're weak! I always told you I was stronger than you." He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked at her. "Doesn't matter anyway, because I'm leaving and I'll never have to see you again."
Meiran's tears continued to flow, streaming down her cheeks. "Liar! We're going to be married when older. Our parents said. It's fate. You can't escape it!"
He laughed again. "There's no way I'm going to marry you. I'm going to marry for love and I don't love you. Besides, we're going to Valdemar to live and you're staying here, so I'll be free of that stupid arrangement." Wufei turned and started to walk away, but he stopped and looked. "You better get back inside. Your parents are pissed." He walked away ignoring the hurt in her eyes. Meiran just stood watching his retreating back. She couldn't make the tears stop.
~*~*~*~*~
"Wufei," the voice of Kwan Chang floated out from his office to his son's ears. "Could you come here a moment?"
He entered the dining room to find his father seated at the head of table holding a letter. "Yes, Father?" Wufei stood straight before him, hands clasped behind his back.
"I've just received this letter. It is from Master Long. It seems that the situation in our homeland has gotten worse." Kwan's eyes drifted over the top of the letter to gaze at his son. "Master Long is bringing his daughter here for her safety. We are to continue as we had arranged."
Wufei's breath caught in his throat and he almost staggered forward as the meaning of his father's words hit him. He can't mean…what I think I means… "Father?"
"Wufei, you remember Meiran Long." Kwan's gaze intensified, as if to say 'this is what it will be, no arguments.' "And you remember that the two of you were betrothed before we left ten years ago. Apparently, the arrangement is still taking place. They will be here two weeks. Please be prepared."
Wufei watched as Kwan's gaze left him and glided back down to the letter. It was an obvious dismissal but Wufei's feet refused to move. He was battling down the rage that filled him, but he finally managed to get it under control, as he walked stiffly from the room.
~*~*~*~*~
I thought I was free. I thought I had escaped this fate, Wufei thought as he continued to stare out the library window. Fate. She was right. She was right all along. I can't escape it. He glanced down at his forgotten book and tossed it aside. It was no use even trying to get any work done. I wanted to marry a woman of my choice, a woman that I decided was worthy of being my wife. I do not want to marry that weak girl. He scowled out the window this time, and at the people of Haven down on the streets below. His mind tried to organize the emotions that were running through him, but the rage and frustration seemed to clog his mind. He could not stand not having a say in his own life, to be forced into a union with a woman he did not love, because of some arrangement that had been made over ten years ago. A small portion of his mind understood though, and even sympathized with the Longs. Living in their homeland was dangerous for everyone, and with the situation escalating like it was, anyway to get out of there must be taken. This was the only chance they had to leave with a small amount of safety. This was an arranged marriage, a contract that had to be fulfilled. The Longs should be able to leave quietly and safely. That is if no one found out where they were going.
As long as no one finds out, then they're safe, Wufei thought. Yes, no one heading to Valdemar can leave the Eastern Empire alive…
Wufei shook his head, willing himself to stop thinking about it. Reaching down, he picked up his book and opened to the page he had been trying to read earlier, but the words still continued to blur. Sighing, he stood and replaced the book on the desk. If I can't study, I met as well train, he thought. At least that way I'll be doing something productive. He exited the library, returning to his room to change. I just need something to clear my mind…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once again drenched in sweat and covered with dirt and dust, Wufei returned to the house insisted upon getting clean as soon as possible. He had been out in the long far too long, he had missed lunch and it was nearly time for dinner. As he entered the main hallway of the house a noise caught his attention. It sounded like a knocking from the door. He strained his ears to hear before continuing on his way and up the stairs. Some one's at the door? Why don't they just ring the bell? Stupid people… He went for the door, and clutching the handle tightly, ripped the door open.
"Can I help you…?" He began but was caught off guard as a body fell forward into his arms. He stumbled back trying to keep himself and the unknown body from ending up on the floor. Wufei righted himself and started to question the man but stopped as he heard him trying to speak. He leaned closer.
"Master Chang." He gasped. "I need to see Master Chang."
Wufei half carried the man into the dining room and deposited in a chair, all the while shouting orders to what ever servant he happened to be nearby. They brought the man food and drink and two servants were sent out, one to find Kwan Chang and the other to locate a healer. Wufei seated himself across from the man and observed him silently. He was older and very disheveled looking, with long dark brown hair and cloudy brown eyes. He clothes were dirty and travel-stained, barely recognizable, but Wufei thought they looked liked something from the Empire. As he ate, he seemed to regain some strength, and Wufei realized the man just must have been extremely exhausted. But why? He's a messenger maybe, he thought. From the Longs? A chill ran down his spine, and he shivered slightly as an ominous feeling crept through heart.
"Wufei, what's going on here?"
Wufei stood and looked up, watching his father enter the room and take his seat at the head of the table. He glanced to the side, noticing that their visitor had also stood, head bowed toward Kwan.
"Father, this man arrived today. He said he needed to speak with you. I don't know…" Wufei began but was interrupted by the tousled man across from him.
"Master Chang," the man spoke, "I'm sorry to intrude like this but I have horrible news that I need to tell you." He paused, waiting for a signal to proceed.
Kwan nodded. "Continue."
"The Longs…" he stopped a visible battling with himself. "The Longs have been attacked. They were attacked just before the Hardorn border by members of the Imperial Army. Only myself, another guard and Master Long managed to escape, but they were badly injured and…and did not make. Everyone else was killed." The man, apparently finished, looked down and finally dissolved into the chair he had previously occupied, a look of anguish on his face.
Wufei looked toward his father, whose expression he could not read. "I see. This is indeed horrible news." He paused. "Wufei see that the servants make up a room for him." He turned to the man. "You are welcome to stay here until you recover, be it to return or to remain in Valdemar. I have things to attend to." And with that he exited the room.
Wufei stared after him for a second, mind blank, before giving a few orders and seeing that the messenger had a comfortable and a way to clean up. He returned to his room after a time realizing he was still filthy from his earlier training. He washed and changed, then proceeded downstairs for dinner, which was only including himself and his mother and was eaten in silence. He then moved to the library to stare at his book again until he deemed it late enough to try sleeping. The entire time he willed his mind to remain blank, not wanting to contemplate what he had heard earlier and what it all would mean.
Pushing down his thoughts and emotions, Wufei tried to sleep, but bottling them up only keep him awake, tossing and turning. He was awake half the night, unable to rest comfortable as he pent up feelings tried to push their way free from the depths of his mind and heart, tried to force him to think about them. He used all his strength to keep his emotions blocked and willed himself into a sleeplike state.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Every morning the sun would shyly peer over the horizon, it's first rays touching the walls and houses of the city of Haven, and every morning as those first rays entered his room, Wufei, son of the Chang family, would wake and stretch and prepare for the day. This day was different.
On this day, bloodshot and sleep-deprived eyes opened as the first rays of the morning sun drifted through the window. Remembering the events of the day before, Wufei buried the thoughts again and rose reluctantly to begin his daily routine. Changing and heading downstairs, out into the brisk spring morning air. He chose a practice weapon from the shed, moved toward the center of the yard and began. Even though he barely slept the night before, his muscles moved with practiced ease. He closed his eyes, letting his body perform the exercises from memory. His mind slipped into a trance, separate from the actions of this physical body…which he realized was the wrong thing to do.
In this trance-like state, Wufei had no control over his mind and he could no longer push down those emotions and memories that he had been keeping buried. They flooded to the surface, overwhelming him as outwardly he appeared normal. Anger. Grief. Sadness. Lose. Relief…relief? Disgust. Hatred. Rage. He was angry, enraged at those monsters that had murdered innocents, but he was even angrier at himself. He was angry at himself but part of him was relieved, relieved that he was free, and that disgusted him. He was weak and a coward, to be relieved and almost thankful that these murders had happened and alleviated him of his fate.
I am weak and I am a coward, he thought. I am dishonoring the memory of their family by feeling this pleased that they were murder. Selfish fool. She was right about you all along. She was so much stronger than you will ever be, you pathetic coward!
"Wufei."
His mind was released from the trance, and his body stilled. He turned toward the sound of the voice and found Lei Kwan gazing intensely at him. "Mother?"
"Wufei," she said softly, "you've been out here almost all morning. You've missed breakfast." He saw the sadness and concern in her eyes. "You shouldn't skip so many meals. It's not good for you."
He glanced up at the sky and noticed the position of the sun. She's right, he thought. I've been out here for hours. "I am sorry, Mother. I had not realized I had been out here so long. I'll be more careful next time." He walked toward the shed and put away his practice weapon, then moved toward the door where his mother still stood, eyes fixed on him.
"Wufei, could you do a favor for me?"
He paused. "Of course, Mother. What is it you need?"
She held up a small cloth purse. "Could you deliver this to the temple? It is our usual offering. I would go myself, but I have things to do."
Wufei took the purse. "I'll go change and be on my way." He moved to the door again.
"Eat first."
"I'm not hungry."
"Wufei." He voice held a note of warning.
"Alright, I'll eat."
"Thank you, my son."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wufei walked through the crowded streets of Haven, his face a mask of impassivity. Once again, he buried those emotions that he didn't want to feel down into the depths of his mind away from his already bleeding heart. He pushed his way through the crowd, which was at it's worst now that it was midday, and made his way toward the temple that his mother usual gave offerings of money and other things. He had only been here once before and had not really paid much attention, so when he passed through the entrance to the temple his breath was taken away. As soon as he entered he was surrounded in by an aura of peace that seemed to reach into his soul and try to cleanse his broken spirit. Beyond the gate was a stone path that led through a well cared for garden to the wooden doors of the temple itself.
Wufei hesitantly walked forward, his subconscious feeling that he was somehow defiling this serene place by entering, somehow disturbing its unearthly beauty. He stood still and breathed in the sweet scent of flowers, reminded of time, long ago and a strong young girl.
"Excuse me, but do you need help with anything?"
Wufei was grateful for the interruption from his memories and turned to face the speaker. He found an old priest with wild grey hair and dark-rimmed glasses smiling at him.
"Ah yes," he replied. "Are you the priest here?"
The old man laughed. "You bet I am. I'm Father Howard. Do you need anything?" he paused and examined the young man. "Do you need to talk privately? You look troubled."
Taken aback, Wufei quickly replied, "No. No, I've just come to make give you this." He held out the purse. "As an offering. My mother usually delivers it, but she was busy today."
The priest smiled an accepted the purse. "Ah, you're Lady Chang's son. She speaks of you often." He laughed then at Wufei's dumbfounded expression. "Then, I bet you didn't know about how your mother comes every so often and has lunch with me. She is a wonderful woman."
"Yes. She is." Wufei smiled to himself.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to come inside?"
"No, I need to be going. Thank you for the offer though." He turned to leave.
"Anytime. All are welcome here."
Wufei walked back through the garden. As soon as he passed through the entrance, he was startled at how the peaceful aura of the temple left him, causing his emotions to overtake him again. He pressed them back down and turned to gaze at the temple gardens again. The spring sun streamed through the trees illuminating the flowers and the stone path.
Wishing he could feel that peace forever, he turned to leave…but felt something nudge him in the back. He ignored it and walked on, but he felt again, more persistently. Annoyed, he rounded on whoever it was, ready to release some of his anger…
…but instead he found himself staring into a pair of sapphire eyes and surrounded in that same peaceful atmosphere that was present in the temple. He couldn't move, he could barely breathe as he basked in the warmth and tranquility that those eyes held.
: My name is Nataku, Chosen. :
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~~~YAY! I'm finished! *wipes her brow* That was THE toughest chapter to write. I hope everyone thinks it turned out alright, because it was tough. I think it even ended up being longer than my Quatre chapter!!! Well, anyway...Guess what. I have outlines completed for chapters 06, 07, and 08! Unfortunately, I have a paper due this week, so don't expect another review until after May 2nd. But I'm working on it. Please review. Thanks again for all your support!!! Ja ne!!!~~~
~~~YAY! A finished Chapter 5! An entire chapter dedicated to the Solitary Dragon. Now, Wufei is definitely my least favorite pilot, however, after spending so much time trying to think of how to handle this chapter, I'm liking him more and more. This has definitely been my most difficult chapter so fair, but I hope it turns out okay. Please Enjoy!
Thank you to everyone that has been giving me suggestions. Some things, however, I have already made decided on.
Dreamweaver: You got me. Two characters are going to be from the Eastern Empire, and I have already decided on them though. You'll see one soon ^.~ The Empire plays a huge role in the story, I've been planning that from the beginning…but I have said too much, and I shall not ruin the surprise!!!
Vialana: Yay! If you read any Mercedes Lackey books start with Arrows of the Queen or Magic's Pawn! I would feel so honored if I got another person addicted to Valdemar!!! Happy Reading!
I believe all of the major GW characters are going to be in the story. But most are not going to play major roles. That means Relena will be in the story, but she will not be a stalker and she will not give long annoying speeches. So, she will not be with Heero. I hate that pairing. I've only read one story where I actually liked it; I was quite ashamed of myself. Yeah, I'm not a Relena fan, so she is definitely OOC for my ficcie.
Also, I will be adding two characters that are not from Gundam Wing, but another anime. We'll see if anyone can guess the characters and what they're from. They'll be in later chapters.
Everyone's suggestion really helped me out with characters, the plots already been decided on. Arigato, you are my motivation and my inspiration!~~~
//Flashbacks are in Italics//
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arrows of Honor
Chapter 05: Wufei
Every morning the sun would shyly peer over the horizon, it's first rays touching the walls and houses of the city of Haven, and every morning as those first rays entered his room, Wufei, son of the Chang family, would wake and stretch and prepare for the day. This day was no different.
As soon as the sun invaded his room, Wufei opened his eyes and pulled back the covers. He stood, stretching tired muscles, and reached for his clothes, taking his time in sliding them on. Once he was dressed and fully awake, he padded noiselessly down the stairs and out the back door into the yard beyond. The yard of the Chang house was surround by a tall brick wall like most of the yards of the wealthy in Haven, but unlike those yards, which were filled with flowers, trees, benches, and fountains, the Chang yard was mostly bare. There were no trees or fancy fountains, and the only flowers were planted in small rows at the base of the wall. The rest of the yard was just a dirt square with a small wooden shed in one corner.
Like every morning, Wufei walked calmly toward the shed and opened the door. Inside, various practice weapons and armor lined the walls. He stepped inside, picking up a light wooden sword, and exited closing the doors behind him. Placing himself in the center of the yard, Wufei stood still, eyes closed, breathing evenly, before he began his daily training. Well, a portion of his daily training anyway. Each day, he rose early, and practiced before breakfast. After breakfast, he moved to the library or his bedroom for lessons until lunch. Once lunch was completed, he either trained or assisted his father with business. Following dinner was more training or reading until he felt it was time to retire. Almost everyday was the same, but it was the way he liked it, disciplined, routine, albeit, a little monotonous at times. His life had been this why for quite sometime and it would continue in this fashion until…until it had to change, which was sooner then he wanted it to.
Wufei practiced diligently, until the sun rose to a certain point in the sky and he know breakfast would be served shortly. He replaced the practice sword to its place in the shed and made his toward the house, wiping the sweat from his eyes. Making his way silebtly up the stairs, he returned to his room, washed the sweat and dirt from his body, and changed before heading down to breakfast, where his parents awaited his arrival.
Breakfast in the Chang house was nothing special. It held the same monotonous feel of Wufei everyday life. Kwan and Lei Chang were already seated at the large oak table when their son emerged, fully awake and freshly washed. He moved to his plate and began his meal, which was eaten in near silence, like every morning. With such a respectful and disciplined son, the Chang's never needed to give any commands or instructions to Wufei…almost never.
"Wufei."
The young man looked up from his half eaten breakfast to give his father his full attention.
"I know that you tend to stay in the house anyway," Kwan Chang began, "but I want to remind you that the Longs should be arriving in the next few days."
"How could I forget?" Wufei muttered under his breath.
His father continued without hearing the comment. "You should be prepared to greet them when they arrive. I am sure I don't have to remind you to be polite and respectful of them." Kwan gave his son a warning look.
Wufei glared back at him. "I'm sure I will be on my best behavior, now if you'll excuse me," he pushed away from the table and stood, leaving his breakfast unfinished, "but I seem to have lost my appetite. I'll be in studying in the library."
"Wufei…" He heard his mother softly call his name, but he was already out the door and heading for the stairs. He knew he had hurt his mother, and she was concerned for him, but he didn't want to discuss it again. He was tired of fighting a losing battle.
"Wufei!" He heard the call again and turned from where stood, halfway up the stares. Lei Chang floated up the stairs to stand in front of her son. She gazed at him with sad eyes. "Wufei, please be kind to them. I know what you are going through, but it is your duty and it is something we have all had to go through. This is important. It is a favor to an old friend. We had agreed on it."
Wufei snorted. "I did not agree to this. I had no say." With that he turned his back toward her and ascended the rest of the stairs. As he disappears down the hall, his voice drifts down to where his mother stands. "I do not understand why we still owe favors to those that we left behind, two kingdoms away."
The frustrated young man shoved upon the door to the library with such force that it rebound back at him, quivering slightly. He strode angrily toward a desk cluttered with books and papers. Removing a book from the mess, he walked toward the only window in the room, and flopped ungracefully down into the cushioned chair that was placed there. He opened the book and tried to concentrate, but the words on the page blurred together and his eyes seem to want to drift toward the window and the sunny streets of Haven. His mind didn't want to cooperate, didn't want to read or study, but rather wanted to remember things that Wufei felt would best be forgotten…
~*~*~*~*~
A boy of six years with straight black hair ran quietly through a peaceful garden. His intelligent black eyes flicked left and right, searching through the flowers and bushes. He clutched a small wooden sword in his hand and a wooden shield in the other as he calmly pursued his prey. He passed a large tree and moved toward a small shed where he was sure that the prey he sought would be hiding.
He slowed to a walk and crept toward the shed, but a noise behind him caught his attention. He turned around quickly, sword raised to strike…only to find another wooden sword pointed straight at his chest.
"I win." A girl, no older than six, with long black hair and shining black eyes, stood at the other end of the stored, smirking happily at the boy. Her other hand was placed smugly on her hip. "I mean, I win again."
"No fair, Meiran!" The boy pouted at her. "Where did you come from?"
She giggled. "I was hiding in the tree. You walked right under me." Her smirk seemed to grow with each word. "But it doesn't matter, Wufei. I still win. Again."
"You haven't won yet!" Wufei said as he knocked her sword away with his own. He backed away, but Meiran pursued. They hit swords a few times in a playful, childlike way until Meiran managed to knock Wufei's sword from his hand. He fell back and watched his wooden weapon fly into a nearby bush.
"I told you!" Meiran stood above him, weapon poking his chest once again. "You can't win. I'm just that much stronger than you are."
"You are stronger than me, girl!" Wufei glared up at her. "I'll beat you one day."
"I don't think so." Meiran smiled down at the angry boy, eyes sparkling with laughter. "You know I'll always be stronger then you."
~*~*~*~*~
Storm clouds gathered above and the wind whipped furiously through the garden and around the seven year old girl that sat, hugging her knees to her chest, beneath the trees. The tears that fell from her eyes were quickly blown away by the fierce winds and the air seemed to crackle with lightening. She didn't seem to notice, or care.
"Meiran! Meiran, where are you!!!"
She didn't when she heard her name being called, not wanting the person searching for her to see her tears, but he found her anyway.
"Meiran, what do you think you're doing out here?!?!" A seven year old Wufei stood over the girl glaring at her. "And why are you crying. Weak girl," he sneered.
She glared at him. "I'm crying because you're leaving! But I don't know why, you jerk." She stood and faced him, her hands forming fists.
Wufei just laughed. "You're crying because you're weak! I always told you I was stronger than you." He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked at her. "Doesn't matter anyway, because I'm leaving and I'll never have to see you again."
Meiran's tears continued to flow, streaming down her cheeks. "Liar! We're going to be married when older. Our parents said. It's fate. You can't escape it!"
He laughed again. "There's no way I'm going to marry you. I'm going to marry for love and I don't love you. Besides, we're going to Valdemar to live and you're staying here, so I'll be free of that stupid arrangement." Wufei turned and started to walk away, but he stopped and looked. "You better get back inside. Your parents are pissed." He walked away ignoring the hurt in her eyes. Meiran just stood watching his retreating back. She couldn't make the tears stop.
~*~*~*~*~
"Wufei," the voice of Kwan Chang floated out from his office to his son's ears. "Could you come here a moment?"
He entered the dining room to find his father seated at the head of table holding a letter. "Yes, Father?" Wufei stood straight before him, hands clasped behind his back.
"I've just received this letter. It is from Master Long. It seems that the situation in our homeland has gotten worse." Kwan's eyes drifted over the top of the letter to gaze at his son. "Master Long is bringing his daughter here for her safety. We are to continue as we had arranged."
Wufei's breath caught in his throat and he almost staggered forward as the meaning of his father's words hit him. He can't mean…what I think I means… "Father?"
"Wufei, you remember Meiran Long." Kwan's gaze intensified, as if to say 'this is what it will be, no arguments.' "And you remember that the two of you were betrothed before we left ten years ago. Apparently, the arrangement is still taking place. They will be here two weeks. Please be prepared."
Wufei watched as Kwan's gaze left him and glided back down to the letter. It was an obvious dismissal but Wufei's feet refused to move. He was battling down the rage that filled him, but he finally managed to get it under control, as he walked stiffly from the room.
~*~*~*~*~
I thought I was free. I thought I had escaped this fate, Wufei thought as he continued to stare out the library window. Fate. She was right. She was right all along. I can't escape it. He glanced down at his forgotten book and tossed it aside. It was no use even trying to get any work done. I wanted to marry a woman of my choice, a woman that I decided was worthy of being my wife. I do not want to marry that weak girl. He scowled out the window this time, and at the people of Haven down on the streets below. His mind tried to organize the emotions that were running through him, but the rage and frustration seemed to clog his mind. He could not stand not having a say in his own life, to be forced into a union with a woman he did not love, because of some arrangement that had been made over ten years ago. A small portion of his mind understood though, and even sympathized with the Longs. Living in their homeland was dangerous for everyone, and with the situation escalating like it was, anyway to get out of there must be taken. This was the only chance they had to leave with a small amount of safety. This was an arranged marriage, a contract that had to be fulfilled. The Longs should be able to leave quietly and safely. That is if no one found out where they were going.
As long as no one finds out, then they're safe, Wufei thought. Yes, no one heading to Valdemar can leave the Eastern Empire alive…
Wufei shook his head, willing himself to stop thinking about it. Reaching down, he picked up his book and opened to the page he had been trying to read earlier, but the words still continued to blur. Sighing, he stood and replaced the book on the desk. If I can't study, I met as well train, he thought. At least that way I'll be doing something productive. He exited the library, returning to his room to change. I just need something to clear my mind…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once again drenched in sweat and covered with dirt and dust, Wufei returned to the house insisted upon getting clean as soon as possible. He had been out in the long far too long, he had missed lunch and it was nearly time for dinner. As he entered the main hallway of the house a noise caught his attention. It sounded like a knocking from the door. He strained his ears to hear before continuing on his way and up the stairs. Some one's at the door? Why don't they just ring the bell? Stupid people… He went for the door, and clutching the handle tightly, ripped the door open.
"Can I help you…?" He began but was caught off guard as a body fell forward into his arms. He stumbled back trying to keep himself and the unknown body from ending up on the floor. Wufei righted himself and started to question the man but stopped as he heard him trying to speak. He leaned closer.
"Master Chang." He gasped. "I need to see Master Chang."
Wufei half carried the man into the dining room and deposited in a chair, all the while shouting orders to what ever servant he happened to be nearby. They brought the man food and drink and two servants were sent out, one to find Kwan Chang and the other to locate a healer. Wufei seated himself across from the man and observed him silently. He was older and very disheveled looking, with long dark brown hair and cloudy brown eyes. He clothes were dirty and travel-stained, barely recognizable, but Wufei thought they looked liked something from the Empire. As he ate, he seemed to regain some strength, and Wufei realized the man just must have been extremely exhausted. But why? He's a messenger maybe, he thought. From the Longs? A chill ran down his spine, and he shivered slightly as an ominous feeling crept through heart.
"Wufei, what's going on here?"
Wufei stood and looked up, watching his father enter the room and take his seat at the head of the table. He glanced to the side, noticing that their visitor had also stood, head bowed toward Kwan.
"Father, this man arrived today. He said he needed to speak with you. I don't know…" Wufei began but was interrupted by the tousled man across from him.
"Master Chang," the man spoke, "I'm sorry to intrude like this but I have horrible news that I need to tell you." He paused, waiting for a signal to proceed.
Kwan nodded. "Continue."
"The Longs…" he stopped a visible battling with himself. "The Longs have been attacked. They were attacked just before the Hardorn border by members of the Imperial Army. Only myself, another guard and Master Long managed to escape, but they were badly injured and…and did not make. Everyone else was killed." The man, apparently finished, looked down and finally dissolved into the chair he had previously occupied, a look of anguish on his face.
Wufei looked toward his father, whose expression he could not read. "I see. This is indeed horrible news." He paused. "Wufei see that the servants make up a room for him." He turned to the man. "You are welcome to stay here until you recover, be it to return or to remain in Valdemar. I have things to attend to." And with that he exited the room.
Wufei stared after him for a second, mind blank, before giving a few orders and seeing that the messenger had a comfortable and a way to clean up. He returned to his room after a time realizing he was still filthy from his earlier training. He washed and changed, then proceeded downstairs for dinner, which was only including himself and his mother and was eaten in silence. He then moved to the library to stare at his book again until he deemed it late enough to try sleeping. The entire time he willed his mind to remain blank, not wanting to contemplate what he had heard earlier and what it all would mean.
Pushing down his thoughts and emotions, Wufei tried to sleep, but bottling them up only keep him awake, tossing and turning. He was awake half the night, unable to rest comfortable as he pent up feelings tried to push their way free from the depths of his mind and heart, tried to force him to think about them. He used all his strength to keep his emotions blocked and willed himself into a sleeplike state.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Every morning the sun would shyly peer over the horizon, it's first rays touching the walls and houses of the city of Haven, and every morning as those first rays entered his room, Wufei, son of the Chang family, would wake and stretch and prepare for the day. This day was different.
On this day, bloodshot and sleep-deprived eyes opened as the first rays of the morning sun drifted through the window. Remembering the events of the day before, Wufei buried the thoughts again and rose reluctantly to begin his daily routine. Changing and heading downstairs, out into the brisk spring morning air. He chose a practice weapon from the shed, moved toward the center of the yard and began. Even though he barely slept the night before, his muscles moved with practiced ease. He closed his eyes, letting his body perform the exercises from memory. His mind slipped into a trance, separate from the actions of this physical body…which he realized was the wrong thing to do.
In this trance-like state, Wufei had no control over his mind and he could no longer push down those emotions and memories that he had been keeping buried. They flooded to the surface, overwhelming him as outwardly he appeared normal. Anger. Grief. Sadness. Lose. Relief…relief? Disgust. Hatred. Rage. He was angry, enraged at those monsters that had murdered innocents, but he was even angrier at himself. He was angry at himself but part of him was relieved, relieved that he was free, and that disgusted him. He was weak and a coward, to be relieved and almost thankful that these murders had happened and alleviated him of his fate.
I am weak and I am a coward, he thought. I am dishonoring the memory of their family by feeling this pleased that they were murder. Selfish fool. She was right about you all along. She was so much stronger than you will ever be, you pathetic coward!
"Wufei."
His mind was released from the trance, and his body stilled. He turned toward the sound of the voice and found Lei Kwan gazing intensely at him. "Mother?"
"Wufei," she said softly, "you've been out here almost all morning. You've missed breakfast." He saw the sadness and concern in her eyes. "You shouldn't skip so many meals. It's not good for you."
He glanced up at the sky and noticed the position of the sun. She's right, he thought. I've been out here for hours. "I am sorry, Mother. I had not realized I had been out here so long. I'll be more careful next time." He walked toward the shed and put away his practice weapon, then moved toward the door where his mother still stood, eyes fixed on him.
"Wufei, could you do a favor for me?"
He paused. "Of course, Mother. What is it you need?"
She held up a small cloth purse. "Could you deliver this to the temple? It is our usual offering. I would go myself, but I have things to do."
Wufei took the purse. "I'll go change and be on my way." He moved to the door again.
"Eat first."
"I'm not hungry."
"Wufei." He voice held a note of warning.
"Alright, I'll eat."
"Thank you, my son."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Wufei walked through the crowded streets of Haven, his face a mask of impassivity. Once again, he buried those emotions that he didn't want to feel down into the depths of his mind away from his already bleeding heart. He pushed his way through the crowd, which was at it's worst now that it was midday, and made his way toward the temple that his mother usual gave offerings of money and other things. He had only been here once before and had not really paid much attention, so when he passed through the entrance to the temple his breath was taken away. As soon as he entered he was surrounded in by an aura of peace that seemed to reach into his soul and try to cleanse his broken spirit. Beyond the gate was a stone path that led through a well cared for garden to the wooden doors of the temple itself.
Wufei hesitantly walked forward, his subconscious feeling that he was somehow defiling this serene place by entering, somehow disturbing its unearthly beauty. He stood still and breathed in the sweet scent of flowers, reminded of time, long ago and a strong young girl.
"Excuse me, but do you need help with anything?"
Wufei was grateful for the interruption from his memories and turned to face the speaker. He found an old priest with wild grey hair and dark-rimmed glasses smiling at him.
"Ah yes," he replied. "Are you the priest here?"
The old man laughed. "You bet I am. I'm Father Howard. Do you need anything?" he paused and examined the young man. "Do you need to talk privately? You look troubled."
Taken aback, Wufei quickly replied, "No. No, I've just come to make give you this." He held out the purse. "As an offering. My mother usually delivers it, but she was busy today."
The priest smiled an accepted the purse. "Ah, you're Lady Chang's son. She speaks of you often." He laughed then at Wufei's dumbfounded expression. "Then, I bet you didn't know about how your mother comes every so often and has lunch with me. She is a wonderful woman."
"Yes. She is." Wufei smiled to himself.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to come inside?"
"No, I need to be going. Thank you for the offer though." He turned to leave.
"Anytime. All are welcome here."
Wufei walked back through the garden. As soon as he passed through the entrance, he was startled at how the peaceful aura of the temple left him, causing his emotions to overtake him again. He pressed them back down and turned to gaze at the temple gardens again. The spring sun streamed through the trees illuminating the flowers and the stone path.
Wishing he could feel that peace forever, he turned to leave…but felt something nudge him in the back. He ignored it and walked on, but he felt again, more persistently. Annoyed, he rounded on whoever it was, ready to release some of his anger…
…but instead he found himself staring into a pair of sapphire eyes and surrounded in that same peaceful atmosphere that was present in the temple. He couldn't move, he could barely breathe as he basked in the warmth and tranquility that those eyes held.
: My name is Nataku, Chosen. :
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~~~YAY! I'm finished! *wipes her brow* That was THE toughest chapter to write. I hope everyone thinks it turned out alright, because it was tough. I think it even ended up being longer than my Quatre chapter!!! Well, anyway...Guess what. I have outlines completed for chapters 06, 07, and 08! Unfortunately, I have a paper due this week, so don't expect another review until after May 2nd. But I'm working on it. Please review. Thanks again for all your support!!! Ja ne!!!~~~