A/N: My precioussssss. Hehehehehe..
Kong Ming: Excuse me?
A/N: What!? Can't you see I'm busy?
Kong Ming: 'The Return of the King' won't be released until December 2003.
A/N: ??? Damn!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Chapter 16: Thoughts of Solitude
"I will not have a juvenile for a son!"
A large broad man not more than seven feet raised his hand and landed it with a mere child's left cheek. The child appeared to be around five of age. The blow was very heavy as small chunks of blood oozes out from the boy's nose. An empty clay water jar broke into shards as the boy collided onto one of the pottery.
Fear was the only source in boy's mind. Within him, he begged for this to end. He could bear the torture no more. He was afraid, very afraid. But it was not over, the man grab the boy's neck by one mighty arm and opens the residence's front door ignoring the choking symptoms of the boy.
With one powerful swing, the boy found himself flying through mid air. He let out a shout of fear as he sees the earth ground came closer in a fast pace. He covered his eyes quickly as he knew there's no hope but only death.
The boy did not reach the ground at all. Surprised, he peeks through the gaps of his fingers. True indeed he did not touch the ground, it seems like he was somewhat floating in the air. But when he opens his eyes for a closer look, an arm was wrapped around the boy's body. The man who performed the swing stared at the boy's somewhat savior.
"You are weak in one lesson. The lesson of treasuring lives" the stranger said.
"Who in hell's name are you? You dare to interfere with my family!?" the man retorted back in anger.
"You are right. I was wrong to take part in businesses which are not mine, but abusing a young child I simply will not tolerate!"
The man scowled as he quietly took out a dagger behind. The stranger saw the action too well and was prepared. "No one interferes with my family!" the man gave a battle cry and rush at the stranger, blade aimed at the neck.
The stranger was fast and dodged the incoming swipes with less hassle. The stranger took the initiative towards his attacker and dodged his attacks three more times until the man finally laid facedown, arm pinned behind his back. The dagger was removed from the man's right hand before he attempts to sort another way for a counter attack.
"I could easily kill you now, but it would be pointless for me. A father should always treasure his son" the stranger said sternly into the man's ears.
"That mere boy will never be any son of mine! Never! After all I've raised him, he only brought back shame to the family!" the man snarled.
"On what account your son brought you shame?" the stranger asked calmly.
"If you were in my toes, you will kill that nuisance as well" the man hissed.
Looking around the surroundings, the stranger spoke, "Perhaps it's best if you tell me the tale inside your hut. Times like this in the dark is not suitable"
The man agreed as he was released by the stranger. Eyes carefully locked upon the man in case he tried something else to hurt the boy. The boy stood beside the stranger at all cost, away from his father.
The hut was like any other village hut. No furniture, just consist of two straw mattresses and a few jars to store provisions. All three sat on the wooden build floor.
The man was in anger and gave a glare at the stranger. He wished he could have done what he is suppose to do, but seeing the presence of someone he didn't knew, he could not take any action. The stranger's eyes tell the man that an explanation is required now.
"Fine" grumbled the man. "This boy, caused my wife's death" a single tear rolled down the man's cheek. "I've already warn him do not make an attempt to try thievery, but he dared to disobey me!" the man clenches his fists hard.
"What did he steal?"
"A prefect from the Han court was in charge of this province. His home is located north from here. It was then two days ago, I heard my son somewhat sneak in the prefect's residence and stole a jade ring. My wife's birthday falls on that day, the reason for his theft was to give present to her. I was full with fear when I found out that the present was actually a stolen item from the prefect.
"Later that evening, soldiers came banging at my door. I was shocked to find that the prefect had arrived. I beg and beg to spare the boy's life and surprisingly the prefect did" more tears rolled down the man's cheek.
"But that was not the last of it!" the man pounds his fists to the wooden floor. "That prefect took away my wife instead! He says it was to exchange the punishment my son has caused. Again I begged for her freedom and decided to offer my life instead.
"I waited anxiously for my wife's safety until this morning where the gods did not side with me. I heard the news of my wife was sexually harassed until she met her death. I wept to tears the whole day for I could not do anything to avenge her. It was when this boy came back on this evening. My heart was full with rage and at least I could avenge her death, the source of her death! Not until you, stranger interrupted my revenge!"
"I can feel your pain, but."
"But? But what!?" the man cut in fiercely. "All I receive is shame among the people! The Qiu family line has ended here!"
"Let me ask you this. Do you think that by killing your own flesh and blood will purge your wife's death? Do you think that your wife would be pleased to see her husband killing his own son just for her death? Have you ever given it a thought?" the stranger asked sternly.
"The grief was just too great for me to bear. I am just a useless peasant unable to avenge my own wife's death. At least by killing the boy, I might have some honor left for the family" the man answered quietly without looking at the stranger and the boy.
The stranger stood up, anger fills his eyes. "What do you mean by that!? Killing your son will only bring more grief and shame to your family, not honor! And also by killing your son, you will not have any family left. You will be the only one living in shame! Have you ever reconsidered your actions? Have you!?"
The strangers words stroke the man's heart with truth and shame for what he is about to do upon the boy. More tears rolled down his cheeks as he face turned red. He wept bitterly. The boy could only clench the stranger's cloak and stared at his father without uttering a single word.
"It is not too late yet. You can change and start a new life" the stranger said, anger fading away slowly.
"No stranger, it won't change a thing. The prefect also disbands me from my work and mention out to the public about my son's crime. I couldn't even find a new job and there will be no food. My family name has been disgraced. Curse the prefect! Curse the Han and curse the empire! I could only do one final task" the man suddenly took out his dagger and pierce the blade into his heart and fell.
"WAIT! You don't have to do this!" the stranger caught hold of the man and slowly lead him to the straw mattress.
Blood splattered out from his mouth as he spoke. "Try to think stranger, what a powerless peasant can do to reclaim back honor who has no honor. You speak wise words stranger, but I fear I can only burden the boy in the future.."
"Speak no more. I'll get aid as fast as I can"
The man uses his remaining strength and holds the stranger's arm firmly. "No. My death will come soon. But if you can..do..me a small request..."
"Please hang on a bit more!"
"I..may not look over my son anymore. You seem skilled enough..cough..cough. Help me avenge by..ending the corrupted Han and build a better empire. Train my son for he must be strong in years to come...and not to..become like his useless father..."
"I promise you that I'll do the best I could. You mention your family name is Qiu"
"Qiu Tong would be my honorless name. My son would be..."
"Yes?"
"Qiu Huan.." the man breathes his last and moved no more. The stranger sadly covers the body's eyes and turned to the boy who would be Qiu Huan. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
"Come" the stranger held his hand to Qiu Huan. "Let us live to fight another day"
"My name is Xiahou Dun. Call me that from now on" the stranger said as the boy nodded his head. Qiu Huan holds the stranger's hand and left the hut, taking one last look at his father's body.
***
"Qiu Huan?"
Apart from calm and cooling afternoon breeze, a female's voice fills his ears. Sat cross-legged, Qiu Huan gaze at the open sea. It was peaceful. If only the world could be as peaceful as the sea, Qiu Huan thought. He looked up to find Ming Ling sitting next to him, facing towards the sea as well.
"Thinking back at the past again at this time of day?" Ming Ling playfully asked.
"You read my mind well. There's no secret I can hide from your senses" Qiu Huan answered with a smile. "It has been your third day here. How do find Xu Chang?"
"Peaceful as always. But wherever you stay, I will always find it peaceful, as along as you are here.with me" Ming Ling replied.
Qiu Huan answered with a smile.
"Ah yes, It seems like the council require the presence. I could sense that it is very urgent" Ming Ling said.
Qiu Huan stood up, taking one last look at the ocean before turning his back and head for the main hall. "Then we must not be late"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
R&R please (don't hate me so much) ^_^
Kong Ming: Excuse me?
A/N: What!? Can't you see I'm busy?
Kong Ming: 'The Return of the King' won't be released until December 2003.
A/N: ??? Damn!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Chapter 16: Thoughts of Solitude
"I will not have a juvenile for a son!"
A large broad man not more than seven feet raised his hand and landed it with a mere child's left cheek. The child appeared to be around five of age. The blow was very heavy as small chunks of blood oozes out from the boy's nose. An empty clay water jar broke into shards as the boy collided onto one of the pottery.
Fear was the only source in boy's mind. Within him, he begged for this to end. He could bear the torture no more. He was afraid, very afraid. But it was not over, the man grab the boy's neck by one mighty arm and opens the residence's front door ignoring the choking symptoms of the boy.
With one powerful swing, the boy found himself flying through mid air. He let out a shout of fear as he sees the earth ground came closer in a fast pace. He covered his eyes quickly as he knew there's no hope but only death.
The boy did not reach the ground at all. Surprised, he peeks through the gaps of his fingers. True indeed he did not touch the ground, it seems like he was somewhat floating in the air. But when he opens his eyes for a closer look, an arm was wrapped around the boy's body. The man who performed the swing stared at the boy's somewhat savior.
"You are weak in one lesson. The lesson of treasuring lives" the stranger said.
"Who in hell's name are you? You dare to interfere with my family!?" the man retorted back in anger.
"You are right. I was wrong to take part in businesses which are not mine, but abusing a young child I simply will not tolerate!"
The man scowled as he quietly took out a dagger behind. The stranger saw the action too well and was prepared. "No one interferes with my family!" the man gave a battle cry and rush at the stranger, blade aimed at the neck.
The stranger was fast and dodged the incoming swipes with less hassle. The stranger took the initiative towards his attacker and dodged his attacks three more times until the man finally laid facedown, arm pinned behind his back. The dagger was removed from the man's right hand before he attempts to sort another way for a counter attack.
"I could easily kill you now, but it would be pointless for me. A father should always treasure his son" the stranger said sternly into the man's ears.
"That mere boy will never be any son of mine! Never! After all I've raised him, he only brought back shame to the family!" the man snarled.
"On what account your son brought you shame?" the stranger asked calmly.
"If you were in my toes, you will kill that nuisance as well" the man hissed.
Looking around the surroundings, the stranger spoke, "Perhaps it's best if you tell me the tale inside your hut. Times like this in the dark is not suitable"
The man agreed as he was released by the stranger. Eyes carefully locked upon the man in case he tried something else to hurt the boy. The boy stood beside the stranger at all cost, away from his father.
The hut was like any other village hut. No furniture, just consist of two straw mattresses and a few jars to store provisions. All three sat on the wooden build floor.
The man was in anger and gave a glare at the stranger. He wished he could have done what he is suppose to do, but seeing the presence of someone he didn't knew, he could not take any action. The stranger's eyes tell the man that an explanation is required now.
"Fine" grumbled the man. "This boy, caused my wife's death" a single tear rolled down the man's cheek. "I've already warn him do not make an attempt to try thievery, but he dared to disobey me!" the man clenches his fists hard.
"What did he steal?"
"A prefect from the Han court was in charge of this province. His home is located north from here. It was then two days ago, I heard my son somewhat sneak in the prefect's residence and stole a jade ring. My wife's birthday falls on that day, the reason for his theft was to give present to her. I was full with fear when I found out that the present was actually a stolen item from the prefect.
"Later that evening, soldiers came banging at my door. I was shocked to find that the prefect had arrived. I beg and beg to spare the boy's life and surprisingly the prefect did" more tears rolled down the man's cheek.
"But that was not the last of it!" the man pounds his fists to the wooden floor. "That prefect took away my wife instead! He says it was to exchange the punishment my son has caused. Again I begged for her freedom and decided to offer my life instead.
"I waited anxiously for my wife's safety until this morning where the gods did not side with me. I heard the news of my wife was sexually harassed until she met her death. I wept to tears the whole day for I could not do anything to avenge her. It was when this boy came back on this evening. My heart was full with rage and at least I could avenge her death, the source of her death! Not until you, stranger interrupted my revenge!"
"I can feel your pain, but."
"But? But what!?" the man cut in fiercely. "All I receive is shame among the people! The Qiu family line has ended here!"
"Let me ask you this. Do you think that by killing your own flesh and blood will purge your wife's death? Do you think that your wife would be pleased to see her husband killing his own son just for her death? Have you ever given it a thought?" the stranger asked sternly.
"The grief was just too great for me to bear. I am just a useless peasant unable to avenge my own wife's death. At least by killing the boy, I might have some honor left for the family" the man answered quietly without looking at the stranger and the boy.
The stranger stood up, anger fills his eyes. "What do you mean by that!? Killing your son will only bring more grief and shame to your family, not honor! And also by killing your son, you will not have any family left. You will be the only one living in shame! Have you ever reconsidered your actions? Have you!?"
The strangers words stroke the man's heart with truth and shame for what he is about to do upon the boy. More tears rolled down his cheeks as he face turned red. He wept bitterly. The boy could only clench the stranger's cloak and stared at his father without uttering a single word.
"It is not too late yet. You can change and start a new life" the stranger said, anger fading away slowly.
"No stranger, it won't change a thing. The prefect also disbands me from my work and mention out to the public about my son's crime. I couldn't even find a new job and there will be no food. My family name has been disgraced. Curse the prefect! Curse the Han and curse the empire! I could only do one final task" the man suddenly took out his dagger and pierce the blade into his heart and fell.
"WAIT! You don't have to do this!" the stranger caught hold of the man and slowly lead him to the straw mattress.
Blood splattered out from his mouth as he spoke. "Try to think stranger, what a powerless peasant can do to reclaim back honor who has no honor. You speak wise words stranger, but I fear I can only burden the boy in the future.."
"Speak no more. I'll get aid as fast as I can"
The man uses his remaining strength and holds the stranger's arm firmly. "No. My death will come soon. But if you can..do..me a small request..."
"Please hang on a bit more!"
"I..may not look over my son anymore. You seem skilled enough..cough..cough. Help me avenge by..ending the corrupted Han and build a better empire. Train my son for he must be strong in years to come...and not to..become like his useless father..."
"I promise you that I'll do the best I could. You mention your family name is Qiu"
"Qiu Tong would be my honorless name. My son would be..."
"Yes?"
"Qiu Huan.." the man breathes his last and moved no more. The stranger sadly covers the body's eyes and turned to the boy who would be Qiu Huan. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
"Come" the stranger held his hand to Qiu Huan. "Let us live to fight another day"
"My name is Xiahou Dun. Call me that from now on" the stranger said as the boy nodded his head. Qiu Huan holds the stranger's hand and left the hut, taking one last look at his father's body.
***
"Qiu Huan?"
Apart from calm and cooling afternoon breeze, a female's voice fills his ears. Sat cross-legged, Qiu Huan gaze at the open sea. It was peaceful. If only the world could be as peaceful as the sea, Qiu Huan thought. He looked up to find Ming Ling sitting next to him, facing towards the sea as well.
"Thinking back at the past again at this time of day?" Ming Ling playfully asked.
"You read my mind well. There's no secret I can hide from your senses" Qiu Huan answered with a smile. "It has been your third day here. How do find Xu Chang?"
"Peaceful as always. But wherever you stay, I will always find it peaceful, as along as you are here.with me" Ming Ling replied.
Qiu Huan answered with a smile.
"Ah yes, It seems like the council require the presence. I could sense that it is very urgent" Ming Ling said.
Qiu Huan stood up, taking one last look at the ocean before turning his back and head for the main hall. "Then we must not be late"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
R&R please (don't hate me so much) ^_^