- Chimera of Life -

Story Four: Uneasy Alliances

Chapter Five

by Heartfire

***

On their sides, the two slowly turned to the direction of the voices. Sure enough, their ears hadn't deceived them. Lady Une and Mr. McGregor were standing just a few steps away from them, with the same look on their face- that of disbelief and controlled anger.

Ping and Wufei slowly moved away from each other then stood in front of the two angry, older people. Wufei met Une's eyes levelly, just as Ping did with McGregor.

"I thought that your frequent complaint over the radio was only due to your personality, Chang. I did not take it seriously. Until now…" Une left her sentence hanging, knowing that Wufei would be able to understand. It had surprised her that William knew where they were… that he could track… but what surprised her more was the sight that greeted them when they finally saw the two troops.

'When you saw me fighting her.' Wufei finished in his mind. Une's usually calm eyes held that of anger.

"And you. I can't believe you did this, Ping." McGregor started as he looked around. He knew this girl well enough. Knew how she operates, her tactics… her cunning when she wants something.

Ping tried for innocence. "Sir. You know of our monthly tradition. We only invited Commander Chang and his team. There is nothing wrong with that."

William's piercing eyes, along with that arced right eyebrow nearly made Ping bite her lower lip.

"I know you too well, Ping." All too well…

"If you did… why did you send the Preventers to baby sit us?" The initial anger she thought she had overcome, raged within her again. "I am fit for this mission. I deserved it and won it fair and square."

For a moment, Une and Wufei forgot their own staring game as they checked what was happening between the two. There was an underlying tension between the two IA's…

William silently sighed. He thought that he was sending her off to a safe mission… but with confusing satellite discrepancies around this area… "You were given a mission with a slight change. You will do as ordered."

He was pulling ranks on her… Ping tilted her chin up and met his gaze. "I will do as commanded, Sir. I've never not done so." She faced a mulling Une and a slightly confused Wufei. "Excuse me." Without even a single glance to William, she turned and walked away as dignified as she could.

They watched as her troops made way for her. Hear her voice give a command that was lost in the wind, and then walked away.

Wufei felt the need to punch a hole through William. Then he shook himself and wondered the root of such a thought.

"Chang." Une started and he turned to her. "I've been to your camp.  This is supposed to be a team effort. I order you to move your tents with the IA, to mingle and work together."

He had learned a lot in these past years… and one of them was to accept the fact that Une would be giving him orders such as these. He accepted it but it doesn't mean he should be happy with it… Funny thing was… he wasn't all that mad with the command. He only grunted.

"I will tell the platoon." Une turned then started to walk to the men standing in straight lines. By the time she was finished, they relaxed and started helping the women to clean up.

Wufei glanced at William, man to man. He could feel the man's protectiveness for Ping and it only irritated him some more. There was something that happened between the two, and he doesn't like it. With a curt nod, he left William to brood by himself.

Hours later, everyone was tired from the games, cleaning, and moving. It was a funny sight to see the women helping the men set up their tents within their compound… And now, with Une's order, his tent was beside Ping's…  Where she was, nobody knew… or if her troops knew, they were not telling.

She was still missing when Une and William boarded the IA helicopter and lifted off…

From above, William leaned over and checked their handiwork. A glint of gold caught his eyes… Just east of the camp, with a thick strip of trees as a barrier, Ping sat beside the small river that curved around the land.

Une hesitated then placed her hand on his shoulder.

It was a comfort and William turned to her with tired eyes on his weather beaten face. The usual, ruggedly, bartender, handsome face looked as if he hadn't slept for weeks. He didn't know why, but his secret tumbled from his lips. "She's my niece… I didn't know that her parents died during the war… everything was just happening too fast.  After the war, I visited and only found her…" A proud smile lifted the corners of his lips. "She was doing well, taking care of herself and some orphans. I took them in… I love her like my own."

Une thought of Mariemaia and understood. "They grow up too fast."

William nodded. Gently, he took Une's hand from his shoulder, thankful for her comfort, and then brushed a kiss on her knuckles. "Thank you."

She nearly stuttered. He had taken her by surprise… She hadn't expected him to kiss her… hand… "You're welcome." She pulled her hand away and securely folded them upon her lap, confused, while William reprimanded himself for his breach of propriety.

…

Wufei made excuses as he followed her tracks… Everyone was asleep, aside from the two guards, one from his troop, and the other from Ping's. It was a new moon's eve. The stars dominated the skies above like precious jewels while cold night air touched skin like Death.

He found her, sitting by the banks of the river, just staring at the rushing water. He debated whether to walk to her or just leave her be, but at that moment, she turned her head and she saw him.

She didn't know why she turned… Probably because she was alone, in the middle of the night with who knows what kinds of animals were lurking behind? "Don't tell me you came here to check up on me."

The sarcasm in her voice hinted so much more. When did he ever become so attuned to other people's feelings? He snorted. "I was just out for a walk."

He was lying and she knew it… but it made her smile instead. "Fine… Don't let me stop you." She turned and faced the water once again to let the comfort of the night surround her.

Wufei didn't move. He didn't want to leave her alone out here… "I'm tired… I'm going to sit here for a while."

Ping shrugged. "Suit yourself."

For an answer, he grunted. He looked around and comforted himself with the base roots of a moss-covered tree.

They sat there in silence for God knew how long before her voice broke the stillness around them.

"Have you ever wondered how much you've changed but people around you still think you're the same?"

Wufei didn't answer. He wondered about that occasionally… He went through a total re-evaluation when Relena almost got shot by whoever that bastard was- he's still gonna kill that person when he finds out. What he felt that time had stunned him.

She let his silence pass. "It's all so frustrating… You are the same… There is still that someone from the past inside you, but you've changed, and retained some things… The others only see that small portion of you that isn't you anymore… but part of a bigger you…" Why couldn't Uncle William accept that she'd grown up? That she was good and independent? She understands that he loves her, but how she wished he would let her go and live her life. She gave a frustrated growl. "I don't even know what I'm telling you."

He watched the way her hands moved. Frustrated, angry and then… the way it sunk back to her sides showed so much sadness. His dead mentor's words came back to haunt him. "Have you accepted that you've changed? One must first accept what one has become to attain inner peace… then external tranquility will slowly surface…"

His words of wisdom reached her and she leaned backwards to look at the velvety sky. "I've accepted that I've changed a long time ago…" Memories flashed in front of her eyes. Stray bullets that found a crowd… Her parents' death in front of her… Tears stung her eyes and she lowered her face as if by doing so, the images and pain would fade. "Maybe I grew up too fast for them to understand…"

"Too many children grew up too fast during war." He spoke softly. His body hidden within the shadows of the tree… Why was it that he's speaking like this? His own memories assailed him… He had grown up too quickly, also…

"Do you think… we'd ever get rid of them? Those painful memories…?"

Wufei smiled softly as he shook his head. He could see everything clearly from his past, and now the woman in front of him. "It's a part of you… a bigger you… A part of what you've become… You will never get rid of them."

Their conversation had gone in a full circle… His answer lifted her soul for what reason? Truth? Because she was able to talk to someone?

Wufei watched as she stood up and then faced him. Her wide eyes sparkled against her shadowed face and the outline of her blonde hair shimmered with moonlight. He wasn't even sure if she was smiling.

He was covered within the shadows… as if he wanted to hide this soft side she had talked to…  The thought flittered in her mind momentarily, and she knew it was the truth. He hides it… that's the way he is… Who he is…

Slowly, she walked to him. Her face became clearer as she neared. When she stopped in front of him and looked down, he saw a small, all too feminine smile that seemed to thank him. Then she dropped down beside him. He blinked in surprise as she settled near. Shoulder to shoulder, arm to arm… He felt uncomfortable.

He could feel her looking at him, and he forced himself not to meet her eyes.

She took in his form… That proud tilt of his head… the long, pony-tailed hair… Eyes that spoke of wisdom instead of the usual scorn. His small, thin lips were pressed together as if he's afraid to speak too much, and the way he was so tense, made her grin a bit. "You are one confusing man, Wufei Chang."

At that comment, Wufei turned to her. His frowning eyes met her smiling ones.

"But I think I like you just the way you are." She didn't know where those words came from… Probably because she started to remember a certain radio conversation between him and Ms. Dorlian… He was a man with a lot of layers…

Wufei's jaw slackened. 'Wh-what?!' His mind cried out in surprise. He was just given a blow that left him winded.

Ping turned to face the river, finally letting sleep soak her mind… Without thinking, she dropped her head on Wufei's shoulder then closed her eyes. A ghost of a thought left her mind that whispered she hadn't leaned on anyone for such a long time…

Wufei's back was ramrod straight. What should he do? What could he do? Why did she do this? Ever so slowly, he turned to look at her…Tendrils of very curly blonde hair fell over her face. Its length was just two inches below her shoulders, but he'd seen them wet, and it reached the curve of her back…

Wufei gulped. He quickly backed out of that thought and looked at the stream instead… but he found himself drawn to her closed eyes… her peaceful face… And then, his body relaxed.

…

She woke up feeling refreshed. It was still dark outside, but she couldn't wait to rally the troops and…  Her train of thought disappeared as she remembered last night… She looked down at her sleeping bag, and she didn't need a genius to realize that Wufei must have brought her back… 

'Who would have thought… Wufei has a soft spot…' The thought sent renewed excitement through her veins and she breezed through her usual morning habits then she walked out of her tent, only to stop dead in her tracks. Do tents mushroom up overnight?

'What in the world happened here?!' She walked into the center of the lot, turned, and frowned harder.

"Good morning, Ma'am."

The male voice nearly made her shriek and at the same time, instinct rushed in to punch the living daylights out of him. She stopped when she faced a familiar looking man.

Her face must have been pale beyond compare because the man looked guilty.

"Sorry, ma'am. Didn't mean to scare you."

"No… You didn't scare me… Just surprised…" Slowly, the puzzle started to make sense, but she still wanted to hear some kind of explanation. "Why are you here?"

"Lady Une and Mr. McGregor ordered us to… mingle, ma'am."

The young man's back was straight, his short crew cut hair, in dire need of a cut to tame it back down. Olive skinned and bright eyed… he looked like the one Lydia had fought against.

"Where's my scout?"

A soft smile touched the man's face. Obviously, they hit it off. "She's asleep… We decided to change shift every 2 hours."

"Alright…" She just wanted to know if one of her troops was guarding because she feels safer that way. With some of her anxiety pushed aside, she asked for the critical question. "Is your commander still asleep?"

"Commander Chang?" A snort that was like laughter being stopped too late left him. "Sorry, ma'am."

Ping was slightly amused. "What's so funny?"

"Commander Chang is an early riser. I saw him walk to those trees back there a long time ago." He pointed at the place she was at the previous night. "He's probably doing his forms…"

"Thanks." She turned and took a couple of steps then stopped. "By the way," she glanced over her shoulder, inquiringly. "What's your name? Your first name?"

That friendly grin came over his face. "Travis, ma'am."

"Well, thank you, Travis. Get some sleep soon." She turned and started to walk, but she still heard his 'Yes, ma'am.' So… either Wufei was obsessed with martial arts, or he was just truly dedicated… not that she didn't do her own exercises… She's into the arts herself.

She reached the edge of the clump of trees and stopped just short from showing herself. The sky was still its navy blue… Crickets chirped the song of nature around her while the rushing, clear stream bubbled its hello… He was on the other side, where the grass was taller, wilder, and more dangerous. Does he want to get bitten by a snake?

Ping leaned against a trunk as she observed. Interesting steps… She had never seen them before, and she does have quite an extensive knowledge when it comes to such. Graceful… Paced… Serene. It was as if he was doing everything in slow motion… Just the type of technique that she liked… His eyes were closed, a line between his eyebrows that clearly showed his deep concentration.

She wasn't able to check the time when she woke up, so she didn't know how long she had stood there, just watching him… The first rays of light reached out to them from behind the mountains. Nature's wonderful show of colors erupted in the skies and that was when Wufei finally stopped, bowed, and… stripped.

Ping's tongue peeked from between her lips to moisten their sudden dryness. Her eyes took in his wonderful physique. Any woman with a sense of sight wouldn't be able to not nod their approval. Of course, he only took off his shirt, but his pants hung low on his waist, and that straight, long hair, confined in a band at the nape of his neck, only added to his beauty. She could almost feel herself drool… and wonder how he would look like… naked…

She quickly shook her head and made an excuse. It's only fair for her to see him in such a disposition because he already saw her naked, right?! With a huff, more because of her wayward thoughts, she walked out of the shadows.

"Commander Chang!"

Wufei turned at the sound of her voice and saw the petite blonde, smiling, waving her hand and walking towards him. For a moment's insanity, he felt like grinning. But he caught himself quickly and just nodded curtly at her direction while he waited for her to reach him. Yesterday didn't change anything. Last night didn't change anything. And right now, he must finish his stretching exercises.

She felt slightly irritated that he didn't even meet her halfway, but she was still grateful about last night so, she let it go. She stopped just a feet away from him when he dropped down on the ground and started doing push ups. "Hey Commander."

Wufei gave her a quick, questioning look.

Her anger was stroked when he didn't answer her second call, but she's here with a mission and do it, she will. "I wanted to thank you for last night."

Wufei just grunted as he forced another smile not to show. He suddenly felt…very… good.

"I mean…" She breathed in deeply. It was hard to show gratitude when one is not being given a single notice! "You talked to me and saw me to bed safely. So… thanks."

He huffed as his answer only because he stopped the 'You're welcome' that almost left his lips.

She looked down at his well-muscled back… how it strained and relaxed with every up and down motion that seemed like a hypnotic movement… Ping cleared her throat and looked away. "I noticed that you've changed location."

No answer. He doesn't want to answer.

She tried again. "Orders from the superior?"

A sound that was between an 'ungh' and an 'uh huh' was all she received. He doesn't like people saying that to him. Actually, even if his superior were a man, he would still probably be angry. There was that something in him that just doesn't want to be ordered around.

Undaunted, she still tried. "I guess this means we'll be working together. Right?" She received a new sound, not unlike the previous one. Her patience broke but she struggled to keep her control.

"How about if we check where you've been and I'll show you what we have?"

Wufei shrugged as best as he could while he was in mid-push up and gave another grunt for an answer. He doesn't really care. His eyes seemed intent on climbing up those bare feet and onto tanned legs…

A frustrated growl from deep in his throat left him and reached Ping's ears. She threw control to the wind and the next thing Wufei knew, he was eating grass and soil. He quickly stood up, sputtering what was left in his mouth while he glared at the spitfire lady in front of him.

"Dammit!" He's not going to get into a staring contest with her right now because he wants to get that taste of soil out of his mouth! He quickly walked to the stream, half aware that she followed, and pushed his face into its cold, rushing waters. When he finally pulled his head out of the water to glare at her and to demand for an apology, she started shouting.

"I'll ask one of your men to bring soap to you so you can wash your mouth!"

"You are really beginning to irritate-"

"You know, talk to me when it's the middle of the night." She cut him off and she knew she shouldn't have with the way his opal eyes glittered dangerously. But she didn't care. "It seems that your rudimentary conversation skills works best at that time." She turned away from him and was about to cross the river when his hand clamped around her arm.

"What the hell is your problem?!" Somewhere at the back of his mind, a small voice complained about this being a great way to start a day.

"My problem is that I was pouring my gratitude about your gentlemanly manners to me last night on your sweaty back and the only responses I got were-" She imitated the snorts, low growls, and whatever else they call it, perfectly.

Wufei blinked. Did he just hear those being done by her? Against his will, his lips quirked and a rumble started to erupt deep in his chest.

Ping crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. "Well? What have you got to say for yourself?"

He couldn't hold it back… He attempted to, God knows he did, but he couldn't. His face had turned lobster red with trying, and Ping's very narrowed eyes showed him that she was not at all happy with his reaction. That observation was what sent him careening over his usual stoic control. His hands went around his stomach and his head lifted high in the air as he laughed his head off.

"Take heed, Commander. You're laughing at your own choice of vocabulary." Ping muttered from under her breath as she tried to steel herself from joining him. His laughter had those darn carefree and warm characteristics she never expected to see from him. It was just tempting her to join him in his tirade, and at the same time, punch the heck out of him! "I've got things to do."

She abruptly turned and was about to leap over that strip of stream when a hand went around her upper right arm, forcing her to stop. Ping whipped around and saw Wufei's still quirking lips.

He couldn't believe that he had actually laughed like that… Sure, he laughs, but… not like that. There had only been rare moments, since his adulthood, that he could remember such instances when he had felt so… light. And it was all because of this woman in front of him. Did she even know what she did? Then again… he wasn't an open man. "I'm finished."

"With what? Laughing your heart out or doing your exercises?" Ping pulled her arm away.

Wufei let go though he hadn't wanted to. He's finally reigned in control and had his usual sourly, serious face. "Both."

"Oh?" Ping made a sound near to a frustrated growl. "So now, since the high and mighty commander is finished, he's finally going to give his attention to the lowly colonel."

"You are really starting to irritate me." Wufei tried to count to ten the way he had often saw Relena do so when she was so near to anger.

"Oh dear. I'm so scared."

Her facial expression only aggravated him some more. He knew she came by to thank him, and she was saying something else while he was basting on her gratitude as he did his work outs, but what was it? "What was it that you wanted, anyway?"

Ping crossed her arms over her chest, not realizing that it only enhanced them. "Right now, all I want is your apology."

Wufei blinked. "For what?!"

His bellow didn't scare her. She'd been through worse. "I want your apology for your ungrateful behavior just a little while ago."

She stood in front of him with her feet planted on the ground, not about to back away until she wrenched out that apology… But that he will not give it! "My apology?! You were the one who pushed my face to the ground! You were the one who disturbed me and you want MY apology?!"

Ping faltered. All right, so it did give her a pleasant feeling when she stepped on his head and he ate dirt- literally… but it was a bit ungraceful of her… Then again, she will not apologize. She has her pride. Of course, the plain and simple fact that they do need to start working together was making her… feel responsible. "Maybe I was a bit hasty with the way I acted, but you certainly asked for it."

He knew a middle ground when he saw one. Being with Relena all these years, well… "And maybe I should have given you more attention…" He saw the fire in her clear, green eyes slowly die and he couldn't help himself as he added- "Even though you shouldn't have disturbed me."

That dying green flame erupted again. Ping bit her inner cheek as she willed for control. This was probably as close to his apology as any… She will not lead her troop into jeopardy because of this man… She repeated that sentence over and over again in her mind until she was able to clear any murderous thoughts then smiled sweetly at Wufei. "I like to disturb people." The moment those words left her lips, she flipped her hair over her shoulder then turned and skipped over the stream.

Wufei blinked a couple of times. Her smile made his stomach dip again! And dammit! He was most certainly disturbed! 'You're doing a damn good job.' Wufei shook the thoughts out of his mind and turned to look at her, waiting for him on the other side of the stream where the grass was shorter and less wild. At that moment, a soft breeze picked up tendrils of her very curly hair.

"Well?" Ping asked as she tapped her bare foot.

"Well what?" Wufei barked back. What does that onna want, now?!

Ping's hand slapped her forehead as she looked at Wufei as though he didn't know anything. "Everyone is probably awake in the camp waiting for our orders! We need to plan it out and if we walk in camp together, it would probably put them at ease if we work together!"

'Oh?' Wufei frowned, more at himself than at her. He didn't think of it that way. "I knew that!" He turned away to walk back where he dropped his shirt, and the winds sighed in relief that he didn't see Ping roll her eyes.

She followed his every move. Looked appreciatively when he bent over and his loose, white pants etched his cute, pinch-able, firm behind. Her tongue licked her suddenly dry lips once again.  Seeing that view almost made everything worthwhile… Almost.

Wufei stood up, turned, and saw an all too innocent look on Ping's face… It was as if she had just done some mischief he was not aware of… And it was tempting him to kiss her. Wufei shook his head and cursed as he pulled his shirt over his head.

"Well?! Are you going to make me wait any longer, slowpoke?!"

"Keep your shirt on, onna!" Wufei growled back as he walked back to her, jumped over the stream and finally got an approving nod from her. With a meaningful look towards each other, they set off for camp.

…

His mood didn't improve when he checked his records with hers. They spent so many weeks scouting around areas her team had already checked! If he wasn't so narrow minded… Of course, that logical thought hadn't entered his angry hazed mind, yet.

"So we'll take the eastern side, and you take the western then just rendezvous back here by six." Ping finalized as she finished mapping out their course.

 "We'll take the eastern side." Wufei grumbled as he took his map.

Ping sighed as she focused on control. He's been biting her head off every chance he got. "Whatever." She's not going to get into an argument with him when both their troops are outside. It just won't promote teamwork. They'd argue later.

Maps in hand, the two walked out of the tent at the same time and faced their expecting troops.

"Let's go."

"MOVE OUT!"