Disclaimer: I do not own neither Dynasty Warriors nor Sun Mei. I was given special permission from the author to use her character. This story is linked to Life of a Wu Girl. Also, please no flamers.


Chapter 7

Separated

Zhou Tai had come along with Ning to help him. During the long months Tai took over as captain, to let Ning spend as much time as he could with his daughter. Gan Ning did just that.

Zhou Tai was sitting on the rail of the ship, watching the golden sun rise. He knew they'd be in Japan soon. He heard a shrieking giggled. Turning his head he saw Sing was walking with Ning's help.

She held his fingers tightly as she took cautious steps toward Tai.

Zhou Tai couldn't help but smile. Sing's face was beaming with joy. Bending down he opened his arms our. Just a few feet away Ning let go. Sing's little legs wobbled, threatening to fail her at any moment. She took a few steps, walking into his arms. he lost her balance and fell forward, but Zhou Tai picked her up before she hit the ground.

"You almost did it this time!" Tai praised her.

Sing giggled and banged his helmet. Tai's face cringed by this. Ning laughed and held her hand. He shook his head at her.

"No Sing-sing whacking is bad. Be gentle like this." he said while showing her to gently touch Tai's cheek.

She did it by herself, and kissed him on the cheek.

"She had better manners then you." Tai said.

"Ha-ha! No." Ning growled.

Sing pointed to the horizon and looked at Tai questionably.

"That's a sunrise Sing." he said. +

She squealed and banged his helmet again. Ning chuckled and took her. Tai rubbed his helmet and sighed.

"Ning you know-"

"I have to go feed her." Ning interrupted.

Tai sighed and followed Ning to the kitchen. Ning sat Sing down and went to get her food. Sing stood up and walked around, holding on to the table. Zhou Tai watched as moment she let go of the table she fell on her butt.

Ning returned and sat down in front of her. He began to feed her some baby food, and a bit of wine. The milk and water supply had run out. She sucked the food from the spoon.

"What did you want to talk about Tai?"

"Ning...we are reaching land soon."

"Ya, so?"

"So you must get ready. Her family will be waiting at the docks."

"What! What family!"

"Zhou Yu made sure Sing would be cared by a high class family. Don't tell me you didn't think on who you'd give her to!"

"You really think I wanted to think about that?"

"Once again you prove the size of your brain."

"Zhou Tai"

"What?"

"Shut up."

Zhou Tai growled and walked off. He wasn't sure if Ning would even go through with it. He acted like this was a vacation.

When the sun was high in the sky the ship had docked in Japan. The crew where unloading Sing's luggage, and putting them into the carts. The Wu family had given hr jewels, finest clothing, portraits of the family and generals, notes, books, and much more.

Ning was still in his cabin. He was clothing Sing with a red dress made of the finest silk, and tied her waist with a golden silk bow. He also tied her hair with a matching bow. He had a small golden bracelet with tiny bells attached. He put it on her wrist. She shook her hand, making the bells jingle. It had 'Gan Sing daughter of Gan Ning' carved into it.

"There...you look like the daughter of the emperor then...the daughter of an ex-pirate..."he said softly.

Ning picked her up, and forced himself to walk up to the deck. His heart ached in his chest. He didn't want to leave her. There was no way he could go back to his life before she was born.

On land there where hundreds of carriages, his crew, and a woman awaiting him. He gulped and walked over to Zhou Tai. The woman walked over to them and bowed. She had long blond hair that was tied with a white ribbon, dark blue eyes that shined brightly, and she wore a white kimono with blue trim edges.

"Hajimemashite." she said. (Pleased to meet you)

Ning blinked and looked at Tai. Zhou Tai knew Japanese. He chuckled and smiled.

"Hajimemashite Ayane-san. Kochira wa Gan-san desu. Watashi wa Zhou Tai-san desu." (Pleased to meet you, Ayane. This is Mr. Gan. I am Mr. Zhou Tai)

"What are you saying about me?" Ning asked as he glared at Tai.

"I'm introducing you stupid."

"O-me ni kakarete ureshii desu." (I'm glad to meet you)

She looked at the baby that Ning held. Ayane pointed at her.

"Kan Sei desu ka?" (Is that Gan Sing?)

Zhou Tai nodded and glared at Ning who was clenching Sing tightly.

"It's time Ning."

Ning slowly and unwillingly handed Ayane the baby. Sing stared wide eyed at her. Ayane smiled and tickled her. Sing giggled and squealed.

Ning felt tears sting his eyes. She was his child! His treasure! His his his! He tried to get her back, but Zhou Tai stood in his path.

"Tai get out of my way!"

"You can't go back on your word!"

"Yes I can! I can't just leave her!"

If you take her back she will die because of YOU!"

Zhou Tai knew it was harsh, but true. Ning felt tears sting his eyes again. He couldn't believe he had to leave his only family, the only one he lived for, the only person that loved him back...

Gan Ning turned around and began to walk back to the ship. He wouldn't cry, he wouldn't look back, she was no longer his.

"Baba!"

Ning turned around. Sing was standing while holding Ayane's hand. He stared at her. Was he hearing things?

"Baba." Sing said softly as her eyes began to water.

Ning couldn't believe what he was hearing. She called him...daddy! That did it. Tears streamed down his face. It was the first time he was crying in front of people. It was embarrassing since everyone thought him tough.

"Sing...baba has to go." He choked as he began to walk away.

"Ning..."

Ning turned once more, and couldn't believe what he was seeing. Sing had let go of Ayane's hand and was slowly walking to him. She held her arms out to him, tears falling to the ground. Her shaky body determined not to fall.

Gan Ning bent down and opened up his arms. Sing almost tripped, but instead stumbled into his arms. Ning cried with her as he kissed her head.

"You never cease to amaze me Sing-sing. You truly are a treasure."

"Baba" Sing replied.

She buried her face on his chest and her small hand gripped his vest. He picked her up and rocked her. There bells jingled softly.

"Xing Ba..." Sing said before she cried herself to sleep.

Sadly Sing's memories would be lost, and the love she knew would be forgotten.


I have plenty of time now to continue my story. So far I think this chapter was the cutest and most touching one. Now I have a problem. I have many ideas on what happens to Sing during her stay in Japan. The problem with that it be too long. So I'll have to fast forward to important parts. Hopefully I'll be able to get my ideas straight. I'd be must apreciated if you'd give me some help and ideas.

stackles - Wow you cried! I'm so touched. I didn't cry really. Just got...sad...

EverKitsune - I'll write of Zhou Yu talking about it to Sing in a future chapter. + You cried too? Awww

WindsOfEternity - sorry no SM in this. Yet there might be some anime people in it.

SunMei-of-Wu - thanks Mei, but you all ready know what will happen! lol

reymysterio619 - Why thank you+ Ya I thought that part funny too!