Title: An Elderly Dragon
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Wu Fei + Huán Hu, Duo, Heero
Notes: Challenge 186. Baby Series 4 #13. Takes place approximately thirty minutes following Solid Foundations.
Spoilers: None
Warnings:
Many thanks to ShenLong Deb for her work betaing this set of fics.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.
Title: An Elderly Dragon
"You demean us. You destroy who we are with this idiocy."
Wu Fei was well aware of Duo at his back and Yuy at the door, watching with a blank face and too bright eyes. He was uncertain what either of his friends thought of the elder or his accusation. He had known there would be misunderstandings, that there would be objections; that there would be a tough fight ahead. He had no clue what the Elder would be like, given there had been little warning the man would appear.
"We are Clan. We are ancient beyond this pitiful settlement of European dogs. We have a proud history that should not be subjugated beneath the whimsy of these barbarian upstarts."
He inclined his head slightly, watching the man. He was working himself up to a fine display, a vein throbbing visibly in his age creased countenance. He might have been an elderly dragon for all the sparks he was putting out with the fire of his zeal.
"We are Clan. We belong to a proud history…"
"You have said that already." Duo's irreverent whisper was audible enough to Wu Fei, though not to the old man currently venting in the privacy of what Heero had announced as an audience room.
Those who wished to speak to him in private could do so in this small room which must once have been an office. He had announced he would be available to listen to petitions or simple questions and had made it plain everyone could speak to him. In past days only the esteemed Elders and a select group of servants would have access to the Chang, and Wu Fei would not have such days of seclusion be his lot in life. He was not intending to resurrect the old Clan ways but seeking to establish newer, less formal interactions between the rigidly segregated Clan society.
"Huán Hu. I know I made it plain I was not one for great formality, however, I demand a certain level of respect from people."
"Respect? You expect respect to be given when you show no respect for the Clan's traditions and presume to demand of the Clan a willingness to turn our backs on the traditions of our past? You presume to demand we abandon what makes us Clan? You presume!"
Spittle flecked the thin lips, fire lit the dark eyes and the claw like fingers trembled as he stood rigidly erect, glaring at Wu Fei and fired with wrath.
"I presume to expect a modicum of good manners and a willing ear from all of the Clan. I presume to expect logical discussions to take place over a period of time. I presume to expect that these people who have given us a place to build a new life as Clan, be given the respect they deserve. I presume, Sir. I presume a great deal, but then listening to you it is clear that you too, presume."
End
Karina Robertson 2012