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"Honor Betrayed"Written By: Yanagi Disclaimer: I do not own or hold any rights to
[Gundam Wing]. Those rights belong to Bandai, Sunrise, and the Sotsu
Agency. These fan fictions were written for fun, not profit. However,
this story does belong to me. Please don’t snitch it. Warnings: the usual Pairings: 1x2 But it's Wufei centric [very] Beta note: I think the days in the trip to Shanghai
are messed up. They fly east so they'd arrive in late
afternoon/early evening and Yet another note: There are a lot of FAQ at the
end of the epilogue.
"Honor Betrayed " Chapter 10 He arrived, parked in the near lot and went in through the emergency entrance. He hurried to the information desk and asked for Duo. The bored woman at the desk mumbled, “Relationship?” “I'm his friend. He was just brought in.” “Sorry. Only family can visit the emergency room.” Wufei lost his famous temper. “Look, you miserable onna, he's got no family. The nearest thing he has is me, Heero ... just tell me where he is before your family is visiting you!” The woman surreptitiously pushed a button under the desk, but Wufei saw her. He just snorted, crossed his arms over his chest and waited. Security showed up about two seconds later. He showed his ID to the head of the team, who just shrugged and said, “This way, Mr Chang. Sorry about her. She's a volunteer and hasn't got good sense. Mr ... er ... Special Agent Yuy left word here and in security but ... what can you do.” He pushed a door open and finished, “Through here, bay at the back.” He took himself and his crew out, thanking his lucky stars that Chang Wufei seemed to be mellowing in his old age. He also chewed a chunk out of the woman at the desk, telling her in no uncertain terms to read the exceptions before she turned people away. Wufei hurried to the indicated bay and found Heero sitting by Duo's bed. Duo was asleep, braid unraveled and full of filth. He was wearing pajama bottoms and bandages. “What's going on? Why didn't you call me earlier?” Heero looked up, face weary and white. “I always have to stay right by him. They try to give him all the wrong drugs. This time some idiot actually tried to cut his hair. Imagine how that would go down.” Wufei rubbed his face. “He'd commit mass murder and I'd help him. Why did they try that specific piece of insanity?” “It's dirty. I don't know. I just need some sleep and someone to watch that they don't kill him.” “I'm here. Give me a moment.” Wufei ripped the side curtain out of his way. He moved machines around and snarled at the only nurse with courage enough to object. After arranging the machines in logical order he pushed the next bed over as close as he could get it. He motioned to Heero to get in it and helped him get comfortable. This included taking possession of both war bags, taking Heero's boots off and covering him with a blanket. He checked Duo then dragged a chair over so that he was seated where he could see the whole room as well as Heero and Duo. He sat for about half an hour fending off nurses and interns who only wanted to poke and prod for the chance to say they'd done something. He glanced from time to time at Duo's hair. He knew Duo was going to be upset when he woke and saw the mess. Finally, Wufei dug into Duo's war bag and found a brush and an elastic. He settled on the floor by the bed and began to brush the dried mud out of the mass. He was just beginning to really get the mud out when he heard someone whisper, “Yuy's out cold and that Chinese guy is gone. Now we get to the good stuff. The black bags over there should have some good stuff in them and I'm going to get at least half of that hair. Think of the money we could make selling it for 500 euros a lock. Go, go.” Wufei was glad he'd put the bags where he had, while the interlopers were dithering around, he unzipped one bag and dipped a hand in. He pulled out a pistol that he knew was Heero's, just by the feel of it. He popped his head up over the side of Duo's bed and took aim. “I wouldn't, if I were you.” One of the people was a woman who was obviously a nurse, the other was a med tech, or something similar. The woman made a noise like a stepped on mouse, the man just froze. “I'm going to buzz for someone, just hope they come quickly or I'll shout the place down.” He watched them for a moment then started cursing them. How dare you? What is wrong with you? Greedy, evil, vile ... You have no idea what you were contemplating. Idiots. He'd have hunted you down like dogs. Beside the fact that it's an assault, battery, and on an officer of the law on top of everything else.” He buzzed again and when no one answered, he stood up, shook Duo gently then snapped, “Yuy, wake up.” He looked over to see Heero laying on his side, glaring at their backs. He had a small automatic in one hand. “Yell, no one seems to be interested in a VIP buzzing.” Wufei nodded then yelled, “EEE-Yah! Some one call security! Now!” He was answered by a flurry of footsteps followed by the front curtain being pulled aside. The irritated night nurse started to hiss something then snapped, “Clancy, Mallinois, what the devil are you doing in here?” Wufei glared at her. “I asked for security. They were trying to steal both war bags and cut Duo's hair. Outrageous! Criminal! Call security right now, or I'll take care of it myself. And I guarantee I'll make a mess. Go.” The nurse just pressed a button on her belt. The resultant clatter of feet was everything Wufei could have asked for. Heero took over, issued orders in a clipped snarl and asked the head of security if he was insane, lazy or just incompetent. He just ordered the two taken away, asked Heero to file a report and nodded to Wufei. He made his escape before Heero could chew him out anymore so Heero just called Une. He hung up his phone with a satisfied expression then turned to check on Duo. Duo had slept through it all, only twitching when Wufei had yelled. Wufei settled back in his chair again. “You going back to sleep?” Heero shook his head, “No, I'm wide awake now.” “Mind telling me what the hell happened?” Heero sighed. “Our experts got done analyzing that tape and we got ID on four of the five. You got one and don't deny it. Rather do, but not to me. We found two and they're in the tank. The third one was right here in town. But he saw us before we saw him. We got careless, this sort of person usually doesn't resist much. Most try to justify their actions. This guy took one look at us and shot, Duo's vest must have been defective, bullet went right through it. He's going to be fine but it scared the shit out of me. Then they all went nuts on me when they found out who he is. I've been on point for...” He glanced at his watch. “eighteen hours. So I called you.” “I'm glad you did. Now, about the target. Who was it?” “Wufei.” Heero's warning tone made Wufei shake his head. “I just might have some insight into our perp, if you tell me who it is.” “Arnold Smetzer.” Wufei snarled. “He's psycho. Never know what he's going to do. He used to brag about how he had his sister buffaloed. He told me her name once and said that, when I got out, I'd join her in his stable. Her name is Mary ... Mary Samuels. I saw an address on a post card too. I don't know how good it is but it's someplace to start.” Heero nodded and wrote down the address, he flipped his book shut and remarked, “We found him through his parol officer. If he's pulled a runner, this address is our best bet. Thanks.” Heero stood. “Lady.” Une was at the open curtain. “Yuy. We're moving Agent Maxwell. This hospital is hopelessly compromised. I'm not sure where we're going to take him but Po is in a temper.” Wufei shrugged. “Take him home.” Une looked at him. “My place. Yuy and Maxwell moved in with me. There's plenty of room for anything he needs and the security system is first rate.” “Good. I'll tell Po. She'll be staying with him, and a nurse. Is that going to be a problem?” Wufei just sniffed. Une issued orders and people scrambled. Wufei followed the gurney that a still sleeping Duo was moved to. He felt a strange chill to see a usually hyperactive, cheerful Maxwell so still and quiet. Po met them at the ambulance and supervised the transfer. She rode in the ambulance and made sure that they were met at the roll up doors by two huge male nurses. She grinned at one and said, “It's Maxwell. You wouldn't believe. Some idiot thought they'd get away with cutting his hair. Would you believe? Did you do the set up?” “Yes. Security system is ... hell, I'd rather try to break into HQ. How'd you get the code.” Wufei wanted to know the same thing. “Some yotz at HQ had it. Yuy! Change that, ok?” But Heero was already on that. It didn't take long to get Duo situated in the medical unit that Po had set up on the first floor. She'd had some of the exercise equipment moved and put a bed right in the middle of one wall. Heero made sure that Duo was still sleeping then motioned for Wufei to follow him. “Yuy?” “I'm going to go after that man. I want you to watch my six. I don't trust anyone else.” Wufei just nodded. “Fine. I'll do that.” “I'll tell Une.” Heero went to do that while Wufei fired up the computers and started searching for their man. Heero came back with the news that Une was pleased. Wufei just grunted. “Found him. That address was good.” “We're pulling out in ten.” Wufei just stood up to get ready. It took him exactly ten minutes to change clothing, gather weapons and get back down to the first floor. “I'm ready. How do you want to handle this?” Heero handed Wufei a wallet. “Here's your new credentials. Do you have a vest?” “No, and there's no time to fit one. Don't worry. I won't get shot. I'm not about to trust that man any farther than I can throw this building. Lets go.” Wufei followed Heero out the door into the dead end and saw the Hummer. “Where'd that come from?” “Not sure, Une had it returned.” Heero got into the drivers seat and Wufei took shotgun. They drove in silence for a time then Wufei gave Heero a sideways glance. “You ok to do this?” “Just barely. I'll rest after.” “Ok.” Wufei sat back to finish the ride in silence. Heero parked behind the building and examined it. Then Wufei took the onboard computer and keyed up the blueprint of the building that had been downloaded from Preventer HQ. “He's in the front apartment on the west side. One entrance, three windows. But the windows have security bars. Key locked. Bet they've lost the key.” Heero thought then said, “You go to the front. I'll wait here until you give me the heads up. Then I'll come in from here and we'll catch him in a cross fire. And no chance of him sneaking out the back.” “Got it.” Wufei trotted down the alley, taking a quick look at the barred windows as he did so. They were rusted and he wasn't sure that they'd even open under a blow, good for them, not so good for their quarry. He stationed himself in the hall out of sight of the peep and called Heero on his cell. “I'm in. I don't think we have to worry about the windows. They're rusted.” Heero opened the back door and slipped inside. He eased up to the door and nodded to Wufei. “Kick it.” Wufei did exactly that, kicking the door next to the lock. He caught the rebound on his shoulder and entered the room, rolling to the right as he knew that Heero liked to go left. He pressed the door back against the wall and let Heero do the hard part. Which turned out not to be that hard. Smetzer was drunk off his ass. Wufei looked at the disgusting mess of a man. He'd puked on himself then pissed his pants. Heero grimaced in disgust. “I really hate touching this kind of thing.” Wufei nodded and snarled. Then he grabbed Smetzer by one ankle and yanked. The man landed on the floor flat on his back, knocking the wind out of him. Wufei kicked him in the ribs and snapped, “Get up. Get up, or I'll gut you.” Smetzer whined, “I'm sick. Please, I'm so sick.” Heero just rolled his eyes and demanded, “Chang, what the hell are you planning?” Wufei stuck a hand into the small ditty bag on his belt and pulled out a pair of latex gloves then he grabbed Smetzer's shirt and ripped it off. He grabbed the hem and jerked, ripping it from hem to throat. “I'm putting this ... this dog in the shower. Find him something clean ... please. I'm not riding in a car with him smelling like beer, vomit, piss and fear.” He reached down and grabbed Smetzer by the belt, hauled him to his feet and frog marched him into the bathroom and shoved him into the shower. He held the whimpering squirming man there and turned on the water. The cold water. Smetzer howled and fought, but Wufei held him in the stream of water, commanding, “Get your pants off.” Smetzer started blubbering about modesty. “I don't see what you've got to complain about, you've stuck that nasty thing up my ass often enough. Animal. Scrub yourself.” Smetzer blinked at Wufei for a moment then burst into tears. He whimpered loudly then started to beg. “Oh, Oh God, please don't kill me. I'm sorry. I'll do anything, anything you want. Just don't kill me.” Wufei curled his lip in disgust. “I wouldn't sully my hands. You're not worth it. Clean yourself up.” Smetzer skinned out of his filthy pants and Wufei realized that he'd not only pissed himself but shit as well. He gagged slightly. Smetzer managed to get himself clean in the cold water and stepped out of the shower, shivering. Wufei tossed him a towel and backed up, keeping an arms distance from him. Heero stepped into the room with a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt in one hand and his side arm in the other. “Any trouble out of him?” Wufei shook his head. “No, he knows I'll kill him if he so much as breaths wrong. What took you so long?” Heero smirked, “One, the man's a pig. Two, Duo called. And three, I found more than sweats.” Wufei raised an eyebrow. “Oh ... I know he's a pig but I thought the sister lived here. How is Duo. And what did you find.” He kept his eyes on Smetzer, knowing Heero could see his face in the mirror over the sink. “His sister is at work, down the block. We, Preventers that is, picked her up just now. She's a pig too. Duo's fine, just pissed as hell. And I found a nice stash of Super. He's worse than an Ice Head.” Wufei made a gagging sound. “He'll be puking up his guts in two hours.” “Tough, but we're lucky. There's a wagon coming to get him in five minutes.” Heero looked pleased. “You! You're lucky Chang got to you first. I'd have broken something. You shot my fucking partner. Asshole!” Wufei just tossed the shorts at his prisoner and snapped, “Get those on before I let Yuy have you.” He waited until Smetzer had the shorts on then pitched the shirt at him. “You can't arrest me. I just realized, you're not a Preventer. You can't do anything to me.” “Idiot. Heero is a Preventer. But, if that's the way you want to be, fine. I'll send Heero out and deal with you myself. I wonder if your dick is big enough to choke you.” Smetzer whimpered and shut up. He pulled the shirt on and then just stood. Wufei glanced at Heero. “You going to hook him up?” “Yeah, I've got cuffs.” Heero took his handcuffs out of the case on his belt and cuffed Smetzer. “Let's get him out the door before I do something I shouldn't.” They were met at the door by a uniform who just took the idiot off their hands and told them that Une wanted a report but not until in the morning. She wanted Heero to get some sleep first. They headed for the back but were stopped by a uniform. “You need to stay here until the onsite signs off on you.” Wufei eyed to officious little shit for a moment. “I need to take my partner home. Get out of the way.” The officer started to put his hand on Wufei's chest to stop him from walking by. Something in Wufei's expression made him change his mind. Instead, he spoke into his hand set and Wufei smirked at him when a tinny voice informed him that Yuy was the onsite. “I think we'll be leaving now. And quit telling people they need to do something that you want them to. Ask politely or you're liable to wind up with someone's foot up your ass.” Heero just stood quietly while all this was going on. Wufei glanced at him, he was just running out of steam. “Give me the keys. I'll drive.” Heero didn't argue, he just handed over the keys and got into the passenger seat. Wufei drove back, telling Heero to go to sleep before he fell asleep on his feet. Heero snorted but leaned back and fell into a doze. . They arrived at the warehouse and Wufei called Heero's name until he woke up, they then went through the elevator, the only door into any floor and checked to see how Duo was. He was fine, still sleeping with Sally Po right beside him. Wufei settled in a chair and suddenly found himself shaking like a leaf in a gale. He couldn't believe that he'd actually done what he had. And without killing the disgusting man. He shuddered. “Ugh!” Sally turned around. “Chang? You ok?” Wufei decided that honesty was the only honorable way. “No, I'm not. If you knew what that man did to, not just me, but others as well, you'd ... I down know. I just ... I'm sure. I didn't even want to kill him anymore, but then ... he was just so ... very small. Not physically, but ... mentally? My teacher would have said that his aura was small. He's just not worth it. Not worth risking my freedom, my sanity. Just for revenge? Does that make me a coward?” Sally sat down beside Wufei on the couch he'd settled on. “No, I think that makes you smart. Let the law take its time with him. He's going back to Alcatraz for life or I miss my guess and it'll be solitary until he's too old to even wank.” Wufei gave her a startled look. “What? I'm a doctor. I know what guys do. Now. You're still shaking. I think you should take a pill and go to bed. Heero's already gone. Here, take this. It's very mild.” Wufei decided that arguing with Dr. Po was like arguing with the Yellow River, an exercise in futility. “Alright, I'll take the pill, but I want a shower first.” Sally gave him a stern look but he scowled at her and said, snappishly. “I said I'd take it.” So Sally put the pill into a small cardboard pill box and handed it to him. He carried it up in his hand and carefully put it and a glass of water on his bedside table. Then he took a shower, as hot as he could stand it. When he crawled into bed he took the pill and settled down to a, hopefully, dreamless sleep. He slept well and woke too early. He got up and headed for the dojo only to stop, Duo was on the ground floor. He sighed, he wanted to work out, but he didn't want to disturb Duo. He decided to just check to see how he was doing then go to the Yang Dojo for a workout. As he was heading for the elevator he bumped into Heero who was just coming out of the guest bedroom. Wufei was really beginning to think of it as Heero and Duo's room. “Morning. I was just going to check on Duo.” Heero just ribbed his unshaven face and leaned against the wall of the elevator and waited for it to take him down to Duo. Wufei opened the door and just got out of Heero's way. He was still feeling detached somehow and wasn't sure how to take this. He watched as Heero greeted Duo, who was awake and cranky. Wufei had to smile, Duo had turned pleading eyes to Heero, asking for something Wufei was sure he shouldn't have. Heero shook his head and Wufei snickered when Duo went into a full on pout. Sally just threatened to give him a shot if he didn't behave. Wufei smiled at Sally when she came his way. “Ok, Chang, how do you feel?” She took her stethoscope from around her neck and started to check him over. He endured with a faint scowl. “Well, I suppose you'll do. What's that scowl for?” “I don't feel ... much of any way. I ... just. I don't know. I'm going to the dojo and work out. I don't have a class today. I want ...” Sally gave him a sympathetic smile. “You're beginning to assess your options, that's my opinion. And you're beginning to reach a crisis.” “I think ... maybe you're right. Does everyone know when they do?” Sally made a rude noise. “No, most deny the need to even change or think about the things that bother them. De-nial isn't just a river in Egypt. You, on the other hand, might not have your head screwed on completely straight but at least you'll admit it.” She rummaged in one pocket for a moment then gave a soft exclamation. “I called your shrink and got a scrip. Here. There's only four of them but you probably won't need more. You're going to crack, soon I think. Take one every six hours starting when you really feel like dropping off the edge of the Earth.” Wufei gave her an outraged glower. “And don't look at me like that. I cracked from perfectly calm to screaming rage in a second flat. Over a broken fingernail. It doesn't always take something earthshaking to do it.” Wufei sighed. “I feel off balance and ... strangely detached. I can't find a center. Somedays it's all I can to to act normal; other's, it's like it didn't happen to me. I think ... I don't know what to think.” Sally nodded. “And that's good. If you don't have any preconceived ideas, you're better off. You meditate?” Wufei's sour expression made Sally sigh. “Yes, I do, but I'm having problems. My mind wanders abominably. I keep at it though and I'm getting better.” “Good, good.” Heero came over to see what was keeping Sally from Duo's side. Sally smiled at him and went to see if Duo had managed to pop a stitch or something. “Chang? Trouble?” Wufei saw something in Heero's blue eyes that made him exclaim, “Yes, I'm about to fall apart and I don't know how to stop it. Who's going to pick up the pieces of me, if I can't do it myself? And ... I don't think I can.” His low voiced final admission made Heero tug him into a bone crushing hug. “We'll be here. Duo and I. We'll help you put yourself back together. Better than ever.” “You don't know ... I ... I'm lost and I can't find ... myself.” Wufei rested his head on Heero's strong shoulder. “And that's the stupidest thing I've said in years. I'm right here.” Heero just gave Wufei a huff of irritation that blew his hair. “Yes, you're right here. And your soul is scattered all over. Duo and I will be here when you need us, that's why Une wanted one of us with you. And don't feel as if there's something wrong in this. You should have seen when I had my epiphany. I cried until I made myself ill. I threw up all over Havram. He just laughed a bit and said that any break through was better than no break through.” Wufei just said a bit blankly, “Oh, and Duo?” “He screamed until we had to sedate him for fear he'd do his voice permanent damage.” Heero pushed Wufei out of his grip and gave him a little shake. “Wufei, we're warriors. We did horrible things, took outrageous risks, suffered tortures that would have killed lesser men. We deserve to be whole. We deserve to do whatever it takes to be well. Or as well as we'll ever be. Dr. Havram says he'll be satisfied with socially functional. Now stop worrying about it. It'll happen when it happens.” Wufei just stared at Heero. Then the tears started, just a trickle at first, then a flood. Wufei dropped to his knees and howled. Sally jerked around, saw what was happening and called Dr. Havram. Duo tried to get out of bed but Sally wouldn't let him. She called to Heero to bring Wufei to them and he just picked a helplessly sobbing Wufei up and carried him. After putting Wufei in bed with Duo, Heero climbed in on the other side of him. So, Wufei wept himself sick, ensconced between Duo and Heero. Dr. Havram came in, consulted with Sally, gave her a prescription which she examined and rejected. She told him which pills she'd already given Wufei and he nodded his acceptance. Sally and the other doctor drifted to a small table that she'd set up near the dojo floor. Coffee was available and they drank a cup while they waited for the storm to pass. “Do you think he'll make a full recovery?” Sally glanced over to where Wufei lay, curled up between Duo and Heero. “No, but that's not necessary. You're thinking like a physician instead of a therapist. He's always going to have some ... concerns. Possibly a few severe ones'. But I have every hope that he'll be functional. Capable of handling himself within what is considered normal parameters.” Sally nodded. “I see. In other words, he'll be able to function. Keep a job. Act in a socially acceptable manner but he'll always ... have a twitch or two?” “Yes, like Duo. He's going to be fine for a while. Until he recovers most likely but after that, he's going to have to have his comforts again.” Sally looked blank. “Comforts?” Dr. Havram nodded. “You're the attending so it's not a breach of etiquette to tell you. He likes having some food item and a bottle of water by the bed. He went hungry too often when he was a child. And he needs a pistol or knife under the edge of the mattress. Heero has a twitch or two as well.” Sally nodded. “I'm familiar with his. He can't sleep with his back to a door. Came out of a near coma twice. And he has to have at least shorts on. He will not sleep naked. I guess, now that I think about it, both of them aren't 'healed'. But they're highly functional. I'm happy with that. So, how long will Chang need to be in therapy?” “It took me two years to get Heero to a stage where I was comfortable telling Une that he didn't need a watchdog anymore. Duo, about the same. But, with Wufei? I'm not really sure. He's a bit more self-aware so not as long, maybe, but he was horribly abused in prison. It may take longer because of that. We'll just have to feel our way.” Sally saluted him with her cup. “Here's to you then, doc. Good luck. You did good with Heero and Duo. Just hope the same goes with Wufei. He deserves a break.” “Mmmm, you better go see if you can't get him to settle. He looks like he's about to work himself into true hysteria. Can't have that. Counter productive.” So Sally went over to see what was going on. Heero looked up at her and whispered. “Better give him a shot, he's stuck in a loop.” Sally knew what Heero was saying. Wufei had worked himself into a state where he couldn't stop weeping, which made him frantic, which made him cry harder. Round and Round. She picked up the hypodermic she'd already prepared and prep-ed Wufei by wiping his hip with an alcohol pad. She neatly injected him then gave Duo a quick glance. Duo just nodded at her. He'd taken a hit in the side, between the front and back panels of his vest. The bullet had gone through his jacket, shirt, the strap of the vest and his t-shirt, most of the energy had been spent but it was still a nasty flesh wound. He'd bled quite a bit but he was strong, and young. The transfusions he'd gotten during his operation had replenished his blood but he'd been kept out for a while just to make sure. He seemed to be doing fine so Sally just left them to themselves knowing they'd call her if she was needed. . Wufei fell asleep almost immediately after being given the shot. Duo, exhausted by all the emotion, followed shortly thereafter. Heero, however, was still awake when Dr. Havram checked on them about half an hour later. “Heero?” “Just thinking, doctor. He's so fragile. Will he be ok?” “I think so. He'll be just like you and Duo. Don't worry too much. Just help him. Ok?” Heero nodded, rubbing his cheek against the top of Wufei's head. “He's my friend.” And that was all that Heero felt needed to be said. Dr. Havram nodded back to him and ambled away. He was tired but felt that it would be better to be there when Wufei woke up. Sally pointed to two cots set up a bit away from the hospital bed crowded with three sleeping young men. He nodded, sat down and took off his shoes and belt. He settled back and pulled a blanket over himself. He knew that he wasn't going to sleep well but he could doze until he was sure he wasn't needed. Then he'd go home to his wife. . Wufei woke the next morning, having slept for nearly 18 hours. Duo had awakened twice to be examined by Sally. Heero had woken when Duo had and they had both agreed with Sally that Wufei didn't need to wake in an empty bed. So, Heero was awake, reading a book. Duo was also awake but he was sitting in a chair, eating from a rolling tray. He sighed softly, then his eyes fluttered open. He sighed again, a bit more loudly then said hoarsely. “I'm thirsty. Water?” Heero didn't look up from his book, he just handed Wufei the glass of water that had been waiting for hi on the bedside table. “Here. Don't drink too fast.” “Mmmm.” Wufei sipped carefully several times then drank slowly, not stopping until the glass was empty. “That's better. Duo?” Duo looked up from his food to smile at Wufei. Wufei just settled back on his pillow and remarked, “Well, that was new. Am I getting better? Or going crazy? And did anyone call the dojo? I'm supposed to teach a class of beginners tonight, you know.” Heero closed his book, glanced at Duo who just nodded without stopping the motion of his fork from plate to mouth. “You're getting better. You've started the mourning faze. That's good. No one has called the dojo yet as there's no reason you can't teach, if you feel like it. How do you feel?” Dr. Havram refrained from interrupting them, he just listened in. Wufei thought for a moment. “Wrung out. But ... good. I'm able to teach, if it's ok.” He looked a bit doubtful. “And why wouldn't it be ok?” The doctor took over from Heero with a smile to him for work well done. “I don't know. That's why I'm asking you. I don't want to do anything that might put my students at risk.” “Then you should teach. That attitude is exactly what I'm looking for. Excellent. Heero will go to assist you. Sally will stay here with Duo. Just to relieve Heero's mind.” Sally poked her head around the screen set up to shield the bed. “I can't. I'm on call. I sent for James. Duo, you remember him, don't you?” Heero nodded. “I remember him. Tall, blond, grey eyes. They played chess until I made them quit.” Duo nodded, a big grin on his face. “Yeah, yeah, I do remember him. He's a sucker. Bring him on.” He finished his banana pudding and pushed the tray away. “ 'Fei, you better eat something or you're going to be sick.” Wufei nodded. “You're right. I feel like I could eat a Royal Banquet all by myself. Heero?” “I'll order one and we'll share. What we don't eat will feed the doctors and Duo.” Heero started dialing his phone without consulting anyone else. If no one else wanted anything, they'd just put it in the fridge for later. Twenty minutes later, a small crew arrived with the food, followed by James. Heero led them up to the top floor living quarters and showed them the table there. Duo followed along with Wufei, Sally, Dr. Havram and James. Dr. Havram spoke to James for a moment then announced to the room, “I've done all I can here. I want to go home and see my wife. I'll eat there. Thanks for the invitation. Good-day.” With that he went into the elevator. He started to punch the floor button but Sally called to him to wait for her. She just told them all that she was on call in a few and was going home to clean up and get a bit of sleep. Then she got on the elevator with Dr. Havram and they left. This left Duo, Heero, Wufei and the nurse, James to eat a complete six course Chinese banquet. The crew seemed a bit surprised that they were contemplating this, but obediently set out the beautifully arranged food. One of the delivery men stepped into the kitchen, asking if he could use it to make tea. Heero just bowed slightly and told him to make full use of the facilities and, if he couldn't find something, ask. The other two men set about waiting on the three customers. Duo was happy to eat more. Wufei shamelessly stuffed himself and Heero found himself battling the two for seconds. They laughed and talked. Wufei gave Heero a run down of what he was hoping to accomplish in this first class while Duo offered advice that was as good as Heero's. None of them referred to Wufei's breakdown nor Duo's injury but they all knew that it wasn't forgotten. Duo didn't even pout when James told him he ought to go rest, he just ambled into the elevator and went down to the third floor which they had started referring to as the common room and plopped down on a couch. He turned on a big screen tv and started channel surfing. James took a comfortable recliner and stared at the flipping channels without comment. Heero stepped off the elevator about half an hour later and went directly to his desk. Wufei, who was right behind him, joined Duo on the couch and just as James was, stared at the tv. They all sort of zoned out, full of good food, exhausted by extreme emotions and in need of recovery time. They got it, in spades. Duo fell asleep between one channel and another, with Wufei not far behind. James, rewarded for his patience, took the remote and got a football game. Heero spent his relaxation time doing research on a pet project. Wufei woke with a start, not knowing where he was. He looked around, realized that he'd fallen asleep on the couch and got up. He looked around to see that Duo was still asleep, James was watching football and Heero was still on the computer. He glanced at a clock on one wall and announced, “It's time to go, unless you want to drive and then we have about another twenty minutes.” Heero just started shutting his computer down. “I'd like to walk. Get to know the neighborhood better.” “Ok. You going to change? Do you have a gi?” “I have a gi. I thought I'd just wear this and change at the dojo, if that's acceptable?” “Fine with me.” As they walked to the dojo, Heero asked questions about the various stores on the way. Wufei told him what he could and they both realized that this neighborhood was on it's way up, after a long fall. There were several other warehouses that were being converted into businesses and apartment buildings. Several other store fronts displayed coverings of sheets or paper that hid the new construction. When they reached the dojos back door, Wufei realized that they were very early so he led Heero around the block so they could enter through the front, he wanted Heero to see the beautiful meditation garden that guarded the front entrance. Heero was suitably impressed, complimenting the arrangement and the sand gardens. They entered through the moon door and walked to the desk. The young girl there nodded to Wufei and admired Heero. Heero gave her his blankest face and followed Wufei to the instructors changing room to get into his gi. Wufei snickered silently, Long Ping was well known in the dojo. Heero would have to be a bit less subtile to discourage the man hunting girl. Something including a club, perhaps. Heero glared at Wufei. “Did you know that barracuda was going to be at the desk?” Wufei laughed softly. “No, I didn't. I wouldn't do that to my worst enemy.” He took his pants and jacket out of his dojo bag. He didn't wear a gi, as a sensi he was entitled to wear a different uniform, instead he wore a Chinese jacket and loose pants. Many people thought of this uniform as exclusive to practitioners of Tai Chi but many other styles used it. He did because it was what he'd worn as a young child and he liked it. His family crest was embroidered on the breast of the jacket and a dragon on the back. He wore black because he liked it and it made the gold crest and gold and green dragon show up. Wufei stood at the front of the room, next to the shrine and Heero stood by the door. He had a clipboard with a list of students, he checked them off as they came in the door. Then he nodded to Wufei to indicate that all the students were in attendance and moved to the back of the room. He would keep an eye on the students and help Wufei make sure that they were doing the forms correctly. “Good day. My name is Chang Wufei. You will call me sifu. It is spelled S I F U but it is pronounced sher-foo. You will not call me Chang or Wufei. You will call me Chang-Sifu or Shihing which means older brother. My assistant is Yuy-sama. All you Sidai will be taught proper dojo etiquette, you will observe it. If you are here to learn to fight, leave now. If you are here to learn martial arts, including philosophy; welcome. We begin in two minutes. Make up your minds. If you stay, the road will be hard. I teach as I was taught. If you learn, you will find the rewards many.” Wufei looked the class over and was surprised to see both Joe, Peter and Avery in the class. Yang-Shigung had kept the size of the class small so that Wufei's first experience would be good, he hoped. Also, the dojo advertised that all classes topped out at fifteen, in order to assure proper one-on-one teaching. Wufei, therefore, only had ten in this class. If this one worked out, the shigung was going to offer one more beginner class, also ten in number. With Heero's help, Wufei got everyone settled to begin learning meditation. There was one rebellious mutter but Wufei frowned him down. He led them through a meditation intended to allow them to center themselves. They all managed quite well and Wufei was satisfied. “Now, any questions? Any at all.” He smiled a bit as his students wriggled a bit as they tried to work up nerve to ask something. He found this amusing as his students ranged from a young boy of about 13 or so and Avery at nearly 20. Avery stood up. “Sifu, what are your objectives in this class. I know what mine are, I'd like to hear yours.” “Good question. I want to turn out a well rounded martial artist who understands that the best fight is the one you don't have. I don't want students who want to learn to fight. I want students who want to learn to protect themselves and others. A strong mind in a strong body dedicated to peace, knowing war.” There were a few confused faces but Wufei was pleased to see that they were spread out through the age groups. He waited while they all thought about it, of the ten only one remained confused. He thought he was going to lose that one. Heero stood at the back still. Another student stood and said, “I'm Jerry Hartner, sir. er. .. Sifu, sorry.” Wufei nodded gently. “Um ... you're a gundam pilot, right?” Wufei's expression hardened but he nodded again. “And, so's Yuy-sama? Is that right?” “Yes, we were both gundam pilots. And sir is a proper form of address, although you will be reminded of proper titles.” “Yes, Sifu. Thank you.” He sat down without further comment. Wufei decided that he was just curious in the way of all young boys. “Any other questions?” Heads shook all over the class. Wufei looked at Heero who smirked at him. “Good. Now, there will be a slight demonstration of some of the skill I hope you will develop under my tutelage.” The class moved onto the tatami surrounding the dojo floor and Heero stepped into the middle. Wufei joined him and the battle was on. It wasn't what you might expect from two martial artists of their caliber, but it was intense. Heero started an attack, Wufei countered. Wufei shifted his weight and Heero's eyes narrowed. This was the real deal, not some show for entertainment. Then Heero made a mistake and Wufei got inside his guard. Heero flew across the dojo to land, on his feet, ten feet away. Then all hell broke loose. Wufei charged Heero, Heero countered with a body block that sounded like a whip crack. Heero tried to get a grip on Wufei and Wufei twisted out of it leaving Heero with a handful of air. Suddenly a voice barked, “Yame!” Heero and Wufei both froze. Wufei nearly overbalancing as he stopped right in the middle of a kick. Yang-Shigung walked in. “What is this?” “A demonstration, Shigung.” Wufei bowed, followed by Heero then the rest of the class. “Ah! I was wondering what was keeping the class after. You should call an end now. There are parents waiting. We wouldn't want to cause them concern, yes?” Yang-Shigung bowed back to the whole class and walked out, a pleased smile on his face. Wufei chuckled a bit then turned to the class. “In case you didn't realize it, a lot of the language used in any dojo isn't English. Commands used to be specific to one martial art but there was a conference in 2240 old calender which standardized commands and such, and compiled a complete dictionary of forms. It's all Japanese. Get used to the idea as I'll be teaching you a little along as we progress. By the time you're ready for your first belt, you'll have to pass a test proving your understanding of about 50 terms.” There was some groaning but it all seemed good natured. Wufei dismissed the class and he and Heero went to shower and change. As they were leaving, Wufei was approached by a rather heavy man who stood off to one side but called, “Excuse me.” Wufei turned to face him, Heero automatically moving to cover his back. “Um ... I was wondering. See, I got my boy in this class because he's getting bullied and ... well ... If you're not going to teach him how to defend himself, I'm just wasting my money. We need him to be able to protect himself before they really hurt him. See?” Wufei felt saddened. “Yes, I do see.” He patted his pockets, produced a piece of paper but was defeated for a pen. He man handed him one. “Thank you. Here is my address, bring him by on Saturday for a few private lessons. I don't want to rush the class, but since he's having trouble, I'll show him a few moves and be sure that he knows how to use them. I'll also be giving him a quick lecture on personal safety and ethics.” “Oh, thank you. I really appreciate this. It's just outrageous that the school won't do anything about this. I'll see that he's on time, and aware of the consequences of misusing what you teach him.” The man shook Wufei's hand and walked towards his car. Wufei noticed that the other occupant was one of the younger boys in the class. He'd been quiet but intense and had done well. They walked back to find James gone and Duo in the kitchen, quietly peeling potatoes. He looked up, smiled and asked how the class had gone. Wufei and Heero took turns telling him the things they thought were important. Once the potatoes were peeled, Wufei got up to find something to fix. Duo informed him that there were chopped onions and left over roast all ready for him to make hash. Heero brightened, he loved Wufei's hash. Wufei refrained from asking where left over roast had come from, as there hadn't been any in the banquet. Wufei cooked, Heero cleaned the kitchen and they spent the rest of the night amusing themselves in various ways. ~ * ~ tbc... |
