Rescue Me, My Love

The Dragon's Wing

     All of the five sets of twins had passed their ascension trial.  Mo Yuan ramped up their learning.  To keep them focused and in constant training, he kept them with him, ready for any teachable moment.  Wherever he went, his entourage of ten followed him.  It had become a common sight.  Behind Mo Yuan's back, everyone had started calling them "The Dragon's Wing".  Having heard Die Feng and Chang Shan referring to them in this manner, he actually became amused by it.  He decided if they were going to be his gang, at least they could wear the name with pride.  He set out to have robes made for them.  Each child had white robes with a golden dragon sewn on the left breast.  Underneath it was their logo, "Dragon's Wing".  He presented them their robes that morning in class.  "It has come to my attention that many people refer to you as "the Dragon's Wing".  I have decided you shall wear this name with pride.  What do you think?"  He waved his hand and dressed them all in their new robes.  "Shifu!  We like it!"
     All over Kunlun they went.  Where he was, they were.  Ye Hua had to come looking for Long Hei and Yu Yu and Ming and Ru.  "Da ge!  It has come to my attention that a small group of children have captured the heart of the great dragon.  It's said this group of children have become his entourage and unwavering companions.  I came to see, but I see it's true!  I assume there are many teachable moments?"  Mo Yuan chuckled.  "Yes, Didi, they are learning and I assure you they will not disappoint anyone.  Do you trust me?"  "Yes, Da ge, I trust you.  It seems my children are quite attached to their Shushu!  No more pranks?"  "At this point, they are taking their learning seriously.  In fact, it's time for weapons training.  If you will excuse us?"  Mo Yuan turned to go to the arena with five sets of twins from oldest to youngest walking behind him in perfect order.  Since he had them, Liang Lei decided she would help him train them.  Lei Lei had chosen the bow as her weapon.  Mo Yuan himself had worked with her until he couldn't show her any more.  She was practicing when he brought his entourage out into the arena.  She grinned at her Fuqin.  "Well if it isn't Jinlong and his Dragon's Wing."  Mo Yuan was not amused.  He growled low at her.  "So touchy!  I just wanted to help you work with them today!  Yu Yu has shown interest in the bow.  May I help you?"  "Yes, you may.  Now come sort them out with their weapons."
     Weapons lessons were a great success.  It seemed they needed some extra training in other subjects.  He thought about the little compound where he had sent Baohu, Jinzi and Junjie.  Hmmm!  An excellent thought.  Mo Yuan knew that Ming and Ru, Fenli and Ali, Long Hei and Yu Yu and Jin and Shing were ready for such an excursion.  He wasn't sure about Taiyang and Zhenzhu.  He called Ye Hua, Bai Xue and Mo JinDe into his study.  "I've called you here today because I want to talk to you about your children.  I'm thinking about sending them to our little compound on Mount Junji for some experience.  What do you think?"  Bai Xue spoke first.  "The same compound where you sent Baohu, Jinzi and Junjie?"  "Yes, the very same.  I've had a spell on it to protect it from outsiders and wear and tear.  I was thinking we could mess it up and have them work to repair it.  Forage for food, etc.  There are a few beasts on the mountain but nothing they couldn't handle.  This would be good experience for them.  Let them know life can be hard.  What do you think?"  Ye Hua was a little troubled.  Yu Yu would be the only girl there.  Should we send her?"  "I was thinking about sending Liang Lei.  She could supervise them.  Are we all agreed?"  Nods all around.  "Good, let's go mess it up so they will have to work."
     That afternoon Ye Hua, Mo Yuan, Bai Xue and Mo JinDe went to the little compound.  The traps were all still there but overgrown.  The compound was neat and clean.  "Let's mess up the roof, pile up foliage inside and leave no firewood so they will have to tackle that right away.  Mess up the courtyard really good.  Have it so they will have to make a lot of repairs.  Let's go!"  They broke holes in the fence, broke holes in the roof and generally messed up everything.  Mo Yuan nodded his head.  "Alright!  Let's go get them.  Tomorrow morning they are off for an adventure!"   That night Mo Yuan brought Chen Bo, Chin Chu and Liang Lei into his office.  "I've called you here because I have a job for you three.  I'm sending the Dragon's Wing to Mount Junji to gain experience.  Yu Yu needs to go, but I don't want her to be the only female.  Would you three want to go?"  "I will go.  I can teach the use of a bow to them."  "Lei Lei, I don't want you to make it easy.  They are to work hard.  No magic.  Understood?"  "I understand, Fuqin."  "How about you girls?"  "I will go.  I want to learn more about hunting and foraging."  "What about you, Chu?"  "I will, Fuqin.  I too would like to learn more survival techniques."  "Alright, it's settled then.  Come to the hall dressed for the mortal realm in the morning.  We will depart then."
     The next morning, Mo Yuan came to the hall dressed in mortal realm clothes.  His whole Dragon's Wing was assembled plus Chin Chu, Chen Bo and Liang Lei.  Junjie and Baohu joined them.  "Junjie, you and Baohu must stay here.  They are to learn, the same as you did.  Understand?"  Baohu spoke into his Fuqin's mind.  "Fuqin, I was thinking that Junjie and I could play the bad guys.  We will talk later with you."  "We understand."   Ye Hua was busy and couldn't go with them, but Xue and JinDe did.  The compound was a mess.  They looked around in shock and dismay.  "Who will cook for you?"  Yu Yu had taken up cooking so she volunteered.  "I will, Shifu."  "Good!  You come with me then.  The rest of you assess what needs doing while I show Yu Yu what she needs."  Xue and JinDe watched carefully as the youngsters looked around and made plans.  Taiyang and Zhenzhu had come along.  It still wasn't decided if they would be staying.  They started gathering sticks for the stove fire.  After a meal was cooked, they sat down to eat.  "You will stay here for one month.  Your powers will be blocked, all of you except Liang Lei, Chin Chu and Chen Bo.  You three absolutely can't use your powers unless it is an emergency.  Taiyang and Zhenzhu, I have decided you will stay.  You will obey the older ones here, but they will also listen to you.  You must use your brain and think on what must be done to survive.  Chen Bo, you are in charge.  I will come and check on your progress from time to time.  Now get to work!"
     When Mo Yuan, Bai Xue and Mo JinDe left, they sat down to make a plan.  "The first thing we must do is repair the compound wall and clean up out here.  Taiyang and Zhenzhu can gather sticks for firewood.  Don't stray too far.  Jin and Shing can repair the fence, Long Hei will clean the area, Fenli and Ali can clean the house, Ming and Ru you two patrol the area.  Be careful and make sure you watch out for beasts."  They all went about their work.  By nightfall, Taiyang and Zhenzhu had gathered enough sticks for a few days of cooking, Jin and Shing had repaired a third of the fence, Fenli and Ali had the house fairly clean and Long Hei had the compound area almost clean.  Yu Yu had a good meal cooked for them.  They all went to the lake to clean up and came back to eat.  Not paying attention, none of them saw the man watching them bathe.  When they left, he went back to the road and his horse that was waiting there.  He rode a few miles away and into a camp of thieves.  He reported what he had seen.  Young children with no protection would be easy to catch and sell as slaves.  They made their plans to trap them.  Dinner was a good tasty soup.  They cleaned up and set a watch for the night.  The younger children were in bed leaving only Bo, Chu and Lei to watch.  Lei looked around and made a comment.  "I don't know about you two, but I feel like we are being watched.  I say we check our traps as soon as we can.  We must set a watch schedule too.  I just have a feeling."  Chen Bo shifted to her fox and walked around the compound.  When she neared the open gate, she growled.  She quickly came back.  "Too late for traps!  Lei, go get Fuqin!  Transform to your dragon!  There's too many of them!"  Liang Lei walked out the gate and smirked.  She walked down the path just a short way before she was grabbed by three thieves.  She growled and transformed.  They were left open jawed and afraid.  Lei landed by Taowu.  She was in a hurry!  He let her pass.  He himself wondered what was up.  She flew up the path to the portico.  She started calling.  "Fuqin!  Fuqin!  Hurry!  Fuqin!"  Mo Yuan was reading his last scroll when he heard Lei calling.  He jumped to her.  "Fuqin!  A large group of thieves are on the verge of attacking our compound.  I walked outside to draw them off.  Three tried to snatch me but I transformed and flew here to get you!  Hurry!  I believe they are slave traders."  Mo Yuan sent a message to Die Feng and Bai Qian.  He grabbed Lei around the waist and jumped them to a spot right outside the compound.  They ran down the path.  Mo Yuan signaled her to be quiet.  His worst fears were realized when he saw the compound.
     The wall had been breached.  There were three thieves laying in the gate dead.  Two others were outside on the path.  Chen Bo was fighting three by herself and so was Chin Chu.  Taiyang and Zhenzhu had their dizis and were playing.  The rest were battling to stay free and not be captured.  Lei strung her bow and let loose three arrows.  She killed three thieves.  Mo Yuan strode into the compound.  One by one he grabbed a thief and killed him.  Bo had killed two of the thieves attacking her.  Yu Yu had killed two with arrows.  Chu had dispatched hers.  Only five were left.  Thinking the children would be easy prey, they had attacked with very little planning.  They were nearly vanquished.  The five that were left threw down their weapons and surrendered.  Mo Yuan was furious.  He questioned the thieves.  "Just what was your purpose here?  Did you think these children were easy prey for you?  Get up!  You're about to be taken to the authorities!  Are there any more of you?"  One brave soul looked around and shook his head no.  Liang Lei got rope and tied them together.  Several horses were outside so she gathered them together too.  She mounted one horse and proceeded to lead the horses and men into the nearest town.  "I'll be back, Fuqin."  "Be careful, Lei Lei.  If you're not back by nightfall, I'll come looking for you."
     Liang Lei was dressed as a warrior.  She smirked as she rode into town with the thieves.  The town constable came running to her when she dismounted in front of his station.  "How may I help you?  She pointed to the thieves.  "These men attacked our home in the forest to try to steal my siblings.  We killed all of them but these five.  I have brought them to you for justice.  Will they receive it?"  "My lady, they will surely receive punishment.  We have been trying to catch this gang for over a year now.  We thank you for catching them."  "I leave these horses to the people of this town.  I don't need them.  I will stay to see what kind of justice is served.  I expect it now.  Where is your town magistrate?  I would see him now."  "My lady, we have no magistrate.  He was killed by those very thieves.  I am judge until a new one is appointed."  "Get to it then!"  A table was set up and the trial was begun.  As expected, each thief told a tale of how they were attacked by a group of children trying to take their goods.  They all looked at her and smirked.  She growled at them.  She told her story.  After she finished, she noted one man in the crowd staring at her.  His stare was intense and he looked like he knew her.  Feeling uncomfortable, she waited for judgement to be made.  Thinking they would be set free, the thieves were surprised when they received the death sentence.  They were beheaded.  Satisfied, Liang Lei started slipping through the crowd.  Seeing the man close behind her, she darted down an alley and ran for the woods.  As soon as she was able, she opened her dragon senses.  He was close!  She ran as fast as she ever had.  Their hut was miles away from town, but she kept her pace.  She knew her Fuqin was waiting for her.  With one mile to go, she started to tire.  If only she could make it to the compound!  Fuqin would save her!  She was contemplating transforming when her Fuqin appeared on the road.  Before the man could stop, Mo Yuan had him in his grip!  He brought him to the compound.  Liang Lei was winded.  She had run full speed the whole way.  A bonfire was burning and she fell down beside it. 
     Mo Yuan turned the man around by the fire.  The young man's eyes grew as big as saucers.  "High God Mo Yuan!  Please forgive me!"  He fell down on his knees and kowtowed.  "Who are you?  Why were you after my daughter?"  "Your daughter?"  His voice was choked and he knew he was on shaky ground.  "I am Mao Qiang de Hei.  Bao Feng Yu is my sister.  I humbly apologize to you, but you see, I'm quite taken with your daughter.  Would you allow my suit?"  Mo Yuan was blown away.  He wanted to pursue Liang Lei?  Hmmm.  "Are you not heir to the snow leopard kingdom?  Why are you here in the mortal realm?"  "High God Mo Yuan, I was on my way to visit Yu Yu when I saw you bring these children here.  I saw your daughter with them.  I went to the town to see if they were there.  I was about to leave when she rode into town towing the thieves.  She was so beautiful!  A warrior of power!  I couldn't help myself!  I wanted to talk to her but she ran away!  I just wanted to talk to her!  Please forgive my error!"  "I will allow your suit if and only if Liang Lei approves of you and her mother approves of you.  Lei Lei!  Please come here!"  Having finally caught her breath, she walked beside her father and stared.  "Xia Liang Lei meet Mao Qiang de Hei.  He wishes to court you!  Would you be interested?"  "Fuqin, don't be joking me!  I don't know him!"  Qiang de Hei fell on one knee in front of her.  "May I be so bold to introduce myself to you?  I am Da ge to Empress Bao Feng Yu and heir to the snow leopard kingdom.  I saw you with your Fuqin as he brought you here yesterday.  I was looking for you in the town when you brought in the thieves.  I was spellbound by your grace and power!  Please allow my suit?  I can only hope to be worthy of you!"  His eyes were soft and pleading.  She looked at her Fuqin.  No help there.  He had the scary war god face on.  "Very well!  Only if Fuqin allows it!"  Qiang de Hei smiled and turned on his knees to Mo Yuan.  "Please, High God Mo Yuan?  I promise to be a perfect gentleman!  Please?"  Mo Yuan looked Liang Lei in the eye.  He saw the spark of interest there.  "Alright!  You may pursue her.  Be warned!  She will not marry until after her high god trial.  Understood?"  Mao Qiang de Hei was ecstatic!  "I totally understand!  I must be on my way to visit Yu Yu.  I'll return here, if I may?"  "These children are on a trial.  If Liang Lei decides to stay with them, you must wait until she returns to Kunlun.  If she comes home, you may visit her at Kunlun.  Now come and eat with us and see your niece and nephews."
     After their meal, each child told Mo Yuan of their exploits and what they had achieved.  He was very pleased, but they were still not finished.  "I'm going to let you stay two more weeks here.  I will come to get you.  Bo, if any trouble comes again, don't hesitate to come get me.  Liang Lei, are you staying or coming home?"  "Fuqin, I must come home, for you see, I used my power to run......."  She fell forward into Qiang de Hei's arms.  Mo Yuan yelled out orders.  "Bo, you're in charge!  I'll be back or I will send Xue or JinDe."  He grabbed Qiang de Hei and cloud jumped.  They landed at the portico.  Bai Xue met them.  "Xue!  Go get Jinzi!  Tell him to meet us in the infirmary!"  Xue looked at the young man.  He low growled as he left.  A yemao holding his sister!  Well we'll just see about this!  He jumped straight to the hall to get Jinzi.  He took him straight to the infirmary.  Jinzi ran to his Fuqin.  "What happened, Fuqin?"  "It seems your jiemei used her powers running away from this young man."  Bai Xue growled and his eyes turned white.  Mo Yuan held up his hand.  "No need to get testy!  He has formally asked to court Liang Lei.  Bai Xue, Bai Zhi Jinzi, meet Mao Qiang de Hei, heir of Mao Wang and Da ge to Empress Yu Yu."  Bai Xue knew of the young man.  He knew about every heir of every kingdom.  It was his job.  He had heard good things about this one.  He retracted his dragon and became his cordial self.  "So, Fuqin, did Lei Lei accept his suit?  Tell me otherwise and I'll hurt him.  Right now!"  "Calm down!  She has accepted his suit.  Right now, Jinzi must heal her.  What do you need, Jinzi?"  Jinzi walked to the shelf and got a small elixer bottle.  He held her head up and gave it to her.  Her eyes fluttered open.  "Jinzi?  What happened?"  "It seems, my dear jiemei that you used too much power in the mortal realm.  You will be fine after some rest.  Fuqin can take you to your room so you can rest.  Da ge, would you and our guest come with me to the hall for tea?  Will you join us, Fuqin?"  "Yes!  Let me settle Lei Lei and I'll be right there!"  Xue looked at Jinzi as they walked to the hall.  "So do we wait or do we hurt him now?"  "Xue, you know Fuqin would kill us if we didn't follow common decorum and manners.  We must be gentlemen of the highest order.  Later we can get him if he hurts her!"  "Agreed!  I'm calling JinDe to the hall too!  I wonder if Fuqin is bringing mother?"  "Hmmm, good question!  Mother can read a person a mile away!"  They sat down, offered Qiang de Hei a seat and tea and started firing off subtle questions.  JinDe walked in and sat by Xue.  He made the introductions.  "JinDe, may I introduce Mao Qiang de Hei.  He has asked Fuqin if he can court Xia Liang Lei."  JinDe's eyes turned gold and he growled.  Hei took note.  He was about to comment when Mo Yuan walked in with his lovely wife, Bai Qian.  Qiang de Hei rose quickly and bowed low.  Mo Yuan waved his hand.  "No need for formality.  Mao Qiang de Hei, meet my wife, Bai Qian.  Dearest, this is the young man who wishes to court our Liang Lei."  Qiang de Hei noted that her eyes missed nothing.  Her blue fox eyes.  "So Mo Yuan tells me you took one look at our Lei Lei and fell in love!  How do you know she is the one for you?  We believe in letting our children open their senses to seek their true mate.  Have you done the same?"  "While I was in the town, I saw her.  I opened my senses and I smelled the most heavenly scent I've ever come across.  Jasmine and peach blossom with a hint of roses.  I almost fell down at her feet.  I'm in love!  She is the one for me!!"  Satisfied with his answer, she spent over an hour questioning him about his role in his own kingdom.  Mo Yuan asked pertinent questions on his form of rule and his future plans for his realm.  It seems he was intelligent, astute and willing to listen.  Mo Yuan decided Xue would know any details he needed to know.  Mao Qiang de Hei rose to take his leave.  He bowed.  "I am late to see my jiemei, Yu Yu.  I beg your forgiveness and ask your leave.  I shall return later if I may?"  "You may return.  We look forward to your next visit!"  Without further adieu, he left.  Let the discussion begin!