Rescue Me, My Love

At Last! A Star is Born

     Baohu was about to stand to bow when his Fuqin stopped him.  "Baohu, you know in your heart you're ready.  I know you are.  Now enough business.  How about you go get Taiyang and Zhenzhu and bring them here.  We can vacation for a while.  Or if you want, bring all of the family and the Dragon Wing too.  I can teach some skills and hopefully get Liang Lei to stop mooning over Qiang de Hei for at least a day or two!"  "Fuqin, that reminds me!  The Peach Festival is coming up soon.  I know you wanted to attend.  With all of us.  The whole battalion....."  Mo Yuan laughed out loud.  "Battalion is it?  I guess so now that we have two more on the way!  That makes an even dozen!!"  "Fuqin, I guess you know then that Jinzi has been keeping company with the girl that sells herbs and plants in the mushroom market in Qing Qui?  You know, the little gentle plant fairy."  Bai Qian popped her head up.  "You mean Jinzi has a girlfriend?  Quiet Jinzi?  Jinzi the future medicine king fox?"  Baohu laughed.  "Yes, Mother!  That Jinzi!  While I've been training, he's been traveling the realms looking for plants and talking to all the herbologist there in each realm.  He keeps going back to the one in Qing Qui.  He's quite smitten with her.  She is shy and gentle, much like Jinzi.  We could go meet her and then go get everyone, if you like?"  Mo Yuan looked at Baohu, thought for one second and decided they would.  "Alright, finish your dinner and we will clean up and go to the market.  It's been a while since Qian Qian has been there."
     They finished lunch, packed up their supplies and headed for Qing Qui.  The market was busy and everyone was glad to see Bai Qian.  They all still called her Gugu.  Many called out to Baohu but called him Jinzi.  "No, I'm his twin, Baohu."  "Lord Baohu?  The next God of War?  Hey everybody!! It's Lord Baohu!  He's come to our market!!"  The din of voices was loud as they all clamored to be near him.  Mo Yuan smiled.  Yes, it was time for him to move aside.  Baohu was kind and gracious, especially to the small children.  They stared in awe at the Great Fox Warrior.  "See, Baohu?  Even children know who you are!"  "Fuqin, you're just teasing me!  I'm nothing yet!"  "High God Mo Yuan!!  He's here too!  High God Mo Yuan!!"  The children surrounded him.  He knelt down to talk to each one as they just wanted to touch him.  "Are you really a big, scary dragon?  Can you fly high?  Can you roar loud and shake the ground?"  Mo Yuan smiled and answered each one as he could.  He promised to come show them his dragon one day soon.  He sent them off so they could find the plant fairy.  "She's usually right over there!"  He went to inquire and found out Jinzi had taken her on a picnic in the peach forest.  "Jinzi came and got her earlier.  They went on a picnic in the Peachtree woods.  Should we go find him?"  Mo Yuan was pretty sure they were about to interrupt an intimate moment so he hesitated.  "Baohu, I'm not so sure we need to go barging in on Jinzi right now!"  "Fuqin, what could he possibly be doing?"  Mo Yuan stared him down.  "Oooh, you think Jinzi might be having fox tails and whatever?"  Bai Qian was staring at both of them like they had both grown horns just like Qing Cang.  "Mo Yuan, dearest, we will absolutely go right now to the peach woods.  Right now!!" Before Mo Yuan could stop her, Bai Qian jumped straight from the market to the jade pool.  Mo Yuan and Baohu shrugged and followed her. 
     Jinzi was indeed entertaining his little plant fairy.  She was growing herbs and showing him how to grow them.  He smiled into her grass green eyes.  They were talking when Jinzi put his arm around her and kissed her.  She blushed and pushed him back.  "I hope this means you want to get serious?"  Jinzi placed a stray hair behind her ear and grinned.  "What if I am?  Are you ready to follow me wherever I roam to?  Do you want to be the wife of a medicine king?  Also know that I live on Kunlun.  Would you want to live there?"  She looked deep into his honey brown eyes.  "Jinzi, wherever you go, I will go.  Are you sure you want someone like me?  I'm a high immortal, but not a high goddess.  I'm just a plant fairy."  He kissed her again.  He cupped her face and smiled in that sweet way he's always had.  "Zhiwu Mi Shu, would you marry me?"  She kissed him softly.  Their kiss was getting hot when Jinzi heard a cough and jerked around to see Baohu standing with his back to them.  "Baohu, I'm really busy right now!  Go away!"  "Jinzi, I would but Mother and Fuqin are waiting by the Jade pool.  They want to meet your girlfriend."  "Baohu, why do I know you have a big mouth?"  "It just sort of slipped out.  Sorry."  Jinzi stood up and offered his hand to Mi Shu.  They picked up their picnic and started walking to the pool.  Mo Yuan and Bai Qian were drinking tea with Bai Zhen and Zhe Yan.  Jinzi held Mi Shu by the arm and walked forward with her.  Her shy blush told Mo Yuan everything he wanted to know!
     Jinzi made the introductions.  "Mother, Fuqin, this is Zhiwu Mi Shu.  I have asked her to marry me.  I hope you will approve, Fuqin?"  Mo Yuan motioned for Jinzi to bring her closer.  Yes, he knew she would be right but had Jinzi opened up his fox to test the waters?  "Jinzi, walk with me while your Mother talks to Mi Shu.  I have a question for you."  They walked away from them where their conversation couldn't be heard.  "Jinzi, Fuqin only has one question for you, did you open up your fox spirit to make sure she is the one?  You know foxes only mate once for life.  Make sure, son.  Make sure!"  Jinzi nodded and opened up his fox.  Mo Yuan saw his eyes turn gold.  He sniffed the air and turned his head sideways.  The scent was overpowering to him.  It smelled like sage, fresh earth, pine needles, things of the earth.  Yes, it was her!  "Fuqin, do you smell her?  Sage, fresh earth, pine needles, a heady smell!"  Mo Yuan called forth Jinlong.  He sniffed the air.  He too, smelled the little plant fairy.  He nodded to Jinzi.  "Yes, my son, I believe you have found a great treasure indeed!  Come, we have plans to make!"  Mo Yuan put his hand on Jinzi's shoulder.  "You're not a little fox anymore, Jinzi.  As hard as it is for me to say it, you're a grown man now.  Be happy, Jinzi!  That is all that I wish for you."  He took Jinzi into his arms and held him tightly for a moment.  They smiled at each other and turned to go back to the pool.
     Bai Qian was carefully looking at the shy face of the little fairy.  She had seen her before.  Her heart shaped face and sweet spirit was exactly what Jinzi would want.  "Mi Shu, is it?  I hear you know a lot about herbs and plants.  Since Jinzi studied under Zhe Yan to be a medicine king, I know you could be the perfect partner for him.  I will give you a gift, but I will wait until Jinzi returns with his Fuqin.  Here they come now!"  Mo Yuan walked up and sat by Bai Qian.  He smiled and squeezed her shoulders.  "Since Jinzi has already asked you to marry him, I give my approval.  Have your parents contact me so we can discuss the wedding and a proper date."  Mi Shu looked at Jinzi and hung her head.  "Fuqin, Mi Shu is an orphan.  Her parents were killed by marauding demons about the time they were looking for the soul jade.  We will have to handle all affairs for her."  "Mi Shu, child, I'm so sorry!  We will be your family from now on, won't we dearest?"  Bai Qian looked into his soft honey brown eyes swirling with emotion.  "Yes, my love, we will!  Bring her to Kunlun soon, Jinzi, so we can make plans!!"  Jinzi grabbed her up and swung her around.  He kissed her cheek and they left to go back to the market. 
     Baohu was drinking a jug of peach wine when Mo Yuan looked his way.  "Isn't it a little early for wine, Baohu?"  "I guess you're right, Fuqin.  I'm just happy for Jinzi.  He's quiet, but I can tell they will make a good pair.  He can use her knowledge of plants and herbs to further his medical knowledge.  I forgot to tell you the Peach Festival is next week.  I'm pretty sure Shushu Ye Hua has invited every eligible male and female in the kingdom to come."  He grinned at his Fuqin.  "So you think your Shushu is trying to match make his nieces and nephews?  Hmmmm.  Not a bad idea.  I'll talk to him as soon as I can!"  "Fuqin!  Not you too!!  I like my pleasure at the moment!!"  "Bai Baohu Zhe!  Don't tell me you have been making trips to the flower house?"  "Who me?  I'm hurt that you would think such a thing, Mother!  Totally hurt!"  He winked at his Fuqin and left for Kunlun.  "Well, my love, shall we?  Looks like we should look at dates for a wedding.  My sweet Jinzi, all grown up."  Bai Qian looked at him for a second before it hit her right in the face.  She broke out in tears.  "Mo Yuan!  My Xiao Jin Hulis are all grown up!  When did this happen!?!" 
     Mo Yuan decided to put off their vacation until after the Peach Festival and the trip to meet Mao Qiang de Hei's family.  He was busy thinking on who he was going to turn his teaching duties over to.  He had really been contemplating retiring.  He knew Baohu was ready.  He knew it in his heart.  Die Feng could handle the class rooms.  JinDe could handle weapons training as well as Baohu.  Bai Xue could also teach classes on geography.  He had it all worked out.  He was feeling rather good.  He had plans for his family time.  He was going to move Baohu into Ye Hua's old rooms.  Since Ye Hua had his palace on the back mountain now, he didn't need them.  If Baohu was going to be the God of War, he had to live like it.  He had work going on there already.  The first thing was the door.  He had removed the dragon door and sent it to Ye Hua to use as part of a screen in his room.  He had a new one made.  It was made out of ebony wood with the image of a golden fox in relief in golden oak with white ash used to do the ear, legs and tails tips.  The fox had yellow topaz as the eyes.  It was beautiful!  He had purchased new furnishings for Baohu and stocked his library with plenty of books on his favorite subjects.  He had a special stand made for his swords.  It was all ready for him.  It was his surprise to him after the announcement was made.  He needed to talk to Ye Hua.  He sent a message asking for a meeting with him.  As he was about to go to his room, Ye Hua appeared.  "Well, Didi, that was quick.  I didn't expect to see you until tomorrow.  Sit down and I'll get tea."  Chang Shan met him at the door with Ye Hua's favorite and his.  They both took a sip and nodded.  "What did you want to see me about, Da ge.  Nothing big, is it?"  "Well, it all depends.  You see, I'm making an announcement at the Peach Festival.  I'm retiring as God of War and turning the reins over to Baohu."  Ye Hua jumped up out of his chair and grabbed Mo Yuan's wrist.  His face spoke volumes.  "Are you ill, Da ge?  Is your calamity near?  What is wrong?  What?"  He held up his hand.  "There is nothing wrong, Didi.  I just want to retire.  You yourself know that my life has not been easy.  I am ready for some peace and quiet.  I will still teach the Dragon Wing until they master the things I'm teaching them.  When it comes to war, Baohu will be the God of War.  He will lead.  I'm nearly 400,000 years old.  I'm basically middle aged.  I know I don't look it, but sometimes, not often, but sometimes I just want to lay in bed with Qian Qian and not worry about getting up.  I want to spend more time with Taiyang and Zhenzhu.  I want to help Qian Qian more with these new babies and I want to be free.  I haven't been free for a long time.  I've had the weight of the realm on my shoulders since I was 70,000 years old.  Do you understand, Didi?"  "Yes, Da ge, I do.  Sometimes I feel your weight.  Sometimes I feel as if I am as old as you.  In spirit, I am."  He stood and walked around the desk.  Mo Yuan stood and Ye Hua hugged him tightly.  "Be free, Da ge, be free.  I will tell no one until you make the announcement at the festival.  Deal?"  "Deal!  I have a surprise for you."  "What is it?"  "Chang Shan made cake today!"  "Cake?  I'm so gone to the kitchen!!"  Mo Yuan laughed as Ye Hua jumped straight to the kitchen for cake.
     The day of the festival had arrived.  His rather large brood would all be there.  Jinzi was carrying Mi Shu with him.  Bai Xue had Meili, Fenli and Ali, JinDe had Mei Ying, Jin and Shing, Baohu was going single, Chin Chu, Chen Bo and Mo Junjie were going single, Liang Lei was going with Qiang de Hei and Taiyang and Zhenzhu would be with him and Qian Qian.  Mo Yuan decided to wear a new Kunlun robe today.  It was a dark royal blue with slightly lighter robes underneath.  He was magnificent.  When he walked in with Bai Qian on his arm, women still sighed wishing they could have a piece of that famous dragon rod!  He looked neither right nor left as people bowed down.  His table was right next to Ye Hua's.  With all of his children around him, he still didn't look much older than Ye Hua.  He winked at Ye Hua.  Tianjun Ye Hua stood up and got everyone's attention.  "Gods and goddesses of the nine heavens and all the realms, an important announcement is about to be made.  Mo Yuan, God of War, Master of Kunlun Mountain, Master of Taoism, Son of Fuxi will speak.  Mo Yuan."  Mo Yuan stood up and took on his frosty god look.  "When I was 70,000 years old, my Fuqin, Fuxi, sent me to Kunlun to be the God of War.  I have faithfully held this office and fought many wars to protect this realm.  I sacrificed my life to rid the world of Qing Cang.  Today, I announce my retirement."  A huge gasp went over the crowd and they started buzzing like bees.  He held up his hand for quiet.  "Today, Bai Baohu Zhe, my son, will take the reins as God of War.  If you doubt him, then feast your eyes on him!"  He motioned for Baohu to come stand by him.  "Pull your swords and show them your aura and pulse your power over them!  Do it!"  Baohu stood out on the platform.  He called Lei and Shandian to his hands and crossed them over his head.  His green aura swirled around him and he sent his power out in a shockwave.  His white hair was swirling with green bolts of lightning as he stood there in all his glory.  The people there knelt before him and praised him.  "Praise the new God of War!!  Bai Baohu Zhe!!"  He called his power back and put away his swords.  He transformed for all to see his glorious golden coat and his tails.  He was a full grown male fox in every way.  He sent lightning to the sky from his tails.  He snarled and laughed his fox laugh.  He transformed and he was standing there in his full golden armor.  He was glorious!!  He took his seat next to his Fuqin and nodded.  Mo Yuan nodded to Ye Hua.  Ye Hua picked up the speech.  "As you can see, Bai Baohu Zhe is not weak nor will he ever shirk his duty.  Welcome him today to his new duty!"  The crowd was all a buzz and the women were staring in awe.  Mo Yuan leaned over to Baohu.  "Open up your fox senses, Baohu.  There may be a woman here who is meant to be your mate.  I know you enjoy your fun, as you call it, but so did JinDe.  Look at him now!  Do it!  You just might find something worth keeping!"  Baohu opened his fox senses and scanned over the crowd.  Women were lined up to meet him.  With his fox senses open he greeted every single one like a true gentleman.  Mo Yuan stood by Ye Hua and watched him closely.  "Da ge, I am in awe of the young man Baohu has become.  He is truly worthy to replace you.  Are you feeling ok, Da ge?  Are you ill or something?"  "No, Didi, I'm fine!  Stop fussing over me!  Even Dijun retired from his post!  Now let me bask in the success of my children!  Don't think I'm not on to your little trick!  You have every eligible male and female here!  Your a better match maker than me!  Maybe Baohu will find someone worthy of him!  By the way, Jinzi asked the little plant fairy from Qing Qui to be his wife!  We have a wedding to plan!"  "Jinzi?  Quiet little Jinzi?  Well that smooth little fox!!  Who would have known!"  "Come see me tomorrow, Didi.  Qian Qian and I are going to vacation in the mortal realm for a while.  I want to take the Dragon Wing with us.  I'll discuss it tomorrow."  "Good idea!  We'll talk tomorrow.  Now look at that smooth talking God of War!  He's got the women hanging all over him!!"
     Baohu was not so crass as his Fuqin thought he was.  He knew his Fuqin was right about him.  He really did want someone he could love and be loved in return.  He was about to send the rest of the women away when he smelled a very heady odor.  His senses went on high alert as he kept cordially greeting each one as they came to him.  A man with a very regal bearing was approaching him.  He had a young woman standing by him.  Her smile was sweet and she would lightly bow her head from left to right as she greeted those around her.  Baohu knew the man.  He was one of the chief generals of the celestial army.  Kai Yonggan Ke had forced his oldest daughter to come.  He was rather put out that she would rather be training than trying to find a husband.  This was her last time to defy him!  Not that he thought she could impress High God Mo Yuan or his son, Bai Baohu Zhe!  She had absolutely refused to dress in what she called 'girly' clothes.  She was dressed as a warrior, her robes a vibrant green color and her accessories black leather.  She had no weapon on her today, but that was only because he had insisted she leave them behind.  Her sullen smirk intrigued Baohu.  This was no easy catch here!!  The closer they got to him, the heavier that smell was!  Ah, it was her!!  Lotus undertone.  Very subtle.  She smelled of lotus with sandalwood and just a touch of roses.  General Kai stepped up to bow.  "General Kai!  A pleasure to see you again!  I was going to send you a message tomorrow to call the generals together for a meeting at Kunlun.  I wish to discuss the future and what I expect from my commanders.  Can you pass it around?  I'll set the time and exact place and send it to you early in the morning.  Now please introduce me to this beautiful young woman you have here!"  "High God Baohu, this is my daughter, Kai Shandian Li.  Li Li, please meet High God Baohu."  She bowed, but barely, and looked him up and down.  "That was a nice little show of power, High God Baohu.  Not bad at all!  I wish to join your army!  When can I prove myself to you?"  "Come to Kunlun with your Fuqin tomorrow.  You can prove yourself then.  Perhaps you would like to sit with me at my table?"  "Is there wine?"  "Yes indeed!  Wine from the Peachtree Woods brewed by High God Zhe Yan or some of the wine from my Fuqin's own cellar at Kunlun.  Your choice!"  "Very well!  Lead the way!"