Guardian: Returns

19

Luo Fei slowly opened his eyes, squinting at the bright light. Da Qing's face appeared immediately above him.

"Are you awake this time? Can you hear me?" The boy nodded slowly, and Da Qing's face brightened.

"I'll get the doctor and your mom." The deputy dashed away.

"Mom?" Luo tried to sort through all the memories inside his head. Ah, right. He still had a mom this time around. He looked to the left, where another bed was situated. A pale, dark-haired boy was hooked to hospital machines that were making all sorts of sounds. The silver-haired twin sitting by the bed turned to look at Luo.

"What's wrong with him?" Fei asked, trying to sit up.

"They don't know. All the tests came out inconclusive. Useless humans."

At that moment, the doctor came, followed by Da Qing. The man checked Luo's vitals and smiled. "Welcome back, Luo Fei. How are you feeling?"

"Fine, just tired. Can you tell me what is wrong with my friend?"

"Um... we're running some more tests. The boy's vitals are pretty low. But the blood test didn't give any abnormalities. So I'd say he's just exhausted and needs some time to recuperate."

"Fei!" Luo Ying rushed into the room. She had red, puffy eyes, and her hands were shaking when she touched the boy's face. "How are you feeling, sweetie?"

"I'm ok... mom," he smiled. "I'm sorry I got you worried."

"Why can't you just stay out of trouble? Why do you have to be so much like him? Am I going to lose you both one day?" Her chin was trembling. Fei pulled the woman into a tight hug.

"I'm ok, mom. I'm fine. I'm sorry. Please, stop worrying," he whispered. She eventually calmed down and straightened, looking into the boy's eyes.

"Son..." she began, not knowing how to proceed. "They... the SID, they..."

"What? Mom? Please, tell me."

She took a calming breath. "They brought your father to the hospital. He is in intensive care. He is stable, but the doctors will keep him in an induced coma for a couple of days."

"What?!" He looked a Da Qing. "Is it true?" he asked, his voice suddenly low and authoritative.

"Um, yeah. I can't disclose any information at the moment, but... Yes, your dad is alive."

Luo Fei looked back at his mother. "No wonder you look so exhausted, mom. Why don't you take a break, huh? Go home and-"

She laughed nervously. "No, sweetie. I need to work. It keeps my mind off things. If I think too much right now, I'll be a wreck and I might kill him while he's sleeping." She kissed her son's forehead and got up. "I need to get back to work. Call me if you need me. Deputy Da, are you staying here?"

"Yes," Da Qing scratched his nape. "If that's ok with you, ma'am."

The woman nodded, then approached the other bed. She checked the vitals of the unconscious boy, then gently stroked his hair.

"His pulse is getting stronger. And oxygen levels are up." The nurse smiled angelically at Xin Bai. "He'll wake up in no time. You'll see." Luo Ying patted the silver-haired boy on the head making him blush.

When she left, Luo Fei turned back to Da Qing.

"Hey, you Damned Cat, tell me everything you know about Luo Jie Ming. How did he end up here?"

The deputy stared at him wide-eyed. "What did you just call me?"

"My dear Damned Cat. You've been coming, demanding I feed you for three years now. What's so damned surprising?"