Embers of the Holy War [BEING REVISED]

Reunion/Separation

Sui led them to a rather extravagant restaurant. Well, actually, extravagant wasn't enough to describe it. Guang was no restaurant connoisseur, but with just a glance, Guang knew that this restaurant was not for the ordinary. Spanning two floors, the restaurant was dazzling, lively and flamboyant. The exterior of the restaurant was made to resemble some sort of foreign culture. What sort, Guang wasn't sure, but it definitely stood out amongst the other shops, especially with its roof that curved upwards like a smirk, the red lanterns that glowed brightly even in the heavy rain and the two ferocious lion statues that stood over the entrance like guards.

It reminded Guang of the Dragon Manor. Why? Because the restaurant screamed 'filthy rich'.

"This is the place I was talking about. I heard they serve good food here, including the kung pao chicken you want."

Guang could tell even from two blocks down because this restaurant was the source of the enticing smell. But unlike the empty clothes shop, this place was teeming with people to the point of bursting. It was only now that he was right in front of the restaurant did the enticing smell of the restaurant turned sour. It reeked. It reeked of people.

Without meaning to, Guang took a step back. His feet stubbornly refused to take a step forward nor to move. How can he, when he would be walking into a den of the most dangerous creatures in the world?

"Guang? Guang, what's wrong?"

Sui. Sui was talking to him. Slowly, he met Sui's gaze. Those charming eyes of his shimmered like the deep, deep ocean. Under that deep ocean was an emotion that Guang could feel without words. It was concern.

Sui must have noticed him acting weirdly. Guang held Sui's hand tighter. He knew if he said he didn't want to go, Sui would instantly comply. But considering how Sui held this place in high regard and was already being so nice to him, did he have the right to be so selfish? Did he have to make trouble for Sui just because he couldn't stand humans?

"I..."

Before he could make a decision, there was a commotion.

"Have you found him yet?"

"No, I've checked down this street."

"I can't find him either."

"Damn it! He shouldn't have gone far. Where could he have gone?"

"Hurry, hurry! If we don't find him, who knows what'll happen to us!"

What was all that fuss about? Guang looked in the direction where the commotion came from but suddenly, he was lifted into Sui's arms.

"Mister-?"

Sui dashed into the restaurant. The repulsive stench of humans painfully invaded his nose like skewers and Guang squeaked, burying his face into Sui's furry coat and squeezing his eyes shut. What happened? Why did Sui suddenly barge into the restaurant without warning? What got him to act with such urgency?

"M-Master Sui! What are you- I mean, how may I help you? Do you need anything from this restaurant?"

"A private room for two, please."

"Yes, Master Sui."

"Wait."

Guang couldn't tell what Sui was doing, but the next second, Sui had whispered something in a frighteningly demanding tone that was most unlike the Sui he knew.

"No matter what, do not let the officers outside know that I'm here."

The other person gulped fearfully, so loud that even Guang could hear it.