I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 57: Embarrasing

After breakfast Minda could no longer resist the temptation to sleep. He sat in his chair swaying unsteadily with his eyes barely open. General Lei and Kai obviously noticed. Even Xianli and Huan cuddled up next to Minda to sleep with him. Kai gently pulled him closer so Minda could lean his head against his shoulder.

"Whose watching the border?" Kai asked.

"Captain Mao."

"How is he?" Kai asked. He tried to sound disinterested but General Lei could tell he really wanted to know.

"He misses you." General Lei said with a smirk.

Kai went quiet and started petting the sleeping snow leopard by his leg. General Lei was his father and Captain Mao was like a brother to him. They were both raised in the army because their parents were soldiers. Raised basically together they became incredibly close. If Kai had to pick one person he missed the most he would choose his best friend and army brother Mao.

"Come to the border and I'll give Mao some time off to escort you guys south." General Lei said knowing what Kai was thinking.

"Minda, has only just started riding horses. He won't be able to ride for long." Kai said. Despite agreeing to go north with everyone he was still worried.

"Bring the carriage."

"Even by carriage we'll need to go slow."

"No problem. We aren't in a rush." General Lei said. He didn't care what Kai said he wouldn't let him weasel out of coming with them.

"I don't know if Minda can handle the trip even if we go slow."

"I wouldn't underestimate the kid." General Lei countered. Kai looked at Minda and had to admit that despite Minda's poor health he never actually complained about it. Even so Kai was reluctant to commit to going. The General who was waiting for his answer quickly grew impatient.

"Quit being so pessimistic. I raised you go for the things you want. If you want to visit Mao than find a way and do it." General Lei complained. Kai knew he was acting more pessimistic than in the past but he couldn't help it. He had to think of Minda and put him first.

"I'm not being pessimistic. I'm being realistic. I have to consider Minda's health and if that means I won't be able to see Mao during this trip then that's fine. I'll do it on a different trip or some other way." Kai said.

"Then at least say you'll try." He grumbled.

...

Minda was exhausted but hadn't actually fallen asleep. He could hear Kai and General Lei chatting as he leaned against him.

"Whose Mao? Is he important to Kai? If he is than we definitely have to go to the border so they can meet again. Definitely!" Minda thought as he pretended to sleep.

...

The rest of the morning was spent quietly by the waterfall. General Lei came and went a few times while Kai stayed and watched Minda sleep. At times he also fell asleep or massaged Minda's hands.

When Minda finally felt better he and Kai played with the young snow leopards. Kai pointed to his side and called for Huan. After several weeks the cubs had grown larger and now knew their names.

"Huan come!"

The bright eyed Huan ran over and sat next to Kai. Watching him Minda couldn't help but think Huan was acting more like a dog than a cat.

"Xianli come!" Kai called next but the lazy Xianli opened his eyes briefly before turning away and deciding to sleep.

"Pfft! That's exactly how I expect a cat to act." Minda thought as he looked at the lazy Xianli.