The General's Mask

Hiding again

As the ship swayed gently on the open sea, Gado leaned heavily against the railing, trying to steady his breath and reignite the fading embers of his resolve. The thrumming energy of the battle still pulsed through his veins, but the realization of his failure gnawed at him. He had let them slip through his fingers, like grains of sand, and the weight of that defeat pressed down on him.

“Gado!” A sharp voice sliced through his thoughts. He turned to see Shar approaching, his long dagger glistening at his side, followed closely by Ryulin, a katana resting against his shoulder, and Ivolk, a spear in hand, her brow knitted in annoyance.

“What happened?” Shar demanded, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Gado straightened, pushing away from the railing. “They were skilled. Too skilled,” he admitted, irritation lacing his words. “I underestimated them.”

“Why did you let them escape?” Ryulin interjected, his tone sharp and challenging, clearly displeased with the outcome.

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe because they were experts and it was two against one?” Gado replied, sarcasm dripping from his words. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, his thoughts lingering on the agility of the androgynous figure. “That black-haired woman… cunning as a fox. I can’t wait for our next encounter.”

"That's a man not a woman. He is an expert too." Ryulin reminded

“Which direction did you last see them?” Shar pressed, his voice low and calculated.

Gado pointed towards the maze of crates and cargo that littered the deck. “They vanished that way, slipping into the shadows like smoke. Infuriatingly elusive.” His voice dropped lower, a hint of obsession creeping in.

“But I’ll get them next time. I promise.”he said with an eerie smile

Ivolk, weary of the conversation, rolled her eyes, brandishing her spear in a mocking fashion.

“Honestly, can’t you two just quit it? It’s infuriating. There are only two spies on this ship, and we can’t even find them!” She threw her arms wide, exasperation spilling from her lips. “I swear, if I have to examine the kidnapped people one by one and beat them into submission just to find these two, I will. I’m sick of this hide-and-seek game! I'm itching to try those new drugs Agur make”

“Don’t underestimate the stealth of those two,” Ryulin said, the solemnity of Gado's words beginning to take hold on him.

“But you might be right. If we can’t catch them quickly, we’ll lose them completely.”

“Let’s just split up then,” Ivolk suggested, her voice brimming with pent-up frustration. “I’ll check the lower holds, the place where we’re keeping the prisoners. If they’re hiding, they’ll likely try to make their move there.”

“Wait—” Gado’s protest fell on deaf ears as Ivolk marched off, her spear drawn and ready, her expression a combination of annoyance and excitement.

“Why does she always have to make a show out of everything?” Shar muttered under his breath, watching Ivolk’s retreating figure.

Ryulin shrugged, adjusting the grip on his katana. “Let her be. If nothing else, it might distract them just enough for us to catch one of the spies.”

Gado clenched his fists, the yearning to fight again. He could feel that their next face off will be soon. Their next encounter would not slip by so easily.

Gado picked up his weapon and begin to move his body. He frowned and hiss when he finally felt his injuries.

Even though he didn't sustain deep cuts that can cause a life. He had 3 long cut wounds that still continue to bleed.

Ryulin look at him and suddenly tossed a small vial containing a green liquid.

" Drink it and those wounds will stop bleeding we can't have a member to be injured when the hunt is just starting " Ryulin smirked

Gado just snorts .

As they prepared to search their vessel for the elusive Hua Heng and Wen Ping, Gado turned to the shadows, where the scent of adrenaline still hung around him like a shroud.

Determination coursed through him, igniting a dark fire in his belly. The hunt had only just begun.

The rhythmic creak of the ship’s timbers was a soothing counterpoint to the adrenaline still buzzing in Hua Heng’s veins.  She leaned back against Wen Ping, the warmth of his body a comforting weight after their intense sparring match. 

  She hadn’t even bothered to straighten her clothes; the dishevelled state of her robes felt oddly good .

“You know,” Hua Heng murmured, a hint of amusement in her voice, “for a cold, emotionless brat, you’re surprisingly… clingy.” She chuckled, her eyes half-lidded.

She looks at the arm that is still holding her waist .

“Still got me in your arms, you know.”

Wen Ping, lost in his silent navigation of the ship’s labyrinthine corridors, only registered her words after a beat. His eyes snapped open.  He felt the familiar weight of Hua Heng pressed against him, her head resting comfortably near his shoulder. The realization struck him like a physical blow. He hadn't even realized he'd kept hold of her waist throughout their escape.

He froze, a flush creeping up his neck.  Wen Ping went fast and found a room. With a surprising lack of grace, he practically flung Hua Heng onto the wooden floor of the bathroom.

“Ouch!” Hua Heng yelped, rubbing her backside.  She peered up at Wen Ping, her expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. 

“Seriously? Was that really necessary? Even if I'm not made of porcelain being thrown like a sack of potato hurts too, you know."  She stood, brushing herself off with an amused sigh.

“Perhaps you should focus less on clinging and more on ensuring we actually make it to our destination without bumping into anyone.”

Wen Ping remained silent for a moment, his face an odd shade of crimson.  “Apologies,” he finally mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. He had never been one for physical displays of affection – or rather, any displays of affection at all.

Hua Heng suppressed a giggle.  “Apologies accepted,” she said, a playful lilt in her voice.

  “But perhaps next time, a gentler landing? I'd hate to ruin this exquisite robe further.” She gestured to a slight tear in her sleeve.

Wen Ping nodded curtly, his gaze darting around the surprisingly opulent bathroom.  It was far more lavish than anything he’d expected; marble sinks, a steaming copper tub, and intricate carvings adorned the walls. This was definitely Balto Hakkin's private retreat; a sanctuary that would not be routinely searched.

“They won’t expect us here,” Hua Heng said, leaning against the marble counter, studying herself in the gilded mirror.

  “It's the perfect hideout. Ironically, its opulence will be our camouflage.”  She added with a grin, "Though, I must admit, I do find your sudden clumsy display of… physical contact… rather amusing."

Wen Ping scowled, turning away to check the sturdy lock on the door. He could feel his ears burning as he muttered, “Amusement is hardly warranted 

The contrast between his normally composed demeanor and the unexpected clumsy drop was unsettling.  He couldn't help the little voice inside his head that quipped, You’re not as cold as you pretend to be.

"Oh, I assure you, Wen Ping," Hua Heng teased, "a touch of awkwardness suits you rather well.”  She then added, "Not to mention, you can still hold me like that when times I needed someone to sweep me away hehe"

Wen Ping sighed, and glared at her. He snorts and unconsciously looks at his arm and thinks.

Why that man so skinny?

Even their hiding place couldn’t escape the mundane realities of life aboard a ship.  The hunt had ended...for now. But for the time being, they were safe, concealed within the luxurious absurdity of Hakkin's private bathroom.

With each agonizingly slow roll of the waves, Hua Heng and Wen Ping's ship closed on the ambush site, the waiting pirate vessel loomed, a harbinger of the bloody battle to come.