Family

06 - Fon

Poyang lake was the largest freshwater lake in China. It was the perfect habitat for thousands of migratory birds and hosted several Siberian cranes during winter. It was also fed by several rivers. The most interesting part, however, was about its stories.

The lake had a sinister fame and was called the 'Chinese Bermuda Triangle'. The reason why was actually really simple to guess. Many ships had disappeared while sailing in it throughout the years. An example was the Imperial Japanese Navy ship, which carried loot from the Japanese Occupation of China. It had vanished without a trace with 200 sailors. And even the subs sent to search for the ship had not returned, except one, that was terrorized. But that is only one example. In the span of thirty years, it was estimated that 200 ships and 1'600 people had disappeared, while about 30 people had come back with mental disturbs.

Due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the lake suffered a heavy shrinkage. Not only had it undergone drought, but the men's work had lessened by more than half its original volume of water. At that time, vegetation had covered with greenery the dried terrain... and the surfaced shipwrecks. Even a bridge of over 400 years prior, built and then forgotten in the era of Emperors Ming, had surfaced. It was entirely made of granite.

Anyway, thanks to a certain someone, Poyang lake was again at its best. But that's a story for another time.

West of the lake stood Lushan mountain, also known as Mount Lu, or as Kuanglu in ancient times. It reached 1'474 m above the sea, towering above a surface made of clouds. Though true it was a prominent tourist attraction and seat, on its slopes, of the Buddhist temple, Dongling, Mount Lu was also a dangerous place. Enchanted because of its sights, adventurous for its cliffs and interesting for its species, flora and fauna. But not only.

It was dangerous. Because of creeks, caves, wide trees and secret passages, it was a highly wanted place to hide. From the world, from assassins, from family, from ties. A good place to disappear.

And God only knew how much Fon needed to.

As unsightly as that act may seem for an Arcobaleno, the best of the best. Everyone has a weakness. Fon's was his family, his dear brother, sister-in-law and nephew.

He had not made it in time for them all.

The Triads had not taken lightly his departure. He had decided, after talking with his brother, to detach from them, finally. They had known the consequences, they had been ready to counter them but... too many, too many...

Fon had arrived in time to save only Kyouya.

Barely in time. Some men had been pointing guns at him. The child, 8 years old, had faced the weapons with determination, teary eyes filled with the images of his dead parents. Fon had seen red and snapped their necks flawlessly. Then, Kyouya had looked at him. He knew how to interpret his expressions by then, having seen him grow up. Sadness, pain, anger. He couldn't have done more than hug him and bring him somewhere safe.

Thus, Mount Lu had come to his mind. Back when he had still been in the Triads, he'd come to know that, secretly, the higher-ups had had a lot of 'accidents' in the area, Poyang lake included. They didn't know Fon knew, so... even better.

Currently, Kyouya was sleeping in his arms, completely exhausted because of the events and of the journey. Fon brushed a hand on his raven hair and smiled softly. If that child was not a good enough reason to become a hermit, then nothing was.

The martial artist began again his walk up the mountain, through the thick forest. He felt a bit tired, but it wasn't the time to rest. He had things to do.