We'll Meet Again I

-Where is he?- I ask to the doctor

-He?-

-The man dressed in petals-

-Oh... He's resting Miss...-

-Let me see him-

-I do not think it's... Miss!- the doctor yells as I pass over him and enter the tend anyway

Inside he's laying on a bed undressed, with just two blankets over his body, I reach to take his hand in mine and kneel beside the bed

-Mister...?-

He slowly opens his eyes -Who... Are you?-

-That doesn't matter Sir- I shake my head -I'm sure you need a safe place to go now and someone to rely on... I know exactly who can help you-

-What...? I'm confused...- his voice is almost the same as a young girl, he tries to stand up seated so I help him

-Of course you are, but worry not... You will soon have all the answers you seek-

-I was... I was just playing with some cranes in my garden then... I don't remember anything... Only a few flash inside a dark room for... I don't know how much-

-I'm afraid it has been years-

-Oh... Thank you for rescuing me Miss-

-It's fine, just come with me-

-Mhn-

...

We head to where I've been bathing the last few weeks, since we began to camp in this zone, and seat down

-What's happening Miss?-

-I told you I knew someone who can help you-

-But where is he?- he asks looking at me with his innocent pure torquise eyes

-He will come-

-Is it me that someone?- the cold melodic voice meets my ears as the man with dark watery hair comes behind me

-Mhn- I turn finding myself a few centimeters from him

-What makes you think so?- he purrs

-You're in contact with XianLen, I'm sure with Xue ChunDu too... And haven't you asked me to keep doing this? Surely you know how to take care of the aftermath-

He smiles straightening himself up before facing the delicate man with a solemn expression -I'll take you somewhere safe, Fen Lian-

-How do you know my name?-

The man looks at me and I shrug my shoulders

-He said his last memory was playing in his garden, I think he's missing a few pieces that even I don't know-

-Mhn, I'll see what I can do... Let's first take you somewhere safe-

-Thanks- blushed the pink man

...

As I head back to the camp I see a few men grouped, making quite some noise

-Uh? What's happening now?-

I rush to the crown which is too focused on something else to notice me slipping in between the men, at the centre is the General Li Yao getting thrown mud and insults on...

Words spread fast afterall.

I leave the crowe unnoticed, or so I was hoping for since I hit against someone right at the back and my wrist gets grabbed

-Uh...? Qin Luo?-

-What are you doing? As a Liutenant you're supposed to stop them-

-Eh... He deserves it tho-

His serious face breaks down and he drags me into an hug -I'm glad you came back alive, but sadly there's no time to stay here and cuddle... The Delegate was searching for you, let's go-

-Mhn-

Entering the tend where the Delegate is staying we see General Tian seated at the table with him

-Oh Miss Ying, finally you're here-

-Good evening My Lords-

-Please seat with us, we have a few things to discuss with you- says the General with a worried tone in his voice, I throw a confused gaze to Qin Luo and follow the invite as a cup of tea gets pushed in my direction

-Is something the matter?-

-Yes, me and Tian XuWen came to an agreement regarding what to do next... Well more than an agreement, I should say: a couple of "suitable options"- smiles the Delegate

-Which are?- I gulp down getting somehow worried myself after that weird smile

-First of all, General Li Yao is no more suitable for the role of General and will be sent under process as soon as we arrive at the Capital... I'm sure this is a good news for everyone-

I nod

-Regarding you, Miss Ying... We have two options right now,

First:

I do not report you but you accept to become my personal on field Guard for all the movements and inspections around the Army... Which includes for you to serve even back at the Capital and keep me always safe.

You will still be able to take place in a few battles so we both gain something.

Second:

I will have to report your doings and have you moved in a different Armada as a simple soldier... But we will try our best to have you moved into and elite one.

You will be facing War almost everyday and will be treated as everyone else, so no more breaking the rules or you will be reported right away and sent back home-

I cross my fingers over my face while listening to the options, sighing and closing my eyes, pretending not to see Qin Luo's figure becoming rigid while hiding his cleanched fists

-It's clear what I will chose obviously, it's not like I have a choice anyway-

-I knew I could count on your brain Miss! We will be departing in two days-

The Delegate stands up, reaching to take a parchment and write down the final decision.

-Sir, you misunderstood... I'm choosing the second option-

-Why? Isn't it stupid? Someone of your strength deserves a better treatement than that... You can escape punishment and even have lots of honours and rank by beign a delegate's guard-

I shake my head

-Didn't the last events made you understand nothing at all Sir? I'm here ONLY for the war, I'm willing to take on any punishment or cross any obstacle as long as I can help ending it- I say standing up and heading to the exit

-I can offer you more to dissuade you Miss! Whatever you ask!-

-Like what? Gold? A good husband? Proprieties?- I stop walking turning on one side to face him

-Sir you're just thinking about yourself, excatly like all those men in despite do... If you cannot give me victory and freedom for our peoples, I will never follow anyone-

I leave the tend with Qin Luo following behind me, silence falls heavy between us as we walk

...

-So... This is a goodbye?- he asks entering our tend

I shake my head -Stay alive and it won't be-

He chuckles with s bittersweet expression -Easy to say... Harder to do-

I place both my hands on his shoulders, looking into his eyes

-Take command of the Li Armada, I can count on you for these men's future... You're a cleaver soldier Qin Luo, I know we will meet again-

An hand of his comes to cover mine and take it between his

-ChangLai... Future is a mystery. I can only promise to do my best... I'll keep in mind our meeting every time out there on the battlefield-

-Don't do it for me, do it for them-

I point toward the entrance of the tend with my head, meaning our comrades

-And for the peoples in need and... For your son...

Once this will all be finished I want you to introduce us-

He nods, coming to rest his forehead on mine... One hand cupping my face and one over my waist

-I'll miss you-

-I'll miss you too-