The Cross Dresser

[tido]

Hi guys!

It's finally Friday which means I have two chapters done plus a poster. Enjoy!




***********************************
Reflection in the Water

“Okay,” Gai Gong Gong began, holding a pair of blue clothes and a cute black hat. “Go put these on.”

Wing Yi takes the clothes he offered and looked at them suspiciously.

“Don’t look so surprise,” he started, seeing her reaction. “Remember, you are no longer a girl. From this day on, you must think of yourself as a boy. You are a young eunuch working in the palace.”

Wing Yi’s eyes immediately darted up to look at the man’s face.

“This is the palace?” Wing Yi asked in disbelief.

He nodded slowly and proceed by saying, “I think that you would eventually need to be told. It is best that I let you know or else you might run about and then both our heads will roll. If the king ever finds out…”

He stopped briefly and looked at Wing Yi with a concerned face, before saying, “You must never let anyone know that you are a girl.”

Poor Wing Yi, stood there stupefied and speechless. All she could do was nod.

“Good,” Gai Gong Gong said quickly. “Don’t worry, nothing will happen if you do as I tell you. Quickly, now.”

Wing Yi finally breaks out of the trance and walked to her room.

Gai Gong Gong lets out a long sigh and went over to pour himself a cup of tea. He eyes fixated on the flickering candle as he sips the tea.

Once she closed her door, Wing Yi goes over to her bed and drops the clothes on her bed.

She makes a slow gesture of picking up the hat.

“This is kinda cute,” Wing Yi said to herself. “Wearing boys clothes is not all that bad.”

She looked down at the pile of clothing and saw that the fabric of this simple outfit was much better than anything she had ever worn.

“Hurry in there,” Gai Gong Gong persisted.

She quickly puts the hat on the table and grabs for the rest of the outfit and in n0 time, she was all dressed. As a final touch she goes to the water basin and looks at herself as she donned the hat.

Wing Yi could not believe that the image in the water was her. She made a for a convincing boy. Excited and a bit alarmed, she rushes out.

Gai Gong Gong had his back to her. After hearing the door slam shut, he turns to look over his shoulder. He too was speechless.

“Wow,” he remarked as he gets up. “You look exactly like a boy! I don’t think anyone can tell that you are a girl.”

“Thanks,” Wing Yi said with a smile. “I think.”

“Here, let me help you,” he insisted, adjusting the hat on her head. “There, perfect! Okay, we can go now.”

Once more, Wing Yi gives him a confused look.

“To the kitchen,” he finished.

“I have to get all dressed up to go to the kitchen?” Wing Yi said incredulously.

“Remember that this is the palace,” Gai Gong Gong said, beginning another lecture. “We must always look presentable no matter where we go.”

“Yes, Gai Gong Gong,” Wing Yi said quickly to stop him.

“Alright, you take this tray and I’ll carry the rest,” he said, handing her the tray. “Remember to follow my lead and say as little as possible.”

He entered the brightly lit walkway with Wing Yi close behind.

Wing Yi was beginning to get use to the twists and turns, so in no time they were in the front of the kitchen door. She almost bumped into Gai Gong Gong when he suddenly stopped.

“Sorry,” Wing Yi said, trying to steady the tray.

Once she got a hold of herself, Wing Yi finds herself staring at the largest door she had ever seen. The door was twenty feet long and 12 ft high. The carving on the door was especially standing out with some gilded in what looks like gold.

With her examining the door, Gai Gong Gong goes to open it. It took all his strength to open the kitchen door.
Intense heat radiated out just as he opens the door.

“Come in, hurry,” he beckoned her.

“Coming!” Wing Yi said excitedly, crossing over the threshold.

If she thought the room that Gai Gong Gong lives in was large, this kitchen was the sized of the whole brothel put together. Everything one could possible want; knives in hundreds of different sizes and shape. There was an abundance of food from common to exotic fruits and from dried fish to the most costly bear spleen and deer’s antlers. Seasoning jars lined the entire left wall. There are ten ovens lining the right wall and not to mention more food in the storage room in the back. This was like food heaven.

At this late of the night, there were a few servants attending to the ovens in preparation for the next day.

“Hi there!!” someone shouted from across the room.

He quickly walks over, swaying his hips as he went.

It reminded Wing Yi of Madame Ling back home, and she giggled a bit.

“What are you doing here Gai Gong Gong?” Ceuk asked joyfully.

“Oh, I decided to give my new pupil a tour of the kitchen and in the process bring back the dirty dishes,” Gai Gong
Gong responded coolly.

“I never did get your name,” Ceuk said gleefully, turning his attention on Wing Yi.

“His name is Tieu Wing Tu,” Gai Gong Gong spoke for her. “Tieu Wing Tu, this is Tieu Ceuk Tu.”

“Hi,” Wing Yi said happily.

“Well, hello Tieu Wing Tu,” Ceuk said cordially with a girlish smile. “Welcome to the palace. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask okay?”

“Thanks, I will remember that,” Wing Yi smiles back.
To change the subject, Gai Gong Gong asked him, “So is your mistress hungry again tonight.”

“Unfortunately, yes,” Ceuk said with a sigh, but quickly recover. “Well, I have to hurry and get these pear stuff dumplings to her right away.”

“Oh wait!” Ceuk said suddenly, taking out a dumpling for Wing Yi. “Here you go.”

“Thanks,” Wing Yi said, taking the gift.

The small dumpling in her hands was so perfect and the aroma fulled her nose, as she holds it to her mouth. Wing Yi happily swallows it and smiled.

“Wow! That was so delicious!” Wing Yi exclaimed excitedly.

Seeing her enjoying his dumplings, Ceuk was deeply touched. All the food he made for his mistress always ended up for the dogs. Finally, someone genuinely appreciates his hard work.

“Here, you take these,” he insisted, taking out a plateful of dumplings in various colors.

“Oh, I…” Wing Yi tried to stop him.

“Tieu Wing Tu, just take it,” Gai Gong Gong insisted. “Ceuk wants you to have it.”

“Um…thanks so much,” Wing Yi uttered, as Ceuk hands her the plate.

“Well, I really should be going,” Ceuk remarked with a smile. “Good-night.”

**************************
The Stance


“Tieu Ceuk Tu is really nice, isn’t he?” Wing Yi mumbled, stuffing herself silly with one dumpling after the next.

“Yes, he is very kind maybe a bit talkative, but he is trustworthy,” Gai Gong Gong agreed, sitting on the mahogany chair with a hot tea pot on the table next to it.

“What time is it Gai Gong Gong?” Wing Yi asked, still chewing.

“From the looks of it, I say around ten or so,” he answered. “And for goodness sake don’t talk while you are eating.”

“For a little skinny girl as yourself, I don’t know how you could eat a plateful of dumplings after dinner,” he said in exasperation, seeing the happy grin on her face.

Wing Yi swallowed down the last piece and proceed to pour herself a cup of tea.

“I see you are getting use to the tea now,” Gai Gong Gong inquired.

“It is not so bad,” Wing Yi said, still wincing at the first taste.

Even with a full stomach, Wing Yi springs out of her stool and approached Gai Gong Gong.

“Can we start?” Wing Yi asked eagerly.

“But you just ate?” Gai Gong Gong said in amazement.

“That’s okay,” Wing Yi continued. “I want to learn. They say that the early bird gets the worm.”

“But in your case, it is the early bird gets the dumpling, right?” Gai Gong Gong mocked at her eagerness to eat more than to learn.

“Please…” Wing Yi begged, hands clasped. “Sifu.”

Gai Gong Gong lets out a defeated sigh before rising.

“Are you sure you want to learn?” he carefully reiterated. “Martial arts taking lots of dedication.”

“No problem!” Wing Yi sang out, jumping up and down excitedly.

“Very well,” Gai Gong Gong said in a deflated tone. “Come over here. Stand there.”

He was pointing to the rug in the middle of the room. Wing Yi quickly took her place on the mat, standing in stance with her arms position in the air.

“What stance is that?” Gai Gong Gong asked curiously seeing her as she moves about on the carpet, jumping up and down while swapping at the air.

“The crane stance,” Wing Yi retorted, still pacing about. “I saw someone perform it once in the village square. One person was the crane and the other was a monkey I think. Here, I’ll show you the monkey stance.”

No longer were her hands flapping, they were dangling on the ground. Wing Yi did several tumbles and scratched her neck and armpit. For the finale, she did a double tumbled that caused her to bump her head on one of the stools.
Gai Gong Gong rushed over to see that she okay but just a bit dizzy.

“Are you alright?” he asked nervously.

He helps her to her bed to lie down.

“Wait here while I get a cold rag,” Gai Gong Gong demanded, storming off furiously.

Wing Yi felt bad for causing such a disturbance and making sifu angry. She touched a finger to her forehead, and she could feel it swelling.

He came back quickly with a cold basin of water and applied the rag on her forehead.

“It has just been barely three days, and I am already exhausted,” Gai Gong Gong tried to joke. “I don’t know how Li MaMa managed.”

“I’m sorry sifu,” Wing Yi spoke up in a remorseful tone.
He shakes his head while taking the rag out to examine it.

“Well, that will be enough,” he concluded.

“Sifu, what were you about to teach me before…” Wing Yi voice faded off.

He gave her a long look and sigh, “I was going to teach you how to breathe correctly; being able to balance your chi.”

“Breathing exercise?” Wing Yi continued, knowing that he was no longer angry.

“Yes,” Gai Gong Gong contemplated. “Well, since this has
finally settled you down, I think I should take this opportunity to teach you the breathing exercises.”
Wing Yi’s eyes lighted up, but she remained quiet.

“Alright, sit up straight,” Gai Gong Gong demanded. “Back straight, cross one leg over the other. Then place your hands in your lap.”

Wing Yi did exactly as she was told with much efficiency.

Gai Gong Gong continued, “Close your eyes. Try not to tense you muscles. Alright, begin by breathing in slowly. Count to five before exhaling. Count to five before inhaling. All you have to do is to perform the process over and over until you can breathe in even rhythm without having to think. By doing so, your body will be able to take in the proper amount of air and your lungs will become stronger.”

Wing Yi did exactly that with her eyes close.

“Alright, that will be enough for today,” Gai Gong Gong inquired. “Sifu is getting sleepy.”

Wing Yi keeps her even breathing as she opens her eyes.

“After you master this, then we will talk about teaching
you any martial arts stance,” he said, going to the door.

“Sifu,” Wing Yi called. “Thank you for putting up with me.”

“Get some sleep,” Gai Gong Gong said before closing the door.

Wing Yi smiles and closes her eyes once more. She sat on her bed, practicing her breathing through the night. The candle on the small table eventually flickered a bit before dying out

[nickianjo]

Finally!!!!!!!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I finally finished the latest chapter!! So many deaths and hardship for a little girl <IMG SRC="smilies/bawling.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/crying.gif" border="0">, but lucky for her, she always meets kind and generous people <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">. Well, hurry and update more...

NickiX

[tido]

Hi nickianjo or NickiX!! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

Wow! You finished all 30 chapters already? Impressive.
Yeah, Hannah was getting on my case because I keep killing off people. I promise no more killing until a few more chapters...hehe.
Thanx for stopping by to drop off a comment!

[Danielle Lin]

wow another update? you write so fast! nice poster tido! can't wait to read more- later <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[nickianjo]

Wow, 30 Chapters!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0">no wonder my eyes hurt so much... <IMG SRC="smilies/dizzy.gif" border="0">:dizzy. I didn't realize that. Haha. Well, update soon, i'll be waiting.

p.s.
You can call me NickiX...

[Tu Vi]

Hey, Tido. Hehe, finally got time to read this story from 1 to 30. Love Anita's character. She is so spunky (is that even a word?)and cool. Hmm, wonder what kind of chaos she will cause in the Forbidden City. No doubt, it will be hilarious to the readeres and a joy to read. love your writing style and can't wait for the gorgeous vincent (drools and swoons pathetically) to appear. Beautiful job!!
Tu Vi

[tido]

Hey Danielle! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

You think I write fast? <IMG SRC="smilies/typin.gif" border="0"> really? ok...I actually consider myself extremely slow. Anyways thanx for dropping by. Hope to hear from you soon, and hopefully I will get to post up another chapter tomorrow. Bye!

[tido]

Hey NickiX! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

Yeah, I can't believe have 30 chapters already. <IMG SRC="smilies/shocked.gif" border="0"> Weird, I never thought I would actually get this far. Sorry that your eyes hurt so badly. Well, chapter 31 tomorrow ok? More eye strain..hehe. Thanx for still reading even though your eyes hurt. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0">

[tido]

Hey Tu Vi! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

New reader? Yay!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> Wow,I can't believe you have already read all 30 chapters!! Your eyes must be falling out like NickiX right? jk.
Yeah, I think spunky would be the exact description of Wing Yi. With all that spunkiness, she is bound to wind up in lots of sticky situations.
I feel so honored to have you compliment me on my pathetic writing style full of grammatical mistakes. That's very sweet of you to say so.
Like I promise most of my readers, Vincent will appear soon enough.
Well, thanx for reading and supporting my fanfic. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0"> Hope to hear from you soon! Bye!

[ December 19, 2002: Message edited by: tido ]

[tido]

Hey guys! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

Just got a chance to write another chapter and do another postie. Enjoy!




***************************
Dimsum


The sun was still sleeping when Gai Gong Gong knocked on Wing Yi’s bedroom door. An hour earlier, he had awaken to run some mandatory errands and also managed to prepare breakfast.

He goes to knock on the door gently at first but then notices that she was not responding, and knocked harder.

“Don’t tell me you’re sick again,” Gai Gong Gong said sarcastically as he continued to knock on the door. “Wing Yi, wake up…answer the door.”

Still he got no response from the room. Fearing for her clumsiness, he opened the door to see her perched on the bed in a meditation position.

He goes over and stands silently at the side of the bed. Wing Yi was oblivious to everything. Standing there, Gai Gong Gong could hear her even breathing rhythm.

“Wing Yi,” he said loudly, nudging her to break her out of it. “Wake up now.”

Still there was no response from her.

“I guess, I don’t have a choice,” he said, placing his index finger up to her nose.

Wing Yi, after a few seconds begins to gag, and he removes his hand.

“Sifu?” Wing Yi said in shock, her eyes blinking lazily while she yawned.

“Why are sleeping like that?” he said with a questioning look. “Anyways, it is time to wake up.”

“Sorry sifu, I did not hear you,” she apologized, still yawning uncontrollably. “Did you say it was time to wake up? Now? But the sun hasn’t even risen yet.”

Before heading out, he tells her, “Yes, there’s lots to do. Hurry, wash up and meet me in the dining room for breakfast.”

“Yes sifu,” Wing Yi said between her yawning.

Wing Yi was saved from the task of putting on her required garments, since she had worn the uniform the whole night. All she did was wash up before grabbing the hat and heading out.

The alluring smell of the dimsum helped to quicken her steps as she approached the table.

Placing her hat on the stool next to hers, Wing Yi immediately took a seat opposite of Gai Gong Gong.

“Not sleepy anymore?” he said sarcastically, picking up his chopsticks.

Just as she saw him pick up his chopsticks, Wing Yi almost immediately quickly swallowed down the small dimsum.

Gai Gong Gong shakes his head but remained silent.

Before devouring another one, Wing Yi abruptly stops and puts down her eating utensils.

“What is it now?” Gai Gong Gong said in deflated tone.

“Sifu, have you hear any news of Miss Hai Bu’s condition?” she asked slowly, looking up from her bowl.

“I was going to tell you after breakfast, but since you asked I will tell you now,” Gai Gong Gong said calmly.

Wing Yi’s eyes were intently looking at him when he explained, “Miss Hai Bu is doing remarkably well and she is healing nicely. The doctor told me that in a week more, she will be well enough to continue her journey.”

Wing Yi beamed uncontrollably and jumped up and down
saying, “She’s really okay!”

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Gai Gong Gong interrupted, pulling out a red handkerchief from his arm sleeve. “Miss Hai Bu wanted me to give you this.”

“For me?” Wing Yi said in surprise.

“Thank you, sifu,” she said as she carefully examines the exquisitely embroidered silk handkerchief with a phoenix on it. “Please tell her thank you, and that I wish that she will get to see her family soon.”

Gai Gong Gong nodded and said, “Alright, let’s finish eating before the food gets cold.”

“Yes, sifu!” Wing Yi sang excitedly as she resume her eating with a smile on her face. “Sifu? Why did you want me to wake so early?”

“Early? Five-thirty is early?” Gai Gong Gong retorted and then chuckled. “You will be waking at this same time every day and not a minute later.”

Hearing this, Wing Yi’s jaw fell wide open.

“Besides, you have to go meet the other eunuchs in two hours,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Meet them? Sifu, I don’t think that’s such a good idea,”
Wing Yi protested. “What if they realized that I am a girl? What do I tell them if they ask me questions?”

“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said confidently, sensing Wing Yi’s anxiety. “You’re much more boyish than them. Besides, you seem to have a knack with people. Just act normal and you’ll fit in well enough. Don’t worry; they are all in their teens or twenties. There are no old Gong Gongs like me at the gathering.”

“What am I doing with them?” Wing Yi persisted with a questioning look.

“Well, you are in getting initiated into the Eunuch Society. They hold these meeting every week in the palace garden,” Gai Gong Gong replied coolly. “Don’t worry, I’ll have Ceuk come by and escort you there.”

The thought of actually getting a chance to go outside and check out the palace was tempting enough.

“So will Ceuk be there too, sifu?” she asked, picturing in her head the garden.

“Yes,” he slowly responded and corrected her. “And as another ground rule, you have to call me Gai Gong Gong. It would not be appropriate in the palace to call me sifu.”

“Yes, sifu…um…I mean Gai Gong Gong,” Wing Yi corrected herself.

“Good,” Gai Gong Gong remarked. “Try to act like the others and don’t wander off. There are many rules to conform to in the palace. Just make sure you don’t stray from the pack and make an effort to follow at least some of the rules.”

“Rules, rules,” Wing Yi repeated, groaned and made faces.
Leaving her to absorb all of this information, Gai Gong
Gong goes to his room to fetch a small box.

“Here,” Gai Gong Gong said, handing over the box to Wing Yi. “Takes these as a small gift to the society.”

Wing Yi takes and opens the box, to reveal three jaded figurines.

“They look beautiful,” she commented, taking one out to examine. “Whom do I give this to?”

“Naturally, the head of the group,” he said briskly, pouring himself a cup of green tea.

“But how would I know who was the leader?” Wing Yi asked, even more confused.

“Oh, you’ll know when you get there,” Gai Gong Gong said jokingly. “He’s very…unique.”

[tido]

The Lucky One

“What in the world is sifu talking about?” Wing Yi thought to herself, eyeing the door while fingers steadily thumbing the table.

All of a sudden, Wing Yi hears footsteps approaching and then a loud knock at the door.

“Gai Gong Gong?” Ceuk said on the other side. “It’s me, Tieu Ceuk Tu.”

“Wing Yi,” Gai Gong Gong shouted from his room. “Go and let Ceuk in.”

“Yes, Gai Gong Gong,” Wing Yi replied promptly, getting out of her stool and heading for the door. “Coming!”

“Hi there!” Ceuk sang out in his usual happy tone. “Are you ready to go yet, Tieu Wing Tu?”

“Uh…yeah…I mean yes,” Wing Yi stumbled on her words. “I just need to get my hat.”

“Alright, but hurry,” he persisted, standing at the doorway waiting. “They’ll be waiting for us.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Wing Yi apologized, quickly grabbing her hat on the table and rushing out. “Gai Gong Gong, I'm going now.”

She did not stay long enough to hear his reply, as she swiftly closes the wooden doors.

The two walked in the same direction or at least she thought it was the same direction as night but since it was dark before, she could not really tell the difference. All the corridors looked exactly the same. They walked for a few minutes in total silence until Wing Yi decided to start a conversation.

“Tieu Ceuk Tu,” she started, a bit hesitant. “Where are we going? Gai Gong Gong told me a little bit about the weekly meeting but I am not sure what is really is.”

“Really?” he spoke up, looking over at Wing Yi who was walking alongside him. “Well we, I mean the younger eunuchs, have always had a meeting every week. It is the only time we actually have some time to bond and converse. It is sort of like a free day for us. We meet at various locations. Sometimes we meet at the rose gardens and other times at the pavilion. Like today, for example, we are meeting up with the group at the pavilion.”

“Really?” Wing Yi interrupted. “Gai Gong Gong told me that the group always meet up at the palace garden.”

“Yes,” he replied, smiling. “But sometimes we need a little change of scenery.”

“Oh, I see,” Wing Yi nodded comprehendingly. “How many members are in the group?”

“Well, we had fifteen including me but now you’re our sixteenth member!” he deducted, with a slight giggle. “Come on, you can’t be late for your first meeting now can you?”

Wing Yi shakes her head slow and forces a weak smile.

With that said, the two walked swiftly around corners, as the uncomfortable silence pervaded the air once more.

By now, the sun has fully shown itself but was not yet hot. It lit the water so that the water reflects the sunlight on its surface to create a gold-like quality. The pavilion area itself was exquisitely planned out. The vast space devoted to this single area was bigger than two blocks worth of a typical street. Everything was cut neatly, and the trail was systematically laid out. The path was lined with dense flower bushes that were trimmed to a perfect sphere. The pavilion itself was breathtaking with its intricately hand carved sculptures and designs. Even the way the light reflected on it gave it a majestic, glowing quality.

Upon approaching the pavilion, Wing Yi was totally awestruck by the sight in front of her. As Ceuk walked on, he noticed that she had completely stood frozen a few steps back. He stops and turns around to see her standing there in complete and utter stupor. Seeing this, he smiles as he comes over to her side.

“I’m guessing you’ve never been here,” he inquired, with a giggle.

Wing Yi was too shocked to respond as her mouth gaped open.

“Wait! We’re coming!” Ceuk shouted, waving his arms at the crowd that was congregating around the pavilion.

“Come on Tieu Wing Tu!” he insisted excitedly. “They’re expecting us.”

He literally had to drag her to the pavilion as she tried to snap back into reality.

“Hi everyone!” Ceuk happily sang out. “This is Tieu Wing Tu!”

Just as Wing Yi was coming back, she began to realize that everyone was staring at her-- some with smiles and others with frowns of disapproval.

Wing Yi nodded as politely as she could and managed to force out a smile, “It’s nice to meet to everyone.”

A fat man in a bright green outfit appears from the crowd, holding a rather large fan.

“Tieu Wing Tu, this is Tao Gong Gong,” Ceuk introduced.

He was only in his late twenties but he had already been promoted to Gong Gong. His status was undoubtedly the highest in the group and they respected for that.

Poor Wing Yi did not know what to do except bow gracefully and repeat the same lines, “It is very nice to meet you Nao Gong Gong.”

“Humph!” he breathed out, looking Wing Yi up and down. “How old are you?”

Maybe it was his jolly self or it could be the fact that he was a bully that awoke something within her. His demeaning attitude and self-righteous air only made Wing Yi feel more at ease. She can handle these kinds of people easily.

“I’m eleven sir,” Wing Yi said confidently, looking him in the eye.

“Yes…” he remarked, walking up closer. “Who did you say introduced you here?”

“Gai Gong Gong brought me here,” she replied, her stare unwavering to match her voice.

The other eunuchs stood around, nervously watching his interrogation. And there were some that was basking in the uncomfortable moment with their snickers.

Wing Yi paid no mine to them and focused her attention on the fat man in front of her.

Tao Gong Gong lets out another “humph” as he begins to fan himself.

Right at that moment, Wing Yi remembered that she had left the gift package lying on one of the stools.

“I totally forgot about it,” she said to herself. “That’s why he is so hostile. But oh well.”

Tao Gong Gong saw Wing Yi’s slight shrug of the shoulders and his eyes blazed instantly.

Luckily for Wing Yi, just as he was about to pounce on her, another eunuch came running in. The quiet was finally broken.

“Tao Gong Gong!!” the guys muttered, gaping between breaths. “We need you and several of your group members to come along to a hunting expedition.”

“Hunting?” Tao Gong Gong questioned, his attention shifting from Wing Yi to the almost breathless eunuch.

“Yes sir, the king is taking his two elder sons and his brother and nephew with him on a hunt,” he replied.

“Not again,” the fat eunuch sighed.

All of a sudden his eyes had an eerie twinkle in it that both Ceuk and Wing Yi could easily detect. His thin lips curved up at the corners and he turned his attention back to the crowd.

“This means that I will be needing some companions too,” he said with a slight menacingly undertone.

He then raises his stubby index fingers and pointed to seven eunuchs in the crowd. Whenever a finger was directed towards one of them, their faces tighten up but they obediently walked over to stand beside him.

“One more,” he said in low tone, directing his index finger from one end to the other and it finally landed on, no other than Wing Yi. “You!”

[tido]

Probably no one is reading but I am to update anyways. One last time until my internet connection goes down. If you are reading enjoy! And Happy New Year!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/beerchug.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/drunk.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

****************************
And so the Hunt Begins

Ceuk’s eyes widened, but he dare not utter a word. Quite the opposite was Wing Yi’s expression. She could see it all along that he had been eyeing her from the start. When the finger landed in her direction, Wing Yi silently and obediently walked over and stood in line.

“That will be all,” Tao Gong Gong said in a deflated tone, folding up his fan. “Take us there.”

The messenger quickly nodded and led the way out of the pavilion area.

Before disappearing around the corner, Wing Yi turned her head around to give Ceuk one last look.

There were only six eunuchs left standing under the pavilion, including Ceuk.

“Thank heavens,” one of them said, going over to pour himself a cup of tea.

The rest of them followed the same procedure and began to resume their conversation. Poor Ceuk was still looking at the corner that Wing Yi had disappeared through.

“Tieu Ceuk Tu,” one of the eunuchs insisted, waving him over. “Come have some tea with us.”

Without a reply, Ceuk rushed out of the pavilion and headed for Gai Gong Gong’s quarters. He ran so fast, he almost knocked into one of the maids carrying a trayful of food. Finally he reached Gai Gong Gong’s door after several draining minutes of running. He had to take a quick breather, before he had enough strength to pound on the wooden doors.

“Coming, Coming!” a voice inside shouted, making his way to the door.

Gai Gong Gong opened the door to find an overly exhausted, panting Ceuk. He knew by Ceuk’s tighten facial expression that something was wrong. Expecting Wing Yi jump out from behind, Gai Gong Gong was deeply worried when he saw that Ceuk was indeed by himself.

Noticing that Ceuk was on the verge of collapsing, Gai Gong Gong helped him inside. While Ceuk was steadying himself on the wooden stool and catching his breath, Gai Gong Gong poured him a cup of freshly brewed tea. To steady himself, Gai Gong Gong had to also take a seat next to Ceuk.

“Where’s Tieu Wing Tu?” was his initial response. “Tell me Ceuk. Why is he not with you.”

“Gai Gong Gong,” Ceuk managed to utter between breaths. “Tao Gong Gong had just taken about ten eunuchs along with him to accompany the king on his hunting expedition. And…”

Enough was said. Gai Gong Gong eyes widen but he remained quiet, looking at nothing in particular. Both of them remained quiet. They both know what the hunting expedition was and what it involved. They also know that it was too late to do anything about it now. The hunt has already begun.

“The king and his companions are already there,” Tao Gong Gong said flatly, desperately trying to mount the black horse. “We have to hurry.”

Aside to the messenger, he whispered, “Get them ready. I want them there when we get there.”

Wing Yi was on a horse next to Tao Gong Gong with one of the eunuchs and overheard the aside comment.

“What are they talking about?” she thought, tightly grasping the skinny eunuch’s waist to stabilize herself.

“Ow!” the eunuch screamed out, turning his blazing eyes on Wing Yi.

Tao Gong Gong evidently heard his outcry and gave Wing Yi a you-better-watch-out glare.

“Sorry,” Wing Yi said apologetically, loosen her grasp. “It’s just that I have never ridden on a horse before…”

“Enough of this nonsense,” Tao Gong Gong said menacingly. “Open the gates!”

Right on cue, the other horses kicked into gear. Wing Yi was too preoccupied thinking about the little comment she overheard that she was caught off-guard and almost fell off. With the near-miss, Wing Yi grabbed onto the eunuch’s waist even tighter. He was obviously in pain but could not do much about it now. Besides, any interruptions or delays would mean death for sure.

Once out of the gates, the horses picked up the pace and were almost hovering over the dirt road. The wind tore at their faces and whipped their clothing. Wing Yi’s pigtail waved like a flag behind her while the skinny eunuch’s pigtail slapped back at her. Wing Yi did her best to try and hold on while keeping her black hat from flying off. The ride was quite bumpy, since Tao Gong Gong decided to take a shortcut.

Using the sun, Wing Yi could tell that it was nearing noon. The sun was high in the sky and brightly blazing. She was much relieved when the horses entered the cool forest grounds. The trees were so dense that the horses had to slow down in order to maneuver around them. Unfortunately, just as she was beginning to enjoy the ride, they reached a meadow, and the sun greeted them properly enough.

“Over there!” Tao Gong Gong shouted back, gesturing with his arms.

Wing Yi could make out a few people and a bunch of animals attached to long, thick ropes. She narrowed her eyes to try and make out exactly what she was seeing.

“They’re deer…fawns,” Wing Yi gasped.

“What did you think they were, cows?” the skinny eunuch said mockingly.

The same messenger guy was there to help Tao Gong Gong dismount. The others were busily dismounting their horses and tying them on one of the makeshift stables.

“Get off,” the skinny eunuch demanded. “Never mind. Kee, help him get off.”

One of the other eunuchs came over and grabbed her down. He rolled his eyes and then went over to join the others, who had congregated around Tao Gong Gong.

The skinny eunuch, after dismounting, quickly ran over to the group, leaving Wing Yi walking up from behind. She got there just in time to hear Tao Gong Gong
announced, “Each person take one. Pair up. I assume you all know your positions.”

“Yes, Tao Gong Gong,” they all said simultaneously.

“Looks like I’m stuck with you again,” the skinny eunuch said flatly, heading over to the pens.

He untied the rope and gave it to Wing Yi, “Hold! Don’t let it get away or your head will be on the platter.”

Wing Yi held onto the rope while looking emptily at the fawn, which looked at her with its innocent eyes.
While he was untying the other rope, Wing Yi asked blankly, “What are we doing with them?”

“Guess!” he replied with a smirk on his face.

[nickianjo]

Hi Tido,

I finally got a chance to read. Great job on your story!! Hope you update soon.

I hope you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

NickiX

[tido]

Hi NickiX!! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

Thanx for reading and commenting. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0"> Sorry for not replying earlier. I had been disconnected for the past week so here I am. Hope you had a wonderful new year! <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0">

<font size="1">[ January 11, 2003: Message edited by: tido ]</font>

[tido]

If anyone is reading, enjoy!!

***********************
The Hunt

Quick images flashed in Wing Yi’s mind as she numbly looked at the fawn with its big eyes and exquisite brown fur.

“You mean that they will be hunted by the king and his followers?” Wing Yi questioned the skinny eunuch.

“Yes,” he replied indignantly, holding onto the rope while giving her a disgusted glance. “It is not like the animals are going to standing around to be shot at.”

“They expect us to led these innocent creatures to their bloody death?” she uttered as tears swelled in her eyes.

“If you don’t, then this will be your bloody end,” he retorted with a humph. “Come on, I don’t have time to explain. Just follow my lead and don’t do anything before I tell you.”

Wing Yi brought up her left arm sleeve to wipe away any evidence of crying, but did not hear anything that he just said.”

“Over there behind the bush!” the skinny eunuch insisted, pulling both his deer and hers.

For Wing Yi, she was half-conscious of what was happening. She managed to drag herself along and out of the blazing sunlight and into the cool forest floor.

The bush was massive and dense. Its height was two heads higher than her. The skinny eunuch had crawled in to examine before heading out to herd the two fawns in. It was amazing how they seemed to disappear into the bushes. The only evidence was the slight movement of the leaves and branches.

“Get in!” he demanded promptly, shoving her into the bush.

In no time, he was himself trying to cram in along with them. Once inside, the darkness enraptured them all.

Wing Yi could not even see the hand in front of her face as she groped around the sharp branches.

“Hey, you there?” he asked, trying to find some space to crouch down.

“Yes,” came a small whisper from Wing Yi.

“Okay, hold onto the rope and when you hear me say go, quickly remove the string and push it out of the bush, got me?” a voice from the darkness said demandingly.


The hunting expedition consisted of two princes. The older named Enjun and the other was Xie. To accompany them, they had their cousin Jiao Wen Zhou come along. Also in the group were several other sons of high-ranking officials that had the honor and privilege to accompany the emperor on the hunt.

The emperor himself was rather old, but his spirits were that of a young man. He is dressed in an exquisite gold outfit, as he rides on a splendid white horse with his two sons riding beside him. They have bows in one hand and steering the horse with the other.

Tao Gong Gong can be seen riding on a brown horse behind the rest of them. And as usual, he is sweating profusely, but this time he makes an effort to smile.

As they got closer, Tao Gong Gong rides up to the emperor.

“Your majesty,” he began with a cheerful tone. “I’ve heard that over there are a bunch of deer roaming about.”

“Alright, lead us there!” the emperor demanded with a sparkle in his eye.

“Your majesty,” Wen Zhou said, as he rode up next to him. “The forest might not be a good place for us to go in since the trees might prove to be difficult for us to keep you and the princes safe.”

“That won’t be a problem here,” the emperor responded coolly, dismissing his worries. “Ride on!”

Wen Zhou backed off with a sigh and rode back beside Enjun, who gave him a I-told-you-so look.

The horses were exceptionally swift. It seems as though they effortlessly glide across the path. As they entered the forest floor, the horses slowed down considerably and finally to a slow trot.

The group first headed to the west end. The eunuchs hiding inside the bushes began to release their deer, one by one. Once the deer were released, they bounded every which way.

Wen Zhou quickly spotted one but remained silent.

“There’s one!” Xie excitedly whispered back to the emperor.

The emperor smiled and waved for him to proceed.

Being only ten, he was carefully followed behind by Enjun and Wen Zhou. Xie slowly pulled out an arrow and aimed it directly at the deer, who was too busy grazing. Once he released the arrow, the deer lets out a loud cry of distress as it tries to get away. The more it ran, the weaker it became until the deer finally collapsed.

“Good job Xie!” Enjun congratulated him.

“Now it is your turn brother,” Xie said with a smirk on his face.

“No problem,” Enjun said confidently. “My deer will be two times larger. Watch your big brother and learn.”

“Come on Wen Zhou!” Enjun said, turning the horse in the south direction. “I bet there are plenty more down this way.”

About thirty minutes passed and still there were no signs. Wing Yi’s legs and arms were cramping up. Breathing was difficult because of both the denseness of the bush and the odor of the fawns.

The air was a mixture of fear and sweat.

Wing Yi was too engrossed in her own thoughts to mind the hardship.

“How could the emperor be so cruel? This was his twisted way of recreation? Men on horse back, armed with bows and arrows while the fawn is defenseless,” she asked herself. “There is no way the fawns will outrun them.”

Just as she was thinking, a distance sound of beating hooves was heard. Almost immediately, Wing Yi’s thoughts dissipated and her heart began to pound against her chest. As horses got nearer, the ground beneath them vibrated. The two fawns became alarmed as they shifted in the bushes.

“Okay, it is almost time,” the skinny eunuch’s voice whispered. “Loosen the rope but don’t let go, until I give you the signal.”

Wing Yi’s palms began to sweat excessively, while her heart rate increased rapidly. And at that moment, her ears began to ring and the only thing she could hear was her heart beating wildly. Things around her seemed to be spinning. Most likely, it was due to dehydration and the lack of sufficient air.

As the pounding horse hooves stepped over the branches and twigs, their presence would be any minute now. Most of the other eunuch were stationed to the east and west ends. Luckily for them, Enjun decided to take the south end.

Enjun and Wen Zhou were the first to reach the south end.
Just a few seconds of their presence, the skinny eunuch released the rope and forcefully shoved the fawn out. After hearing the animal, Enjun quickly steered his horse over near the bush.

“Let it go!” the skinny eunuch implored under his breath.

Unfortunately, Wing Yi did not hear him at all. Her hands were tightly wounded up in the rope as sweat came streaming down her forehead.

Knowing that she did not hear him, the skinny eunuch took one of the dead branches next to him and with it he whipped the little deer’s behind. The animal was so startled that automatically bounded out of the dense thicket and with it Wing Yi.

At the exact moment Enjun, half expecting to see a deer lurking behind the bush as he slow approached, all of a sudden sees a fawn jump out of the bush with a small person attached to it on a rope.

Caught off-guard, Enjun’s horse reared up with the two front legs kicking the air. Enjun did all he could to hold on but was unsuccessfully. The satchel of arrows he was carrying on his back flew into the air. But luckily, Wen Zhou came just in time to see his cousin’s horse rear up.
Thinking fast, Wen Zhou rushed his horse over just in time to catch Enjun who was on the verge of falling off.

Enjun’s horse had tossed him and ran off in the opposite direction.

During this time, the fawn pulled Wing Yi away. Being a fawn meant that it was not as strong as an adult deer, but it was strong enough to drag Wing Yi with it. Luckily for her, the forest floor was mostly grass covered and the fawn was not running very fast over the branches. Even so the branches that she was dragged over left a several cuts on her knees and elbow.

“Help!” she cried out to no one in particular.

The rope, although loosen, was still stuck in her hands, and she was unable free herself.

After Enjun was stabilized on the Wen Zhou’s horse, he managed to recount what he saw.

“Enjun?” Wen Zhou asked, concerned. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” Enjun responded. “I’m okay, but…”

“What scared your horse?” Wen Zhou continued.

“I am not sure, but I thought I saw a deer dragging someone,” Enjun said, confused.

Just then, both of them heard someone crying out for help.

“That must be it!” Enjun said in shock. “Come on, let’s go!”

“Alright, hold on,” Wen Zhou insisted.

As they sped off, the emperor and the others came just in time to see the two of them ride off deeper into the woods.

“Tao Gong Gong, go after them,” the emperor demanded. “What are the two of them up to now?”

&lt;font size="1"&gt;[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: tido ]&lt;/font&gt;

<font size="1">[ January 13, 2003: Message edited by: tido ]</font>

[nickianjo]

Hi Tido,

Glad you're back. Yeahhhh! Some new characters. Well, keep it up. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[jeh]

Finally I can keep up with the story. My computer was having technical difficulties. Anyway, yeah, Vincent finally appear! <IMG SRC="smilies/beerchug.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/blob.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clap.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/rockband.gif" border="0"> Keep up the great work <IMG SRC="smilies/thumbsup.gif" border="0">

[tido]

Hey NickiX! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

Thanx much for still reading and supporting. <IMG SRC="smilies/bow.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/touched.gif" border="0"> Hopefully the story will get a little more interesting since I introduced new characters into the story. Hope to hear from you again soon! Bye!!

[tido]

Hey Jeh! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">

Glad your back. Haven't seen you in awhile. Don't worry, I understand the whole computer deal. I had problems with it too. Anyways, it is good to hear that you are still reading.

[tido]

Hey guys! <IMG SRC="smilies/wave.gif" border="0">
Okay, here's another chapter for those that are still reading! Enjoy!

**************************
The Rescue


The leaves rustled up as the horse’s hooves glided across it. Enjun holds on to Wen Zhuo as the horse makes abrupt turns around trees and shrubs.

Standing in the middle of the forest, the horse is pulled to a halt. The trees created two distinct paths.

“Which way?” Enjun asked, perplexed. “Left or right?”

“Hmm…” Wen Zhuo studied, eying the vicinity like a hawk. “Look over there.”

He was pointing to the left path that had evident traces of use. The grasses were flat and small fallen branches were broken. On one of the branches, was a small piece of cloth that had apparently been torn off.

“Hurry!” Enjun shouted out, as he too finally saw it. “I can hear the cry getting louder.”

“Alright,” Wen Zhuo retorted, steering the horse with intense concentration. “Just hold on!”

“Okay,” Enjun responded eagerly. “Go, go, go!”

Enjun was obviously overly excited with the anticipation of an adventure. Life for him in the palace was anything but fun. This could possible be the most exciting day yet. And as for Wen Zhuo, he was just eager to help this poor soul and get back home.

“What did you saw pulling this person?” Wen Zhuo asked Enjun, as they rode on.

“A deer, I think,” Enjun replied hesitantly, bracing himself for the change in pace.

Wen Zhuo’s father gave the horse to him on his twelfth birthday as a stepping into manhood tradition. The horse was ebony black. Its coat had an unmistakeable glossy shine, and it had the strength of two horses his size.

Now, as the horse glides quickly over the forest ground, its long sinewy legs reach out in full extension to gain the most ground.

After a five minute run, Wen Zhuo stops the horse once more.

“Enjun,” he said. “It seemed that the sound had stopped. Can you hear anything?”

Enjun perked up his ears but could not make out any sound.

“No,” he answered, as he continued listening. “Maybe we are going the wrong way.”

“That can’t be?” Wen Zhuo said more so to himself. “We followed the traces. The person must be around here somewhere. A deer cannot possibly run that fast and not to mention with a person dragging behind.”

Just as things begin to seem hopeless, the horse became agitated and started to pound the ground.

“What’s wrong boy?” Wen Zhuo said, patting the horse’s neck to try and calm him down.

“Look!!” Enjun shouted, pointing.

Wen Zhuo saw it too. There was a rope end sticking out behind the huge tree.

Wen Zhuo tried to calm the horse, while Enjun quickly dismounted.

Then he too jumped off and tied the horse to one of the nearby trees.

The two gave each other a quick nod of the head. Enjun pulled out his sword, and Wen Zhuo drawed his bow. Not knowing what lurks in the deep forest floors, the two were apprehensive as they proceeded.

“Follow me,” Wen Zhuo instructed, slowly walking up to the rope.

Enjun’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Both guys could feel their heart rate increasing in each step they take.
The two were only a foot away from the rope.

Wen Zhuo looked back at Enjun and made some quick gestures.

“One, two…” Wen Zhuo mouthed silently. “Three!”

The two guys had their weapons raised as they both jumped behind the other side of the enormous tree trunk.

To their surprise and utter shock, they found an unconscious person lying face down on the ground. Clothing were ripped and torn at the elbows and knees. The rope was attached to one wrist, the rope’s marking evident on the bruised wrist.

The two of them immediately put back their weapons and came over to help.

Enjun turned Wing Yi over and Wen Zhuo loosened the rope on her wrist.

“Look!” Enjun said with much shock. “He is one of the eunuchs.”

Her worn attire was unmistakably that of the palace’s eunuch.

“How did he get out here?” Enjun continued, examining her. “And what the heck was he doing with a deer?”

The deer had obviously gotten the rope loose and ran off.
Wen Zhuo checks her pulse on her other wrist; trying to make out if she was dead or alive.

“So?” Enjun asked curiously. “Is he dead?”

Wen Zhuo lets out a sigh and shook his head. “No he is not dead. Luckily, we found him in time. His pulse is very weak though. We need to get him to a doctor quickly.”

“Alright, let’s do it,” Enjun spoke up, holding on to Wing Yi’s limp body.

“Okay, I’ll go get the horse,” Wen Zhuo inquired.

Enjun nodded and looked down at Wing Yi dirty face with leaves and grass hanging on her hair. He makes an effort to remove a few leaves on her forehead.

“Hmm…” he contemplated. “Never seen you before. I guess you are one of the new ones then.”

“Alright,” Wen Zhuo instructed. “You get on first, and I’ll hand him to you.”

“Okay,” Enjun responded, mounting. “You think that your horse can carry three people?”

“From the looks of it, he is not more than 90 lbs so I don’t think that will be a problem,” Wen Zhuo inquired as he lifts Wing Yi up.

Once she was up, Wen Zhuo quickly mounted. “Alright, hold on!”

He turned the horse around and headed back in the direction they had come from.

After eight minutes, Wing Yi became somewhat conscious but was too tired to speak or move. She managed to open her eyes for a few seconds before closing them once more.