Blood Emperor's Lazy Doctor [Hiatus]

The two girls, Luo and Xiayu, walked around slowly. Following the path of weed covered stones, their light conversation ideals along with the wind, which had calmed down considerably.

"Xiayu, has first Uncle Moxue, your father acted any-- differently lately? Perhaps showing spurts of anger?" Luo looked over as she asked the question, which had been occupying a corner of her mind.

"Father?" Xiayu blinked in confusion. "Besides a slight irritation over the spirit rat infestation, there's been none. Least not what I've been aware of. Gossiping servants are mostly accurate with their nosy behavior, always mouthing off what they have no business knowing. Hence, nothing of the sort has entered my ears regarding father."

"Oh." Luo nudged a stone, watching it disappear into the ankle high grass.

Too bad, she thought. She'd hope at least he'd gain an ulcer or two. It's sickening to think behind that cold face, a l.u.s.tful beast prying for something belonging to another, was existing.

Yet. Overlapping that disgust, a shocking realization and a baffling confusion debated with earnest. 'I presume he doesn't hate me as much as I believed? Perhaps there's a misunderstanding somewhere that youth had clouded one's judgement?'

Luo knew that youthful ignorance leads to many misunderstandings in life. It hasn't been just once that she'd come across circ.u.mstances where one's lack of experience led to miscommunication. A good example would be when Rong'er treated her first male patient. The poor child had a face of redden embarrassment when she was informed the 'tumor' between the male's legs should not be cut off.

Quite amusing indeed. The conversation had Luo as Mozen, grinning ear to ear, yet also thankful that the misinformation had been resolved in time. At least before any unfortunate happenstance occurred.

But, as much as these feelings of hers were understood, and her thoughts answered such a query with a decent enough explanation, still she was baffled. After all, what replaced the painting now, was one of herself, Hong Luo!

The painting's origins were not as interesting as this current bafflement. But as Mozen, coped up in the woods, listlessly living life, some if not most days were tedious and without stimulation. On days like that an eccentric friend from the god race would invite herself over. For curiosity's sake, she'd dig deep into her memories, portray the thought on memory wood, and let that friend paint it to life.

Originally she wanted to use those suggestive paintings of men that her eccentric friend had left her. Unfortunately, only a few retentive thought paintings were there to grab. Such a shame, she sighed inwardly. 'That would have been much more amusing.'

"Though," Xiayu mused, knocking Luo out of her thoughts. "He has been staying longer within his study as of late. I'd assumed it was due to work, but that's possibly not the case."

"Why do you think so?" Luo asked.

"Well, a few days ago I'd visited him and he looked fine. More than fine. From a glance he seemed to have just finished cultivating or practicing his arts. Even had a smile on his face, which is a rarity for father. I assume he perhaps found or is developing a new skill in private?"

"How peculiar, but not impossible." Luo nodded

"Indeed." Xiayu concluded the conversation.

Reaching the gate, both of them stopped. Luo giggled at Xiayu's reluctance to leave. She poked that wide, clear, and smooth forehead, unclasping the hand wrapped around her own.

"Next time, I'll visit you. Tell Naoyu to be careful, for me alright?" Xiayu nodded, gripping Luo's hand once more before jumping up and over the gate. This caused Luo to shake her head. "The gate's fixed, must she take the scenic route?"

Luo's smile faded, along with the energetic mood which was quite unlike her. Slowly she reverted into an apathetic frown, her eyes drooping listlessly. Tiredness slumped her body into a breathy yawn.

'Acting energetic, is such a tiring performance.' Assuming she'll have to do it a few more times to not worry those silly twins, Luo mourned her future energy consumption levels. At the same time, she felt it was worth it. Having others worry for her, then having to explain herself along with comforting those involved-- she hadn't the energy nor the motivation for such tedious acts.

'Ah, I can't wait until Little Soul can stay out longer. Only staying outside for two and half minutes is much too short.' He and Rong'er completed her thoughts so well, that she admits she became quite spoiled by them.

Her dropping head bobbed with tiredness. Yawning wide and satisfyingly, she began tittering back. Her body weightless fell, landing within a warm and trusting embrace. This person was not unknown to her so of course she knew who it was.

"What did I, your doctor say about your energy consumption?" She pinched the hand which held her up. "Was that wind fueled by internal force truly necessary? You must know, my trust levels in you are falling by the day Nuyun, aren't you concerned about that?"

"I did not go beyond Essence Condensation Realm, Luo. I've turned over a new leaf so why can't you trust me?" Nuyun looked down at her with a small tug of his lips.

"I wonder why indeed." Luo reached up and grabbed his cheeks, pulling apart the skin in reproach. "But regardless of level, how could you? Such a waste of precious energy. It's quite infuriating, don't you know? Really what was the point? There was no point! Can't you be a little more conserv...ative..."

Cutting her off, the words baffled out as the sky came into view. 'What pretty clouds' she thought as Nuyun picked her up, lifting her high, placing her on his forearm. 'Really, why am I constantly being picked up?'

"I know," Nuyun indulgently pinched her small nose, giving it a slight shake before letting go. "But I'm still learning. Mistakes are common, so Luo won't be too picky and blame me for every fault, right?"

Nuyun kept her steady, whilst Luo just accepted it. Much too lazy to push him away, she sank into his arms with another yawn. "Using my own words against me, are you? At least I know your conversational skills are improving."

Nuyun just laughed in response.

Honestly what she said was true. Compared to when they first met, and later on, his sentences now were lengthy, and the understanding is there. She liked that he had more to say, opening up from the shell she assumed his years of pain developed. Now, he just needed to open up to more people. She was determined to introduce this awkward war god to some friends.

"It's been a week, about time I fulfill the promise and report in to Mr. Bushy Beard. Myyyy," Luo yawned mid speech. "My trustworthy bodyguard, are you ready? We should get going." She wiped at her eyes, shaking the tiredness off, but still yawning once again.

"Mhm," Nuyun's dull face brightened, nodding his head with enthusiasm and joy.

* * *

Central Market.

As always, the crowds swarmed the market. A group of people gathered in each corner, watching hagglers negotiate the price of items. Other corners even had gambling. Crowds followed the adrenaline of winners, or comforting the loss of the losers. Never a dull moment. Market chaos existed not only to heighten profit, but to cure the people of the tedium of their lives.

Catching the attention of the few who'd yet to join within the fun, the same odd pair from weeks before once again brought curiosity to the table. Luo and Nuyun were undisturbed whilst entering the market. That dark and clear difference of their countenance, that substantial height, and let's not forget the night and day between expressions, peeked many interests.

Nuyun's outfit had changed into a black, long sleeved arm hugger and silver embroidered shirt, airy pants, and a silvery vest bound by a thick silver belt. White beaded chains rested on his shoulders, clinking gently. Coupled with his long black hair swaying with his steps, and the long sword sheathed in red, his sharp posture exuded the coldness of war, a dreadfulness only veterans know of. Even his eyes, those black pools of ink carried pointed daggers beneath their depths.

Luo no longer wore that plain, white gown. Dressed in a grey kimono with silver flowers, it's folds' pink with paw prints, it's sleeves a fuzzy white. Her waist bound by a purple haramaki, sashed in a childlike belt, hung a simplistic charm dangled by three Teru Teru Bozus, small white ghost charms meant to wish for sunshine. Sloppy but elegant, her bangs pulled back into a butterfly clip. The small charms chirped with the wind, her brown stringy hair danced with her movement. Disregarding her poor hair, that silly drooping expression made her look like a lovely sleepy doll, ready to be placed on the shelf for display.

"Oh! Finally I can give the young master good news!" Said a man cloaked in black, sitting in a frog-ish pose as he glanced down at Nuyun and Luo. "Perhaps a treated meal at young master's restaurant could be my reward? Oh I can't wait!" He chuckled whilst swallowing pooled saliva.

"Oh no!" When he stood up, the tower of trash nearby nearly toppled over and off the roof. Quickly he caught the tower with his cat like reflexes. He glanced down at the old man below and apologized in his heart. "Almost disrespected the elderly! Too close, too close, way too close! Ai, old man Tau, many apologies!"

Who can say how long this poor fellow has been sitting here, waiting patiently for the young miss to enter the market. If those scattered food boxes are any indication, and the blanket and pillow tucked under his feet, then it hasn't just been one or two days.

Swiftly cleaning up, tossing all his items into a storage pouch, he followed after the two. After all, he was not willing to lose them after all this time! He did not forget to send off a message mid clean up.

Both aware of their tail, Nuyun and Luo ignore him while making their way to the market's end. Many vendors attempted to call them over to sell their wears, but were politely denied.

After much walking, they'd finally made it.

Before even making it into the front yard, the doors of the clinic burst open and a man was tossed onto the ground. A feminine figure dressed neatly in white, patted out the creases in her gown. With a point of her finger she berated the man as he stood up.

"Doesn't your b.u.t.t get tired of me kicking it out? Doctor Wu has repeated himself many times and can't be bothered with you anymore. Go back to the palace and find someone else to steal time with."

"Shi'er don't be like this."

He walked forward hoping to calm her, but was pushed back. Yu Shi wordlessly glared at the tall man dressed in common cloth. Despite the hunch in his back, he was very much taller than her.

"Shi'er you're so cute when you pout." He walked forward ready to grab her cheeks. "You can't do this my lovely darling. I already have a wife, stop flirting with me before I pounce on you."

"What pouting?" She smacked away his out stretched hand. "This is anger. ANGER I TELL YOU! Tell me, how is this my fault if you're unfaithful? If you insist on such profanities, Once Anying wakes up I'll be sure to let her know about..."

He laughed loudly, cutting off Yu Shi's words.

"Okay, okay, I'll come back later." He gave up, scratching his head with a silly smile. "Don't miss me too much Shi'er and don't forget to give the old man my wine." Swiftly he planted a kiss on her check.

"Don't come back!" Yu Shi fiercely yelled, shaking her fist with irritation.

The man ducked out, rushing beyond the gates and passed Hong Luo and Nuyun. His speed fast like a jack rabbit, had already reached three courtyards a way.

Then he came to a stop.

His long disheveled hair flung forward at his abrupt actions. Glancing back, he narrowed his phoenix eyes creased with a faint trace of age. His posture now straight and proud instead of hunched and lazy, fully turned back towards the direction he'd just come from.

"Mmm." He hummed mid thought. "Wasn't that Moxue's little niece? The very one he ditched me for nearly two months to pick up way back then? What do you think, Ridel?"

"A little more plump but It appears so." A voice answered from the shadows.

Tapping his chin in thought, a playful smirk lifted the corners of his lips. He laughed playfully, full of mischievousness with a trace of wicked pride.

"This looks like fun." He flicked his nail, turning around with a sway to his step. "Ridel, Tiv has been too idle lately, don't you think? Let's send him to help Moxue with his rat problem, I'm sure he'll have lots of fun."

Ridel mourned the poor fool with musophobia as his sigh fell from the shadows, following after the man whom had returned to moderate pace. The man walked leisurely through the streets, touching his chin in thought as his other hand drummed his t.h.i.g.h.

* * *

"What's wrong?" Nuyun frowned in question. Stepping forward, he obstructed Luo's sight with his hand.

"Ah?" Luo was startled out of her daze.

"He smelt like a royal." She answered with her nose scrunched. Grasping her hip, she touched her chin in thought. "Really, is Sage so pleasing, it has unintentionally become a universal scent for those of the royally inclined? Of course the scent is refreshing, yet if their love reached such fateful designs, why not procure peppermint tea?"

Till this day, from all the royals Mozen had the 'honors' of meeting, none liked, nor cared for peppermint tea. Her gaze had stayed upon the direction the man left merely because curiosity yearned to know if he too, was the same.

But Nuyun had other thoughts. His feelings were jumbled. A mess of knots and anxiety twisted his stomach at the sight of her interested in another. 'What if she'd stop sleeping with me and go to another?' Cold sweat dripped down his neck at the thought of his rabbit nuzzling up to someone else, lessening the warmth he'd often partake in.

His trembled fear was missed by Luo who had looked over at the temperamental maid from before. The same person she'd accidentally sent flying with a flower bomb.

"Ugh, can't believe he slobbered on me." Yu Shi grumbled, she harshly wiped at the cheek that had been kissed. "Why can't he act his age? If not for his height he might as well be a child who's never been reprimanded for his actions. One of these days, if he doesn't shape up, Anying will begin despising him. Then what I am suppose to do when he comes back here and complains!?"

Yu Shi felt so aggrieved.

Before the sigh she wished to release came out, she spotted Luo, the beautifully cute child she'd been yearning over for days! With a 'Kya!' she ran over with an obvious prep in her step. "Young miss you're finally here!!!"

"Yes my apologies for the wa...it..."

Her words baffled out like the clouds rolling with the wind. Once again Luo was picked up. And once more she had the thought of why she kept getting continuously treated like a doll with no joints in her legs.

Ignorant to the dead faced Luo, Yu Shi twirled her round and round as she spoke.

"I'm so happy you're finally here! Yu Shi was beginning to think you ditched us." She rubbed her cheek against Luo's, nuzzling up as her free hand pet Luo's head. "Goodness, for once Doctor Wu was right on something other than medicine and wine! He said you'd certainly come back. Even if we had to wait another week, you'd definitely keep your word! I did not believe him, but looks like this time I've been caught in my arrogance."

Yu Shi laughed, not at all embarrassed to admit her mistake. But then she blinked in confusion. Her arms were light and empty. Luo had been taken from her hands and now sat in the arms of a giant!

Nuyun held Luo tightly in his arms, the cold fear freezing his veins and heart had come true and he was heavily shaking. His whole body felt as if he had submerged back into the glacier of his soul. He held Luo tighter, afraid of the chill that had returned.

This time she noticed his change, and she was shocked but did not panic. The feeling he gave off and the trembling of his body reminded her of their first meeting in the woods. Like an abandoned wolf afraid and lost in blizzard. She sighed helplessly at this realization.

Nuyun's mood was heavy and guarded while his eyes dyed with violence glared at this little maid. It was as if she were his greatest enemy, and despite his years of experience, his mind was numbed out on how to respond. But his body was honest, he was alert and ready to kill.

Yu Shi who was on the other side of this, feared the guarded and emotional distraught wolf like man. For once that steadfast personality of hers wavered. For once she felt timid and small.

But that did not last long.

Both hands on her h.i.p.s, fearlessly she pointed at the brute holding her angel. "What kind of guard are you, huh? The little miss is a young lady and you dare pick her up as you do? Are you determined to ruin her reputation before she gains one?"

"You sir are utterly barbaric and uncultured!"

"Unless," She gasped in horror. "This was your goal from the start! The method of grasping hold and preventing future flies. Oh my god! You're just as corrupt as the rest of them! The horror. The. HORROR! You filthy mongrel that thinks with his di-"

Luo, who had been stunned by this maid's tenacity, swiftly jumped out of Nuyun's arms. Luo tackles the poor unsuspecting maid. Just like earlier today, she once again straddles another person. But this time in self defense and not some act of tomfoolery.

"Dare you say such profanity and sully my cinnamon roll, I-will-make-you-regret-it." Hong Luo harshly whispered in a tone only both girls could hear.

After her experience in the bath, Luo had discovered how innocent and foolish her god of war actually is.

Upon thinking about it, and being lecture by Little Soul over the skin ship of the opposite s.e.x, she had the talk with Nuyun. Informing him of her age and the validity of males and females, she proceeded to say how washing her despite her youthful appearance was inappropriate.

When Nuyun nodded in understanding, she assumed that was the end of it. But she hadn't expected his following question.

"How is it inappropriate?" He asked with full sincerity and not a drop of tainted greed. Luo had nearly been blinded by such innocence. So blind in fact she'd categorized him with Little Soul. A cinnamon roll that needs protecting!

Hence back to her threatening the little maid.

"Do you understand me?" She asked coldly, there was a blade in her eyes ready to slice through the poor soul underneath her. Once Yu Shi nodded, Luo happily released her. Even offered a hand to pick her up. "Glad we could come to an understanding."

After patting out the creases in her gown, Luo returned to Nuyun who had a silly expression on his face. She grabbed his hand and frowned. It was cold, much too cold. The other hand was also the same. So she brought both of these large hands, calloused and scarred, up to her mouth and huffed out warm air.

"Don't you feel how cold you are, why are you so silly and not keeping yourself warm? Tell me, hadn't I told you to treat yourself better? I'm pretty sure I did, and not only once."

Luo pouted her lips at the lack of heat entering his hands. So she placed both hands on her cheeks, keeping one side held while she shook her head to cause friction. "I swear what am I going to do with you? At this rate, I'll worry too much to keep you out of my sight. So until full trust can be given, you aren't allowed to leave me, understood?"

Nuyun's sight blurred, warmth flooded his eyes, sending a rope into his soul, saving him from the encroaching glacier. A trembling smile fell upon his lips, a few stray tears broke free as he blinked his watery eyes full of relief. 'She doesn't want me gone. She wants me always in her sight. What a relief, what a relief.'

"Ah, you. Just because you are crying doesn't mean I won't reprimand you. The little maid is harmless, so don't glare at her with the intent to kill. That goes for any others I've deemed harmless as well, understood?" She reached up to wipe away his tears, which Nuyun leaned down to help her reach. "I hadn't thought I needed to explain this, but oh well. That's my blunder."

Nuyun shook his head, letting her know the fault did not lay upon her shoulders, but his.

"Don't you try to dissuade my thoughts." Luo evened out her voice into a frown. Nuyun knew not to argue anymore and just smiled, wrapping his arms around into a hug. He let go when she pinched his arm, returning to her side like a loyal guard dog.

Luo glanced around the courtyard with tired eyes. Looking from the fixed wall which looked noticeably different with it's fresh coat of paint, then to the crated of wine, and up at random spiderwebs lacing corners throughout the grey veranda.

Listlessly she waited for the maid who had turned into a statue, tittering back and forth.

"Shouldn't you show us in?" Reluctantly she poked Yu Shi and spoke with a half lived yawn. If they stayed out any longer, she swore not only would she fall asleep, she'd give up and go back home.

"Right!" Yu Shi jumped out of her skin, practically yelling as she soldiered inside, walking stiffly and out of character. Luo noticed but did not seem to care.

Once inside, the huge difference between out and in awe struck Luo.

Unlike the unkempt appearance of the outside, the inside was neat and clean. The air contained not a speck of dust. The wooden floor shined, the partitions between the different rooms were even. Barely peeking out, the sheets layered over the beds hadn't a single crease. And the simple furnishings were all orderly without a trace of chaos.

Luo merely shot a short glance at the stiff as a board Yu Shi, then proceeded to walk towards the desk a bit away from the entrance.

Quite similar to her own set up, this desk is meant for the receptionist. The place where check-in's and information is dispersed. Here is where walk-in patients can quickly state their problems and be sent in for a check up. Or simply, for medicine pick up. In other words, this is her seat as of today.

So Luo dusted off the cushion of the stool. She pulled it out and sat down. Once she ascertained her surroundings, she used her arms as a pillow and then proceeded to take a nap.

"Nuyun, wake me up when she snaps out of it."

»»————-　✼　————-««

Author's note: In case of theft. This is an original -English- novel done by yours truly [MyKataren]. This author will state here and now, oh ye thief of old, thanks for the free advertis.e.m.e.nt!

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