Heaven's Golden Finger

Chapter 42: Reuniting What's Been Long Separated

The look on Shirong's face told Shun he recognized the phrase. He held it out to Shirong, adding, "You know. Tell me."

A quick swallow. "It's the title of a story... from my other life."

"That part's not hard to guess, Shirong. Now explain what the story's about."

Shirong took a moment or so, ordering his thoughts, perhaps. "Two unlucky bandits kidnap a little boy from a well-off family. He turns out to be extremely difficult to deal with; loud, obnoxious and constantly making trouble for them. When they try to ransom him back to his family, the parents demand money from the bandits to take the child back."

"That... didn't make any sense at all," Shun protested. "Why would the bandits let the child run them ragged? Why not gag him and lock him in a closet somewhere. Even if the child's a complete menace, they're adults and...." He stopped himself. "And I'm letting myself be distracted."

"It's all right. I don't mind." Shirong had that look again. The indulgent expression that said he was enjoying Shun's temper just because it was Shun's temper. "I am concerned, though. How much do you think we can ask Master Qiong for to take Meng Huang Shang back?"

Now there was an interesting question indeed. Shun let himself contemplate the possibilities a moment, then shook his head. "It wouldn't be up to us, anyway. It'd be up to his Priest."

Shirong thought about it. Agreed. "Should we go back and find her, then?"

"No. Not yet. I've a feeling we're supposed to handle this ourselves." Shun eyed Disciple Li Shang. "First thing; help me with our Shixiong here."

They examined Disciple Li Shang carefully and made sure he was properly unconscious, only then did Shun look for the third disciple, the one with the axe. Somehow he wasn't surprised to find him gone. "At least we have one hostage."

"Yes. And I'd like to keep him, so," Shirong set to stripping their Shixiong. Before Shun could question his actions, he explained, "I've seen too many lightning shadows... er... moo veees... to leave a captive any way of breaking free. Who knows what he's hiding in his clothes?"

Shun had to admit that, aside from yet another of Those Damned Words, Shirong was right. His Shidi might still be a complete ignorant in this world, but he'd learned more than a few things in that other time. As Shun set to helping strip Disciple Li Shang, he muttered, "Once we have time, I want you to teach me that form you use. And tell me more about your other life."

That elicited a bright smile that hit Shun a bit harder than he'd expected. When had Shirong managed to worm his way into Shun's affections this way? It wasn't just the boy's willingness to tie his fortunes with him. Nor even the boy's clear affection. It was the respect Shirong gave him, the recognition that Shun had feelings and thoughts and a right to both.

Realizing they'd finished, Shun eyed their Shixiong thoughtfully. "Something isn't right," he muttered.

"I agree. All the body parts are there, though and nothing seems wrong about them." Shirong tossed a piece of cloth across Disciple Li Shang's pelvis, hiding what should not be stared at, then sat back. "But I still feel like it's wrong.

Scanning their captive from toes to the top of his head, Shun was about to shrug and tell Shirong not to worry about it when his Shidi suddenly exclaimed. "He doesn't have a belly button."

"Neither do I," Shirong pointed .

"Yes, but you're half-demon. Half snake demon. And you came from an egg."

Oh. That was true. Shun avoided staring at others in the baths, so while he knew intellectually that most humans had belly-buttons, he hadn't really thought about it. "Are you suggesting Disciple Li Shang isn't human?"