WB-ST-1: Dream of Youth

WB-ST-1 Dream of Youth	Where Vernal Winds Will Never Blow: Case Investigation, Onsite Previous WB-TR-1 Next WB-1 (Story)
"Few are those who truly break away from home."

Characters

Chongyue Exotically Dressed Girl Lee Lin Yühsia Ling Qiubai Waai Fu Zuo Le Aloof Woman Burly Man Liang Xun Record Keeper Taihe Zuo Xuanliao Drinking Old Man Innkeeper Lungmen Tourist Millenion Patrol Battallion Soldier Tourist in Sargon Garb Yumen Sentry A Yumen Sentry B

Backgrounds

1 2 3 4 5 6

“

Liang Xun, Wei Yenwu, the Grand Tutor, and Ling gather at Yumen in anticipation of Chongyue leaving office. Lee and Waai Fu have also come, following Huai Tianpei's trail. Lin Yühsia finds the body of the Catastrophe Messenger and escorts it out of the city.

”

<Background black>
It's one thing to make me play Go with you because you're bored, dear brother, it's another to use the pieces to form the character for "bored." I can see you haven't practiced the Go theory I taught you. As if that would help me against you. It's true that the character on the board doesn't look as nice as your handwriting. Why don't you find something else to pass the time, if it's not really a Go game that you're after? Go hiking, learn an instrument... I could teach you calligraphy, if it comes down to that. The Go match may have been devoid of interest, but there's meaning in reading my opponent's thoughts from the movement of the pieces. Oh? What thoughts did you read this time? Well...
<Background 1>
[In a bustling inn...]
Lungmen Tourist	Hey, lou sai, what gives? This show skipped from episode seventeen to episode twenty!
Innkeeper	Happens with a scratched disc. Must've been the sand. Just deal with it, it's not that bad.
Lungmen Tourist	It was a key moment! Qi Qingqiu and Shen Feibai were at each other's throats a moment before, then suddenly they're fighting side-by-side? How'd we get there?
Drinking Old Man	Qi Qingqiu finds out Shen Feibai killed his shifu, and sets out to kill him in turn. When he arrives at Yumen, however, he finds Shen Feibai a high-ranking officer in the military. With invaders at the gates, Qi Qingqiu suffers a sleepless night and realizes that there is more at stake than personal vengeance, so he joins the Grandmaster's banner to face the foe. It's a simple story, but the duel by the cliffs was a classic!
Lungmen Tourist	Wodetian, how many times did you watch that?!
Innkeeper	Any child in town could recite the plot of Heroes of Yumen. Backwards. There's just one detail that this gentleman left out. Qi Qingqiu didn't set his grudge aside when he first saw Shen Feibai in the army. It was the Grandmaster who pledged to face Qi Qingqiu's sword on behalf of Shen Feibai, leading to the duel by the cliffs. Clouds darkened the skies and the winds bellowed, as though heaven and earth were witness to the showdown. The two drew their swords—
Tourist in Sargon Garb	(In awkward Yanese) Nonsense! Nonsense! Fight look good, but details no, no good!
Innkeeper	You again, He Xi'an. Do you even know enough Yanese to understand the story?
Tourist in Sargon Garb	Of course! Heroes of Yumen tell true story fifty year ago. Many hero join together, even though disagreement, still fight together against enemy under Grandmaster. I know many scenes shoot in these inn!
Innkeeper	"Were shot", "this inn".
Tourist in Sargon Garb	......
Lungmen Tourist	Looks like you know a thing or two about Yanese history.
Tourist in Sargon Garb	Of course. Grandmaster tell me when teach me fighting, in Sargon. Grandmaster has sword, but sword special, cannot pull out.
Innkeeper	This again. How could you lose to that Feline girl so easily if you're really the Grandmaster's pupil?
Tourist in Sargon Garb	What about Feline girl? She very strong. Why you look down her?
Lungmen Tourist	He's not looking down on her. He's looking down on...
Crowd	Hahaha...
Lungmen Tourist	So if the TV show was adapted from a true story, was there really a time in Yumen when kung fu adventurers joined forces with the army against a common foe? To enjoy the freedom of being one's own master, but also achieve great things fighting for one's country... it's pretty cool.
Drinking Old Man	Well, it's a TV show. The only people who know how things really went down historically are the ones who were there. Anyway, swords and spears are out of fashion. If you really want to do something for your country, you should learn Arts and become a Tianshi. How would a fortress like Yumen operate, without civilians working to supply its resources? The people who came here to this cold and remote place when the city was first built, and the people who still stay here—they're fighting for their country, in their own way. The only thing in the TV show that we know is real for sure, the Grandmaster, is leaving too.
???	Out of the way.
[A burly Feline enters the inn.]
Burly Man	The medicine you ordered.
Innkeeper	Thanks. Just put it over there; I'll have someone take it to the back.
Burly Man	I've got the creams for bruising and burns, but we didn't have enough supplies to make herbal meals.
Innkeeper	Here's the money. Send my regards to the doc. Oh, and we just had our supplies delivered. Take some back to the clinic. There's a lot of stuff. One second, I'll get someone to help.
Burly Man	No need.
[The burly man leaves, carrying the entire cart on his back by himself.]
Innkeeper	He carried the whole cart on his shoulders?! How did the clinic find someone so strong?
[The innkeeper greets someone...]
Innkeeper	Good morning, sir.
[...who is revealed to be Mr. Lee as he enters the inn.]
Lee	I've been here a few days, but I've never seen this place empty.
Innkeeper	We just linked up to resupply with Lungmen a few days ago, only to run into a Catastrophe that forced an emergency separation. Lots of merchants and tourists were stranded in Yumen, filling up the inns. Business is good, but it also means more trouble, especially when people who are already frustrated start arguing.
Lee	There are many who would love to have your problem. Although come to think of it, my head would probably start to hurt if my little business back in Lungmen started getting so busy.
Innkeeper	Would you care to start the day with some tea?
Lee	Sure. What about the thing I asked you to look into?
Innkeeper	Here, the Yumen Arena Board of Fame records from the past six months. Not much I can do if the martial artist you're looking for isn't on it.
Lee	So Yumen operates an arena to this day... such a martial tradition is impressive.
Innkeeper	The Lord Exorcist trains his troops well, and there's no need for folks like us to fight on the battlefield these days. Still, the martial artists need somewhere to hone their kung fu, hence the arena. Anyway, I would suggest you stay a few days, if it's not urgent. With so many people passing through, someone may have seen the one you're looking for. You could also ask at the South Side Sword Forge. The shifu there knows the city inside and out. Plus, lots of kung fu fighters hanging around.
Lee	Thank you... it's always tough when you don't know the lay of the land.
Innkeeper	Mind if I ask what this is about? Are you looking for a friend? An enemy? A debt to repay? Or a debt to collect?
Lee	I guess you could say this particular individual owes me a pretty big debt...
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 2>
Lee	How long will you be this time?
Huai Tianpei	No idea.
Lee	Will you ever come back?
Huai Tianpei	When it's all done.
Lee	Do you know that Waai Fu's birthday is in three days?
Huai Tianpei	I wasn't a good husband, and I can't be a good father. It's enough that I achieve one thing in life.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 1>
Innkeeper	A debt to collect, eh? That's gonna be tough. Yan is a big country, and more than a hundred thousand souls live in Yumen alone. Not easy to find someone who doesn't want to be found.
Lee	......
Innkeeper	Anyway, your tea's ready. Would you like a side of Yumen-style sauteed meat to go with it?
Lee	Sure, I'll take a seat and wait for my girl to finish her match.
Innkeeper	Lungmen Spring Tea. Just came in. We only get fresh leaves like these once every few years.
Lee	Appreciate it. Feels like a waste to use them on me.
Innkeeper	Don't say that. We always value our guests.
[Lee takes a sip of the tea.]
Lee	...... Hm... Spring Tea from Lungmen shouldn't have a bitter taste this time of the year...
[An aloof woman wearing ornate dress walks by Lee.]
Aloof Woman	...It's you? We weren't supposed to meet here.
Lee	Er... excuse me?
Aloof Woman	No... you're not...
Innkeeper	Do you two know each other? Would you care to share a table, since we're pretty full today?
Aloof Woman	No, we don't. I'm not staying long, just a cup of tea.
Lee	It's fine, it's fine.
Innkeeper	Very well, then. Let me know if you need anything.
[The woman sits with Lee.]
Lee	Did you mistake me for someone else?
Aloof Woman	You just looked familiar.
Lee	Must have been an old friend that you haven't seen for ages.
Aloof Woman	I suppose... stick to your tea.
Lee	Have one on me.
Aloof Woman	You're buying me a cup of tea, even though we don't know each other?
Lee	All meetings are the work of fate, even the ones that start with a misunderstanding. Here's to finding old friends soon.
Aloof Woman	It'll happen when it happens. No point trying to force it.
Lee	That's an interesting answer. The answer lies not in the ones we're looking for, but in the journey of looking for them.
Aloof Woman	Do you talk so much to everyone?
Lee	Ah, I apologize...
[The woman leaves her seat...]
Lee	Are you leaving?
Aloof Woman	I said I wasn't going to stay long.
[...and heads off.]
Lee	How strange...
<Background 3>
[Taihe and Zuo Le stops by the gate.]
Taihe	Are you sure you don't want to speak to the general first? It's been a while since the last time you came back.
Zuo Le	Father is a busy man. I should not bother him at work.
Taihe	Perhaps I'm being too much of a busybody, but the Department of Discipline and Supervision found your actions faultless in the Shangshu matter. You should not feel guilty about facing the general.
Zuo Le	I don't. There's nothing for me to do at home anyway. I thought I might as well take a look around town. The Grand Tutor must have sent me to Yumen expecting something to happen. I should keep my eyes open.
Taihe	I'll come with you, if it's official business.
Zuo Le	It's been years since the last time you were here, hasn't it, Uncle Taihe? It must bring back memories.
Taihe	Things have changed a lot. It's impressive that the general has been able to keep the people of Yumen safe and thriving, with constant warfare going on in the north.
Zuo Le	The arena remains as popular as ever. You still rank fifth on the Board of Fame.
Taihe	Fame is fleeting. I would be glad to see some young talent knock me off the board. The girls in the ring right now... ......
Zuo Le	Did something catch your attention?
Taihe	I was just thinking how your kung fu would compare to theirs.
Zuo Le	Ahem... The Grand Tutor says that a Candleholder's duty is to carry the fire that drives out the shadows of the Feranmut, and to travel amongst to people to learn their troubles. A sense of duty comes first, shrewdness second. Kung fu comes third or fourth at best.
Taihe	Indeed.
Zuo Le	...... So... How do I compare, then?
Taihe	To be frank, while few are as swift as you, in a head-to-head fight, I would say your chances are thirty-seventy, in the other side's favor.
<Background fades out and in>
The pair have already traded a dozen moves. There is hardly time to catch one's breath. The Feline girl advances, launching a flurry of fists that keeps her opponent's weapon hand in check. She kicks out. Her opponent, a girl in exotic garb, goes along with it, leaping back with the kick.
Waai Fu	Hold! You're out of the ring. It's true that you couldn't make full use of your ranged weapons in the ring. But rules are rules. It's my win.
Exotically Dressed Girl	......
Waai Fu	You're very good. And I've never seen anything like your style of fighting.
Exotically Dressed Girl	(In awkward Yanese) Lose this, no more fights?
Waai Fu	A martial artist shouldn't be too obsessed with victory and defeat, but I can't lose here.
Exotically Dressed Girl	You want the sword too?
Waai Fu	Sword? What sword?
Exotically Dressed Girl	People in the city say, number one on the Board of Fame can get the special sword.
Waai Fu	No... I just wanted to climb the rankings so my name can be seen.
Exotically Dressed Girl	You number 31. Means 30 people stronger than you?
Waai Fu	...I suppose so.
Exotically Dressed Girl	You are better than me. (I guess this won't work...)
[The exotically-dressed woman leaves.]
Waai Fu	Hey, where are you going? If I win this, I make it to the first page of the Board of Fame. But will he see it?
<Background 4>
[A record keeper witnesses a battle between Qiubai the Elafian lady and a Millenion.]
Yun Qingping	Round 15. The Millenion was hit in the right wrist, right pectoral, central abdomen and throat. Qiubai was not hit. Qiubai is the winner.
Millenion	Haha, I would have died three times, if this were a real battle.
Qiubai	Real battles are about the mind as much as kung fu. Who knows how things would have turned out?
Millenion	You are indeed the Grandmaster's student. It was humbling.
Qiubai	...Thank you.
<Background fades out and in>
Qiubai	I would like to see the Grandmaster's comments.
Yun Qingping	The recent ones are all here. The Grandmaster has been paying close attention to your bouts, despite his busy schedule, and he has high praise in particular for your swordsmanship.
Qiubai	......
Yun Qingping	Something on your mind?
Qiubai	I was just thinking what he meant by "not enough purity in the sword." And how long would it take for me to reach the point where I can beat him.
Yun Qingping	There is no mention of it in the Grandmaster's Book of Kung Fu. I don't think he said it to anyone but you. As for beating the Grandmaster... I'm not sure how many in the entire world have even dreamt of such a thing.
Qiubai	You think I'm crazy?
Yun Qingping	My job is simply to follow the Grandmaster and record the martial arts of the world truthfully.
Qiubai	There are many more people than usual at the training grounds today. Why isn't he here?
Yun Qingping	General Zuo has visitors. The Grandmaster is also meeting an old acquaintance in the keep.
Qiubai	I'll be going, then.
Yun Qingping	Man zou. It was an honor.
Qiubai	...... Why do you always treat me like I'm your senior, even though you've been following the Grandmaster for much longer?
Yun Qingping	The Grandmaster says that one who keeps records must be acutely aware of the strengths of others. You are stronger and wiser than I am. I have much to learn from you.
Qiubai	If you say so.
<Background fades out and in>
Stern Man	......
The general nocks an arrow, drawing the thick bow so full that it looks like the full moon. The hand on the bow trembles slightly, and the arrow wobbles with it. The general's brow furrows deeper with each wobble. The arrow pierces the target, half an inch away from the bullseye.
Liang Xun	Good shot, sir.
Zuo Xuanliao	No need to flatter. I know my own body. I could still swing the sword and spear a couple of years ago, but now I can hardly hold a bow properly. Even if there's no need for me to stand on the battlefield myself, it's not proper to have a sick man leading the Yumen garrison... my time is short.
Liang Xun	All the court knows that your injuries bear witness to decades of service in defense of Yumen.
Zuo Xuanliao	I'm not concerned about my health or life, but I have some unfinished business.
Liang Xun	The Grand Tutor has instructed me to assist you. I will help you manage Yumen's return.
Zuo Xuanliao	Did the Grand Tutor say "assist?"
Liang Xun	I'm sure you understand his intentions...
Zuo Xuanliao	I haven't thanked you for your help in Shangshu yet. I apologize for the trouble that Zuo Le caused. He's still young and inexperienced.
Liang Xun	You exaggerate, sir.
Zuo Xuanliao	You must understand what a father feels. Zuo Le has done well, but he is in a position that does not permit any mistake, no matter how small.
Liang Xun	Lord Zuo is young and bright, a rising star. It's not unusual for young people to be a little impetuous. I would not worry too much about it.
Zuo Xuanliao	What about me, Liang? Am I impetuous to you?
Liang Xun	...I believe you have your reasons, sir.
Zuo Xuanliao	Word of your benevolent administration in Shangshu has reached even Yumen, Liang, but have you ever seen a battle with your own eyes?
Liang Xun	There were pirates on the Shangshu River a few years ago... but nothing compared to the battles that you have seen.
Zuo Xuanliao	Then you understand that making decisions as a general in the field is different from managing at a desk. The battlefield is ever-changing, and thousands of lives hinge on your every decision. Which do you think is more important then: decisiveness, or caution? The bestial Sui matter is pressing. We must act.
Liang Xun	I am much illuminated.
Zuo Xuanliao	In your position as Yumen Advisor, you are on the battlefield, and we are comrades. I hope you understand my way.
Liang Xun	I trust you, sir. I'll give my all. However, the Feranmut problem is neither administrative nor military. I trust your decisiveness, but I also ask that you trust my caution.
Zuo Xuanliao	Right...
Another arrow, this one striking the bullseye square.
Zuo Xuanliao	Would you care to try, Liang? Your reputation is that of a scholar-warrior, equally at home with sword and bow as with pen and paper. The Yumen bow is heavy, though. Do you feel up to it?
Liang Xun	......
[A Millenion patrolman walks toward Liang and Xuanliao.]
Patrol Battalion Soldier	Chief Executive Wei Yenwu of Lungmen is here, sir. He's waiting in the meeting hall.
Zuo Xuanliao	Very well. Mr. Lin's daughter was a few days early. It was about time for Lord Wei to arrive.
Patrol Battalion Soldier	The Grand Tutor has arrived as well.
Zuo Xuanliao	...... Did the Grand Tutor and Lord Wei travel together?
Liang Xun	I expect Lord Wei is here on private matters.
Zuo Xuanliao	Official or private, there are still two honored guests at the same table. Looks like you're not the only one here to give me counsel today, Liang.
Ling	My dear elder brother.
Chongyue	I had a dream last night. I dreamed I heard the wind rushing by at midnight. I opened the window to find the desert had become a sea of sprouting trees, some of them even in full bloom. The branches of the trees grew and formed a web, trapping Yumen within.
Ling	"Few are those who truly break away from home. "Do you still miss Yumen?
Chongyue	What was the saying you had when you left Yumen last time? I forgot.
Ling	'Neath crisp night merriment resounds; travelers doubt "its truly frontier-bound."
Chongyue	A new one. It's been a while; looks like your thoughts have changed.
<Background 5>
Ling	A century is not too long, but I came back at this point in the dream.
Chongyue	To me, a hundred years is simply thirty thousand days and nights, the urgent reports, the scouts departing, the Messengers returning. The watch has changed innumerable times since you left, and countless new bricks and stones set into this wall. But still it stands. Did you see Nian and Dusk in Shangshu?
Ling	Yea. They haven't changed one bit. They've found a place to stay, a place where they can have fun.
Chongyue	And so, you met our second brother.
Ling	We lesser siblings always worry our eldest brother, don't we?
Chongyue	Dusk is a sensitive and thoughtful little sister, but she keeps it to herself and tells no one, which is why she's often troubled. Nian looks carefree on the surface, but she fears loneliness more than any of us. She constantly needs something new to keep her mind occupied. I don't have much to worry about you, other than maybe you getting too drunk and forgetting to pay your tab. But as the oldest sister, and without any official responsibilities, it would be good if you spent more time with your younger siblings.
Ling	Do you accuse me of being an irresponsible big sister? How many families are like ours? From whom do I learn? I have to figure things out on my own. But our foolish sisters just don't know how to rise above things. They keep making it hard for themselves.
Chongyue	Don't blame them for being self-troubled. Put yourself in their shoes, and you may not find it easy to free yourself from troubles.
Ling	I'm not as free as you are. After all, you've managed to completely cut your 'Self' off, and find an entirely new "Self".
Chongyue	...... The name "Shuo" and the sliver of soul are sealed within the sword. Now I'm just an ordinary man who knows a little kung fu.
Ling	"A little?" How many martial artists would abandon their careers if they heard you just now?
Chongyue	Taking into account the fact that I've had centuries of practice, perhaps I should call myself less than ordinary.
Ling	......
The sand sluice there churns through tons of sand every second, clearing a path for Yumen's advance. The massive nomadic city rolls toward its new goal at high speed.
Ling	Where are you planning to go after you leave Yumen?
Chongyue	I'll go south to see the bridges and streams, have some of the heartland brew, or see the place where Nian and Dusk are staying. The jianghu world is big. There are plenty of places to go. But I suppose all the people with whom I've shared a toast are gone now.
In the distance, the heat rising from the ocean of sands warps heaven and earth. The wind is weak by the time it reaches the tower. The sand in the wind touches the cheeks, almost like a caress. Three thousand miles of yellow sand, in the blink of an eye.
<Background 6>
[Lin Yühsia and a Millenion sentry checks a corpse on the ground.]
Yumen Sentry A	Checked the serial numbers on the gear. It's the Catastrophe Messenger's group, which should have been back this morning. Traces of Originium explosives. The bodies have probably crystalized and turned to dust...
Lin Yühsia	Watch out for Originium residue. This is less than two hours from the city. Who would attack a Catastrophe Messenger on official business so close to a nomadic city?
Yumen Sentry A	Everything valuable has been taken. It would make sense if this was the work of bandits.
Lin Yühsia	Or someone who wants to make it look like the work of bandits. Keep looking. We need to find the Catastrophe survey data.
[Another sentry rushes toward Yuhsia.]
Yumen Sentry B	Found it! It was a little further away, under a piece of broken armor. They protected it with their lives.
Lin Yühsia	...... There's no time. Get it back to the city, but keep your eyes open.