Chapter 53 - Day CLXVI

- Hey, Peter.

- Uh...

- Hey, Peter. Wake up...

I slowly opened my eyes. Will was squatting next to me. It was very dark. Only a couple of rays of sun managed to get inside thru tight gaps between the door and doorframe.

- It was hard to find you. You are pretty damn good a hiding. Now, tell me, was it you?

- What? I don't understand...

- With Zhang Yong. Was it you?

- Wha...

- Yesterday I had a clear view of Zhang Yong's face during the fight. Half of it went limp during the fight, and then his movement got slower and slower. He was clearly losing control over his body. He was paralyzed. Did you poison him?

- What?! No! - I instantaneously fully woked up. - W-wait... Tell me again what you saw.

- Holly shit. Then it was probably Mark.

- Will! For fuck sake, tell me what you saw!

- Shhhhh. Quiet. Don't yell or you are gonna get us both killed. Something big is going on around. As I said. I saw a half of Zhang Yong's face going limp. Like he had a stroke. But I'm sure that was not the case, so it had to be poison. His nerve system got paralyzed. I'm sure of it. And he lost because of it. Even though he tried to kill Mark to the very last moment, but his movement left wide openings for a counter. That is what I saw.

- How sure you are?

- About him being poisoned? I don't know... Pretty sure. But am absolutely certain he didn't lose fairly. There is something going on. I thought that was you. I thought you couldn't make him let you go after the whole rat's endeavor, and you got closer to him in a different manner. But if not, then holly shit...

My brain went nuts for a while. Thoughts were taking me in many directions at the same time, but it only led to chaos. I managed to calm myself a bit and started to go thru all the memories I had of yesterday's events. Zhang Yong was very careful and didn't allow anything but his trusted people to get close to him. Somebody had to betray him, but who? And then I remembered Blue and the bottle of water he gave to Zhang Yong just before the fight.

- You know something, don't you? I can see it on your face - Will continued.

- Fuck... fuck, fuck, fuck FUCK!

- Ok, ok! Calm down, Peter. Stop yelling. Shhh... shhh... If we get killed, then we can't do shit. You are clearly upset about Zhang Yong's death, and you know something. So let's discuss and make a plan.

I looked Will straight into the eyes. Was I trusting this guy enough to tell him what I thought had happened? No. He was still too much of a wildcard for me.

- It's better if you don't know - I whispered.

- Came on... don't be like this - he answered just as quietly.

The rest of the conversation progressed in such a manner of angry, emotion-filled whispers.

- I don't trust you, Will.

- What did I do to you?! I never betrayed you, or even lied to you.

- Maybe. But you also didn't do anything to gain my trust!

- I saved your ass when you needed help!

Fair point, but I was not backing down so easily.

- You will be safer without knowing.

- But I want to know! C'mon Peter. You are now in the center of this world, with other big shots. I had no fucking idea how you managed to do this, but it happened. I too want to have my five minutes, so tell me.

- It's too dangerous. What if they will find out that you and I know?

- Aha! So it's them...

He either was an amazing actor or really had no clue.

- Fine. I will tell you what I know. But if you betray me, I fucking swear I'm gonna get you ass!

- Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just talk.

- Blue, one of Zhang Yong's advisors. Very smart gut that was very, very close to Zhang Yong. He gave him a bottle of water before the duel. I have no idea if he is working alone, or with Mark. But Zhang Yong for the entire day was on his toes. He didn't meet anybody but his closest men, and that's the only thing he consumed before the fight. If it was the poison, the timing is correct. By all means, I'm not sure this is the case.

- Holly shit! That Blue guy is now leading Wuxia, isn't he?

- Yes.

- You have any idea what he is planing?

- Nope. He wants to continue Zhang Yong's plans. Well... at least that is what he is telling people.

- So? What's the plan? Are we exposing that guy, and taking over Wuxia?

- The fuck no! I never wanted to lead anything. And I'm still not sure if it's really him behind the poison. It still could be Mark. Or maybe they are working together.

- You should stick around, and find out. Just be careful.

- That was my plan.

- It's a good plan. What about me? What do I do?

- How would I know, Will? Do whatever you want, just don't fucking talk to anybody about this. Or do anything stupid! I swear if you...

- Fine, fine, fine - he didn't let me finish. - I'll don't do anything. Just when you start making your moves don't forget about me.

- I'll think about it. Now I need to meet Blue.

- Why? You should be careful. He for sure is on his toes and will suspect you if you do anything right now.

- I know what I'm doing.

He backed down from the conversation while standing up. I also got on my feet, and we parted our ways. I had to meet with Blue. So I headed to Zhang Yong's room, where he probably was.

There were many people inside that room, and heated conversation had a place. Guards in front of the door stopped me. I was not officially anybody in a high position in Wuxia, so I just couldn't casually walk inside.

- I need to talk with Blue.

- Wait here. There is a meeting.

- Fine.

I sat on the other side of the corridor, under the wall, and waited. It took at least a few hours. The voices were muffled too much, so I was unable to understand what they were actually talking about. Except for few moments, when somebody shouted loudly, just to be reprimanded, which made them continue in the same quiet manner. They probably being careful because of people outside.

With time, some people just left, but there was still a lot waiting to hear the outcome of the meeting. At least that was my guess based on overheard conversations.

Then the door finally opened, and lieutenants started to leave. All in different, pretty normal attire. They were bombarded by questions but didn't give any answers. Which could mean many things. Anyway, I made my shot and headed towards the room. Guard stopped me.

- Let him pass - said Blue.

So I went inside and closed the door behind me.

- We need to talk.

- Sit, please.

I did what I was told.

- Look Blue... I... I... I need time. I need to put everything in my head in order. My friend is still there, and I have no idea what to do about her.

- I know. It's probably hard for you, but remember we have a mission. Take some time, but please come back. I wish a could help you with your problem, but I'm afraid I have to put all my effort into keeping Wuxia intact.

It was so damn strange for me. Zhang Yong was very keen on the whole orc hunting thing. Blue on the other hand right now seemed to not really care at all. Zhang Yong would never let me go like this.

- I need to figure out something.

- Just be careful. Mark is clearly a powerful guy. You saw the fight. I never expected him to be such a beast. He blocked Zhang Yong...

Maybe he never fought in his entire life and was so ignorant. But for me, it was obvious Zhang Yong didn't just do a mistake. If not for the shock caused by his death, I would probably figure this on my own. But the scene really got me, and I immediately went to a very dark corner of my mind. Will really came in clutch to save me, and now I could see clearly. Common sense returned.

Don't get me wrong. I was still pissed of. No matter how strong that motherfucker Mark was, I was getting Aisha out. If blue was responsible, or even just had anything to do with Zhang Yong's death, I was also gonna kill him. I had no hesitation in me. All that was gone.

- I know. I'll see you when I'm ready.

- I will wait.

I went outside. Blue didn't give me anything, maybe if I pushed him a bit, but I was also afraid of giving him any indication of my suspicions. He really could be innocent. The whole Wuxia was for sure in danger of falling apart, and many people probably wanted a piece of it. So keeping it all together, and figuring how to ent the crisis was a lot. His hands were full. Plans for the future had to wait.

I went outside to find my cart. Wuxia's guards were close, but I did a quick inspection of the equipment anyway. Nothing was missing, so I took it, and pulled it with me to the device. It was kinda awkward out there. One on side Blood Brother's members couldn't openly celebrate on streets to not pick a fight with Wuxia's members. But some of them clearly wanted. Instead, they probably celebrated somewhere inside. Even though, few of them were still outside.

Late Zhang Yong's soldiers were mourning their leader. Some of them really wanted revenge, but probably because of the orders, couldn't just go for it. So with both sides kinda on edge, I could clearly feel the tension. I guess everybody could.

People from outside, even hunters from other groups, just didn't want the bloodbath to start. So they were acting kinda like a buffer.

I waited in line for a while and then proceeded with shopping. I spend a thousand points on ration. This time investing more in stuff that could last long. Dried meats, long-lasting vegetables, some fruits, water, etc.

Then I headed to the wolves.

Day ended with 15 205 points on my account.