Indigo

Indigo - color between blue and violet, the electromagnetic spectrum.

--- Associated with : the color of the deep midnight sky. Symbolizes : mystical borderland, wisdom, self-mastery, and spiritual realization.

Sixth Color - Indigo

"Lord Lu, please...... Doesn't matter if it is only a pretense, please go back with me...... the Queen," Gu Miao Lang choked on his own pleadings. After hesitating for a while, he continued desperately, "Her Majesty...... Her illness is beyond help. Her last wish is to meet with her son, please...... Just ... just pretend that you are her son, the Prince, so that she could pass away in peace......"

If Lu Cang was listening to his pleading in a more proper situation, perhaps he would grow some compassion towards this crying loudly old man. ---He tightly clutched Lu Cang's left foot, no matter how hard Lu Cang tried, he couldn't shake the old man off his leg. Both Jing and Lu Cang were extremely annoyed by this man's desperate behavior. Especially Jing......

---He literally emitted his murderous aura from every pore of his body.

Jing was furious beyond belief. He had tolerated this man to a certain point only because of Lu Cang. If it were not for Lu Cang, since earlier Jing would have left him to die and rot without any care. And this man obviously didn't know his limit. He actually dared to grab his Lu Cang. Only for this very reason, Jing's urge to kill was heightened by a thousand fold. He didn't care even if he had just wasted the precious pill to revive this miserable man from his dying state - this ungrateful man could go back to hell for all he cared.

Lu Cang didn't want to put himself into such great inconvenience. He had more than enough unpleasant experiences with royalties and courtiers to last his lifetime since he chose to stay by Jing's side. He bluntly refused. What a joke! Pretend to be a Prince? Impossible! Who cared about the Queen! He had his own Jing to deal with!

Talking about the devil, one look at Jing and seeing how his veins had become obvious, ---he was gritting his teeth so hard that his veins seemed almost popping out, Lu Cang knew that what was more pressing now was to free himself from this man's clutch. Otherwise Lu Cang was sure that his hard work to save Gu Miao Lang's life earlier would be in vain if he couldn't prevent Jing's infamous temper from erupting and Jingended up killing him.

It appeared that Gu Miao Lang had already made up his mind that even if it cost him his life, he would never let go of Lu Cang's foot unless Lu Cang consented to going back to Zhao Kingdom with him.

"Please, Lord Lu! Please...... Just regard it as you are doing a great favor for this old man. I will certainly repay your kindness." Gu Miao Lang was extremely aware of the cold, piercing eyes on him and the killing intent was so obvious that he had goosebumps all over his body. Even when he violently shivered out of fear, he hung on to Lu Cang's foot - he would rather die here than to go back alone with this disappointing news.

This insolent man! How dare he talked about what damn favor and kindness. Taking advantage of his Lu Cang's kindness, trying to guilt Lu Cang into having an obligation to help him just because Lu Cang had saved his life once. Just go die!

Could no longer hold in his wrath, Jing ruthlessly landed a kicked on Gu Miao Lang's mid section. But that stubborn old man really seemed to have a death wish. Like his life was depended on it, he desperately glued his body even more onto Lu Cang's foot, didn't release his death grip on Lu Cang despite his mouth had started to cough out blood. ---Jing's strength was no laughing matter, although he did lessen the strength he used because he was careful not to cause any harm to Lu Cang, whom this impudent man was holding on to for dear life. If Jing wholeheartedly wanted to send this brazen old man flying, certainly his Lu Cang would be injured as well.

Meeting Lu Cang could be said as Gu Miao Lang's greatest luck. If it was not for Lu Cang, since long ago Gu Miao Lang would have had an audience with King Yama. Only because of Lu Cang that Jing held back his power for sure, otherwise he would have sent this impudent old man straight to the gate of hell without a second thought.

"Jing, stop it!" Remembering that Gu Miao Lang was still injured from his previous incident, Lu Cang quickly halted Jing from his further rampage. "Sir Gu. Let me go. I can't help you. Just tell the Queen the truth and......"

"Lord Lu, are you telling me to shatter a mother's heart in her deathbed? To let her leave this world with nothing but regrets?" Firmly believing that these lines could move Lu Cang's heart, Gu Miao Lang clearly couldn't see the conflicts in Lu Cang's eyes.

Upon hearing this, Lu Cang was stunned. Unconsciously he threw his gaze at Jing.

Lu Cang had actually wanted to ask, what about a mother who abandoned her own son? Does she also have the same regret?

But remembering what Jing had told him before, he prudently swallowed his questions back. ---Earlier, Jing had told him, no matter what circumstances, to never reveal that he was abandoned on Mount Lu Cang in front of Gu Miao Lang, otherwise, this persistent man would insist that Lu Cang was their lost Prince. And it would become much harder to free themselves from him. Jing never stopped to amaze him. It was as if Jing already knew the line of attack that Gu Miao Lang would use.

Firmly shaking his head, he once again squeezed the words from between his teeth, asking Gu Miao Lang to let go of him. Yet, Gu Miao Lang had the guts to glue himself on both of Lu Cang's feet like a parasite while repeating his plead.

Finally, it was Lu Cang who exploded first. He practically roared at the Gu Miao Lang at his feet before Jing could launch another lethal kick.

"ENOUGH!"

To begin with, Lu Cang was not someone who had the patience like a saint. Though he had calmed a lot within these five years, he was fiery, feisty and short-tempered by nature. He only had a very high tolerance towards Jing and his Brothers.

Stunned since he only had seen a calm, composed Lu Cang, Gu Miao Lang unconsciously loosened his grip. Lu Cang quickly took advantage of this moment and freed himself. He moved away as far away as possible from Gu Miao Lang. Afraid that he would once again jump and grab him.

Jing also didn't stay idle, in a lightning speed, he pulled Lu Cang to stand beside him. If Gu Miao Lang dared to touch Lu Cang for the second time, Jing would ensure him a direct ride to hell.

Gu Miao Lang was left on the floor, with his still kneeling position. His eyes were filled with tears. His trembling lips unceasingly sounded out his plead.

"Lord Lu......Please have mercy......Please......"

Lu Cang's rejection was as good as a death sentence to him.

Sending many people and all returned empty-handed, the despair in the Queen's face was getting more and more obvious. The beautiful face was filled with sorrow, how could Gu Miao Lang, who had been in love with the Queen since he was a teenager, be able to bear it?

Ever since the Prince was taken away from them, the spark of light in the Queen's face had also faded. The beautiful face often sighed in lament.

Watching all of these heartbreaking scenes from the side, Gu Miao Lang all along had always felt that his heart was also hurting. He vowed to himself, he would make this beautiful flower who was withering before her time, bloom in happiness for the very last time. Even if he had to exchange it with his own life. He would certainly bring back the smile to her face. Definitely!

"Lord Lu!" Without any care for his own safety, Gu Miao Lang bumped his head to the floor, to show his sincerity. He was on his all four, unceasingly lowered his head to the point of hitting the floor, his whole face was a horrible sight of blood, the blood flowed from his forehead to his cheeks. "I beg you! Lord Lu, please! Please!"

"It is of no use, Sir Gu. I am not the prince and will never be a prince. Your country's conflicts have nothing to do with me." Furthermore, Lu Cang was not obliged to help out or to console anyone whom he had never met before.

Other country's affairs were not his concern at all. They should properly sort out their problems on their own. In spite of his chivalrous way of living, meddling in other people's affairs was absolutely not his style.

Not even gave his final glance to the still pleading Gu Miao Lang, Lu Cang and Jing turned their backs and intended to go out of the once lively hall. But before they could take a couple steps forward, a group of people rushed into the hall and blocked the exit.

The three of them all of a sudden found themselves trapped in a tight circle formed by these men who were wearing the same pattern of uniforms. Most probably they were elite trained soldiers, ---but definitely not part of Datong's army. Each of them held two twins sabers in their hands.

"I was right to wait in ambush here. You certainly came to this place, Vice Minister Gu."

All of a sudden, a crude voice filled with evil intentions rang in the hall although the person who spoke hadn't appeared yet. Obviously the owner of this crude voice possessed a tremendous qi for his voice almost hurt Lu Cang merely by hearing it. Less to say about Gu Miao Lang who barely learned martial arts to protect himsef, he had to cover his ears tightly from the deafening voice that felt like he was shouted directly to his ears.

The soldiers gave way to a big and tall man with a vicious face. His entire body was clayed in golden armor. Even a fool could see that this was the soldiers' leader.

"General Gong......" Gu Miao Lang hissed. There was disgust mixed with fear in his voice.

General Gong glanced at the two strangers who seemed to accompany the Vice Minister. His eyes widened in an unsightly shape when his eyes fell on Lu Cang.

"I see! You have found the prince huh? However, such a shame......" The General shook his head as if regretting something, then in a mocking manner he continued: "Such a shame he has to disappear once again, for good this time, he will never be found again since I will cut him to pieces and burn him."

Jing's blood was literally boiling. How dare this damn beast talk about cutting his Lu Cang in the same manner of killing a dog or a cat? ---A soft touch from Lu Cang called him back from his raging state.

They both had expected this much when they realized the peculiar state of the grasses and bushes. They knew some people had stepped on it just recently and might still wait for the perfect moment to appear. Apparently they were waiting in a distance where they couldn't be heard, otherwise, this beast would know that Gu Miao Lang had been pleading Lu Cang to be a fake prince.

Killing them in an instant, with Jing and Lu Cang's ability, it might not be a big deal. However, they had patiently waited for him to appear. They wanted to know who was the one who caused those wounds on Gu Miao Lang and why Gu Miao Lang seemed to be unwilling to tell them about the culprit.

Slightly nodded his head at Lu Cang after he could put his rage under control, Jing narrowing his eyes while looking at the surrounding with menacing face.

This little interaction between the two didn't escape from General Gong's eyes. He sneered as if looking down on them. But these two were not his opponents at all. General Gong, who always had the highest of confidence in his skills, not at all regarded Jing and Lu Cang as threats, particularly when he saw Jing's seemingly slender body and feminine face. ---The more reason for him to look down on the two men he deemed as weaklings.

Turning his eyes back to the kneeling Vice Minister, he drew out his sword. "I don't know how exactly you can still be alive after those series of wounds, but you won't have that blessing again today."

General Gong and his soldiers were on their way back to the West, to Zhao Kingdom, but the two soldiers he sent earlier to find information about the Vice Minister returned to them without any worthy information. In short, they couldn't find the body or the remains of the badly wounded Vice Minister even after searching all around the place.

From the box they snatched from the Vice Minister, instead of something they expected, there was a journal in it along with some others insignificant rubbish, the journal was stating that there was a possibility that the prince might be raised among the mountain bandits in the outskirt of Hangzhou, Mount Lu Cang to be exact. Therefore, he decided to make a detour and find the mountain bandits. Who could have guessed, all they could see was a neglected fortress. Seemed like the occupants had long ago deserted it.

Yet, he decided to wait another one or two days. If the Vice Minister really could survive from the dreadful wounds to the point he didn't need any doctor's care, certainly he would come to this place to make his inquiry too. And he was right. He was always right. Smiling proudly to his own self, General Gong threw the box he snatched from the Vice Minister to the floor. "Why the hell did you bring along this rubbish?"

All of a sudden, his sneer turned to a strict face. "Where is the edict from the deceased King?" His other reason to wait for him was exactly because of this. He thought he had succeeded in snatching the King's edict from Vice Minister Gu's hand, but he had to swallow bitter tea for the things in the box, aside from the journal, were only miscellaneous baby toys.

Looking at the several scattered on the floor old toys, Lu Cang couldn't help but be a bit surprised. He bent his waist to pick a rattle-drum. The rattle-drum was just a common rattle-drum, only exception was, it had a name written on it, Fu Yu De. A strange sense of nostalgic feelings filled his heart at onceas he glanced at the scattered toys. It felt like he knew these toys, played with them countless of times. But maybe it was only his feelings. He must have been affected by this Gu Miao Lang. Lu Cang quickly dismissed the strange sentiment from his heart.

"What edict? I have no idea whatever nonsense you are uttering!" Gu Miao Lang, in spite of his bloody face, his face color seemed to be paler. His speech was a bit faltering.

"Don't play dumb. I ask you one more time, where is the edict? With that edict, Prince Fu Long will have all the rights to ascend the throne. We all know very well, that witch, the Queen was hiding this edict ever since the King passed."

Gu Miao Lang looked at Lu Cang with miserable eyes. Asking for help. His whole covered with blood face was truly a horrible sight to behold, and his hopeful eyes......

Wordlessly, Lu Cang stepped forward to stand between them while trying not to look at Jing's disapproval eyes. He might be against Gu Miao Lang's plead for him to pretend to be the prince, but he couldn't neglect him when he was pleading for his life, especially after Lu Cang took great pain of saving his life.

"What? Couldn't wait for your turn to die? Don't worry, after I took care of him, it will be your turn. After all, you are also a thorn for Prince Fu Long." The smirk on the General's face clearly showed that he didn't regard Lu Cang as a threat at all.

"I have no business with what Prince or whatnot. What I know is, this man has asked us to help him until he returned safely to his country." The cold tone in Lu Cang's voice had a certain intimidating tone to it. A dignified tone as a Royal should have. ---General Gong couldn't help but slightly shiver. Most probably because he unconsciously had admitted the man in front of him, whose face resembled the deceased King, as the legit Prince, that's why he had generated a sort of fear before he was even aware of it.

"He will never return to Zhao." General Gong narrowed his eyes as he tried to press down his sudden impulse to retreat. "Forget about Zhao, even the chance for you all to step out of here would be as thin as the spider's thread."

His despising eyes already more than enough to make Jing cut him into unrecognizable small pieces of meat, now he boldly made slight of Lu Cang's ability, this beast should learn his lesson in a hard way. When Lu Cang threw a look to his way, Jing gave Lu Cang a nod, allowing Lu Cang to teach this impudent beast his lesson.

Jing had appraised this General from his qi, the way he moved and had made a rough estimation. Giving his approval meant he believed Lu Cang could overpower this beast. After all, Jing would never let Lu Cang get into any dangerous situations.

"Move away!" It was not a request, but it was an order. Moreover, an order from one's superior to his subject.

General Gong almost instinctively moved back, but in an instant, he gritted his teeth. "I, General Gong, will never step back even a step."

Taking his long sword out, Lu Cang pointed it at the bulky General. "Then don't blame us for being impolite!"

Although not up to his level, Jing knew that Lu Cang's kungfu was also on a considerably high level too. He believed in Lu Cang's skill, thus he only watched for the soldiers, they might make a sudden cowardly attack when Lu Cang wasn't aware.

As Jing had thought, Lu Cang was not inferior at all compared to the giant. His sword was turning and swirling in a very elegant move. His speed and air kungfu were also top notch. No wonder he was once known as the 'Eagle'. Indeed a very suitable name.

Contrary to Jing who already could see the turn of events, the General seemed to be greatly surprised to see Lu Cang's skill. He had never thought that the seemingly common hero could have such a high skill level. For him who had absolute confidence towards his physical strength as well as his martial arts' skills, couldn't restrain the cold sweat from dripping.

Running out of patience, Lu Cang unfolded the ultimate move that Jing taught him. With a loud shriek, the big General's sword was sent flying. In a barely seen swift movement, Lu Cang had sent his kick on the back of the General, causing him to tumble to his front. Unwilling to have his face bump on the floor, he shifted his center of balance to his knee, rendering him to kneeling in front of Vice Minister Gu and Jing. For such an arrogant man, what could be more humiliating than being forced to kneel in front of one'senemy?

Yet, before he could make any move, he could feel the sharp and cold sword on his neck. His body became stiff at once.

Seeing their leader had been defeated, the soldiers, not only didn't seem to be afraid, on the contrary, their face became even fiercer and they made an offensive formation. Their twin blades were glistening while they moved and ready to launch their attack.

"Master!"

Suddenly, following a loud shout, a shadow blurred for a split second before their eyes. The next moment, before they could see exactly what had happened, all of them already couldn't move their body, standing like stone statues with their vital points locked.

Everyone in the hall was stupefied. Even the General almost had his jaw dropped at this sudden turn of events. Everything happened just in a twinkle of an eye.

------

"Master!" The figure that just now moved in the speed of light was already kneeling respectfully in front of Jing. But Jing didn't seem to be surprised at all. ---But Lu Cang did look surprised. He almost called out his name if not for Jing's warning eyes.

"Xiao Yue, why are you here?"

"Master Zheng sent me to find you Master. There is an important matter and we need you to make the decision." For Mu Yue who had access to most government offices, as long as Jing made a contact with the government, it wouldn't be hard for him to track Jing's whereabouts. After all, Jing left behind some marks only Mu Yue would notice.

It was fortunate for him to catch up on Jing in such crucial moments.

"Zheng can't make the decision?" Jing's beautiful brows creased unhappily.

"Master, if Master Zheng could, why the need to send me?" A hint of irritation was in Mu Yue's voice. Why should Mu Yue painfully take the trouble of coming all the way from Capital to this Hangzhou, and then made haste to come to this Mountain's Stronghold if Duke Tongxin alone could decide on the matter.

Estimating the time since he left the procession to go all the way to Hangzhou in order to be with Lu Cang, it had been roughly two months. The procession should be still in Tongde. To send Mu Yue who should be staying in the Capital just to find Jing, the matter must be military related.

"What is that about?"

Mu Yue didn't directly gave an answer to Jing's question. He looked around for a while before tactfully answering: "Regarding the East."

Nodding his head, Jing pondered over the matter for a while, this should be the best excuse to break away from this annoying Gu Miao Lang. "Cang. Let's go. Let them settle their internal affairs by themselves."

Jing was getting ready to leave when he saw Lu Cang's eyes filled with hesitation. He slightly looked away, avoiding direct contact with Jing's eyes.

Having Jing came all the way to Hangzhou, abandoning the North Procession and all the courtiers, Lu Cang was certain that Jing's twins, Zheng, would despise him even more now. Also the unsightly eyes of the scornful courtiers. To face all of them now, Lu Cang was still mentally unprepared.

"What's the matter?"

"Jing...... I ......"

"Xiao Yue, you look after the matter here for a while. I need to talk in private with Lu Cang."

As soon as he finished his words, Jing pulled Lu Cang to the side, as far away from the others so that they couldn't hear them yet they still could see them.

"What is it? Didn't you tell me you won't believe him?" Even though he was talking in a voice as low as a whisper, Lu Cang still could detect the extreme agitation in his voice. Obviously he was not happy with Lu Cang's dilly-dally manner.

"No. I don't believe him. Just that......"

"Just what? You know I've been preparing for this conquering the East Expedition, not a single error is allowed. We need to head to the East as soon as possible."

Lu Cang bit down his lips. He wanted to go with Jing to the East. But Jing would be occupied with the state matter, even if Lu Cang was there, more likely Jing wouldn't have much time to attend to him.

Moreover...... ---Lu Cang threw his glance at Gu Miao Lang.

Rather than bored himself to death by following Jing when Jing was busy with the state matter, receiving disapproval and filled with hatred eyes from people around Jing, Lu Cang was more attempted to go with Gu Miao Lang to Zhao to ensure his safety. He didn't trust the General and his army to not to ambush Gu Miao Lang.

For once, he also wanted to have his own choice. The choices he had lost since he was with Jing. The freedom to live out of the Palace's stuffing life. He wanted to have a taste of freedom again. Only for a while though. In the end, he couldn't be separated from Jing for a long time.

Lu Cang shifted his eyes to the outside, it was drizzling now.

No matter how much he wished to be with Jing forever, one day, it would come a day when Jing and him would be separated. Whether when it was the time Jing found the woman he truly loved or when Jing had grown tired of him. Also, Jing would always put the state's matters as his priority.

Taking in a mouthful of air to fill his voided heart, Lu Cang made a firm resolution.

"Jing, I have decided, I will go to Zhao."

Widening his beautiful eyes as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard, Jing's expression slowly became stern, his eyes were icy cold, LuCang literally froze merely because of his cold gaze.

"What-did-you-say?"

From the very beginning, this was what Jing was most afraid of. He didn't want Lu Cang to go out of his sight. Especially to an unknown place. But like the saying: the thing you're most afraid is most likely the thing to happen.

Seeing Lu Cang lowered his eyes sight, didn't dare to directly meet Jing's pair of disbelieving eyes, Jing knew that he had firmly made his decision. ---He didn't want to waver, that's why he refused to look at Jing's eyes which could make his heart become soft again.

"Are you fully aware of the consequences of your decision?"

Lu Cang weakly shook his head. He hadn't thought that far. For now, he just wanted to follow the impulse in his heart.

"Fine! I understand. You are more suitable to be a Prince, or maybe a King? " Jing's voice was filled with mocking intention.

"Jing!" Lu Cang grabbed Jing's hand in fluster. "It is not like that. Just that...... "

Of course Jing knew, Lu Cang, even if he cared so much for his dignity, he was not some greedy man who would aim for a glorious position. There must be something that he couldn't put into words or ready to share with Jing. Jing had a suspicion of what was in Lu Cang's mind, after all the name 'Eagle' really suited him. Yet, Jing truly didn't want him to leave him especially to go there. Jing's keen intuition had told him that Lu Cang most probably was truly the lost prince. Only that, probably he was an anomaly within the family, thus he didn't have the special mark.

Jing would rather die than let Lu Cang know about this. Given Lu Cang's personality, he absolutely would feel obligated to be that damned kingdom's King. If that happened, how could Jing monopolize Lu Cang for himself? Having Lu Cang as a war prisoner was out of question.

"Once again, choose. Go with me to the East, or go the hell West with that stranger!"

Unwittingly, Lu Cang was tightening his grip on Jing's hand. He truly wanted Jing to come with him. But both of them had their own agendas. For a prideful man, Lu Cang also couldn't let Jing sway him all the time. No matter how much he loved Jing.

What an irony!

In this very hall was the first time he took Jing's hand. Asking 'her' to be his wife. And now, in the same hall, he had to let go of the same hand.

His eyes were brimming with emotion, in the end, as he had made his firm decision, he slowly loosened his grip and slowly let that smooth hand slip from his hand......

*****

*****

Yup, next color.

#Wednesday. XDI think most of you have known now that this Rainbow Fanfiction is like a prelude to the fanfic series. The timeline is after epilogue of original book2 and before fanfiction 1, hence, we know that they are not separating for good. Only temporary separation since they both have their own business. Sometimes I also want Lu Cang to have his freedom again even for a while. Also, even if unwilling, Jing also knew that he can't bind Lu Cang forever. If Lu Cang strongly wanted it, he could leave Jing, and of course Jing didn't want to push Lu Cang to that decision. As all my PR still busy with FF3, I will post the raw version of Rainbow first. And I will change it to proofed version after I got all the files back from them. Don't complain about my alien English. Lols. Okay. I will try to finish posting Rainbow before my hibernation. See you this weekend (if my PR sent me chapter 22 of FF3 this weekend as she said she would try to, then I will update on the weekend as well. XD )

And have a nice day. XD

Ps : I am so happy to all the respond in the previous update of ff3. Lol. Almost 300 comments including my replies. But still, even in LJ, there has never been a case everyone going wild with the comments. Lol. Someone even threatened to shorten my life. Wuahahahhahha.... Anyway, I love you guys for loving Jing and Lu Cang. XDAnd thank you very much for supporting them.