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“It is in the subtle differences that this one finds the most profound. The size of the buds growing upon the branches. The fungus slowly fruiting with vigour in the rotten logs. The world truly is just… alive.”

His Great Master grinned at the statement. “It really is, isn\'t it? The little things. I can’t wait until the flowers really start to open up and we can start to sow again.” His Master mused, as he sipped his tea. Bi De could not wait to begin the work of the spring and summer. To once more grow with the plants of spring. “So, did you see anything else interesting while you were out?”

Bi De took a sip of his tea before responding.“I saw Man Gi, off in the distance.” Bi De replied after a moment, remembering the flash of red fur, the same colour as the vest he wore.

“Oh? You saw Man Gi again?” His Great Master asked, and the rooster nodded.

“He seemed in fine health, but fled when he noticed my gaze.”

Man Gi. The only other fox to receive a name of power from his Great Master. The disheveled and tattered looking fox was either the smartest, or the luckiest, creature without a spark Bi De had met. The beast somehow managed to survive both his and Tigu’s purges before they had learned that some predators were necessary for the function of the cycle of life. Indeed, the hawks and the mink were repopulating now but knew their places.

“He\'s a wily old man, that Man Gi.” His Master chortled.

Bi De almost hoped that the fox did gain a spark, if only so that he could have a conversation with the beast. He wished not to slay the kin of Ba Si Bushi; but to understand the brethren of his once-sworn nemesis. To have tea, and truly understand what drove their kind. Tigu was a predator, yet could control herself. Nezan was too far removed, even though he too was a fox. He wondered, if offered food to satiate the hunger in his belly, could Ba Si Bu Shi also have been a disciple? Would he have been able to train alongside a fox?

Bi De didn’t regret his actions. He merely imagined what could have been.

“Indeed. He is a credit to his line. Perhaps I should ask Nezhan to speak with him?” Bi De returned.

Both of them chuckled at that, his Master shaking his head.

Another bout of laughter followed, and they turned their heads to the couch where the Healing Sage, Yao Meihua, and Disciple Xiulan were sitting.

Xiulan had Little De cradled in one arm. With the other, she held her braid and was ghosting the soft locks over Little De’ face, causing the babe to giggle along with his mother, who was looking on.

The Healing Sage stared at her son in fascination, her crystal blue eyes sparkling with warmth and tenderness even as the babe slobbered into her hair.

“Little one, little one, look here~” Meihua tried, her own braid tickling. But she was completely ignored as Xiao De kept his eyes upon the brown locks of Xiulan, even making a sound of displeasure as Xiulan pulled her own hair away.

“See? Look at him, he already knows well the touch of his Aunt!” The look Xiulan gave Meihua was positively smug, and the other woman pouted, their duel over who would be the “best Aunt” a constant of petty rivalry.

The Healing Sage laughed and brought her own geen hair to tickle only to be met with another grunt of disapproval.

Xiulan’s expression went from smug to panicked.

“Oh? Xiao De, you spurn your own mother for your pretty aunt? You dare, oh son of mine?” The woman said reproachfully in a mocking yet gentle tone.

The couch full of women further devolved into giggles as the two males watched on for a moment longer. His Master smiled softly, while Bi De took a sip of his tea. He wondered how his own glorious feathers would hold up against Xiulan. She was remarkably inventive in caring for Little De, despite never caring for a child before. Using her Qi abilities to make the glass baubles float above the child in a circle was inspired.

He wondered idly if he could conjure moonlight for the babe?

Soon, though, the pair finished their tea and the great Master stood. He checked the position of the sun and considered it, before turning to where Xiulan was being accosted by her companions.

He took pity on his disciple.

“Meimei, you still want to go for that walk?” he asked, and the Healing Sage perked up, ceasing her prodding of the Blade of Grass.

“Yeah! I want to check on the mushroom farm!” she called back.

Soon enough, the Master and Mistress of Fa Ram were ready, walking out the door arm in arm with their babe tied to Meiling’s back. A more private walk, just for the three of them, it had been decided. A fortuitous choice that everyone was happy to oblige, for there was another grave matter to be discussed by the household.

“Is it time?” Bi De asked Tigu as she walked out from the shadows.

The girl nodded.

“Then let us assemble.”

There was tension in the air in the Great Manor House of Fa Ram. All could feel it as Bi De entered the room where everyone save the Master, Mistress and their son had gathered.

He nodded to each grim-face as he strode to his place at the head of the table.

Indeed, the tension was higher than it had been during the height of when Tigu and Ri Zu’s animosity for each other was at its worst . The room was full: All of the disciples were present, as were Meihua and Hu Li. They all eyed each other warily; for victory here meant a victory everlasting.

“We shall commence the meeting.” Bi De declared. “Speak your piece my friends, and keep your calm— I know this issue is a matter of great contention.”

Bi De referred, of course, to the true name of Little De; The Great Master had asked for suggestions, valuing their input as always. It had begun a secret war amongst all those present, vying for their selection. A conflict that the first Disciple hoped to end.

“You’re just saying that because no matter what, you’ve already won, Big De.” Tigu grumbled, before she sucked in a breath and stood. She strode over to the nearby slate board and picked up a piece of chalk. With powerful, slashing strokes, a character was written.

“Behold, a worthy name!” Tigu shouted. “Kai! Victory! Our little brother needs a powerful name, and this name is best!”

She stood at the head of the room, her glare focusing upon any who would dare challenge her suggestion.

The first to strike back was, surprisingly, Ri Zu.

‘Why something so forceful?!’ Ri Zu demanded. ‘Why not something softer, and kinder? He comes from a family of healers! And thus, Lee would be a fine name!’

“Because it has impact!” Tigu shot back.

“There are a lot of Lees.” Meihua murmured.

“Lee is the worst name!” Xianghua spoke up, sounding irritated. “This Young Mistress knows of fourteen among the servants of our sect. Small Lee, Skinny Lee, Boney Lee, Lanky Lee…” Her eyes narrowed as she rattled off the names.

Bowu snorted from beside her. “Big Sis banned them from serving her, since she can’t tell them apart.”

Ri Zu wilted at the defeat, pouting.

‘Jiangen.’ Pi Pa stated after a moment. ‘A strong root. It would fit, would it not?’

“I don’t hate it!” Tigu declared, and another name was added to the list.

“Shandan.” Came from Meihua, and Xiulan nodded from beside her.

Chun Ke, with an enigmatic smile, Grunted ‘Zhuye; Red Leaf.’

‘Like a Maple Leaf?’ Ri Zu asked, her gaze considering.

“Jin, like his pops?” Hu Li tried.

“Like our village?” Xian asked. “It’s tradition in Hong Yaowu, but…”

“Oi, dun look at me. Ten Ren named our boys!” Her accent slipped out. “And unless you want something strange from my family like Baatar, or Kotan… They’ll get people looking at you funny for bein’ a tribal, no reason to put a kid through that shit…” The woman muttered, looking away.

“...Xiaoshan?” Xiulan suggested. “It\'s a bit close to… His name, though.”

Xiaoshi. The first emperor. Would it be something that their Master considered?

Or perhaps something like Tianshan…. But “heavenly mountain” was hopelessly arrogant.

‘Wan.’ Wa Shi offered, and some conversation paused. Wan. It wasn’t a bad name really, except for one thing.

“Wan. Rou Wan? Meatball?!” Tigu demanded. “You dare call my little brother meatball, you gluttonous bastard?!”

‘Look at him! He\'s all round and meat-y looking!’ the fish fired back. ‘Besides, meatballs are powerful!’

The room descended into chaos; an argument began that lasted until the Great Master returned home.