The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 926: A Few Things

S Base, an hour later.

The base's atmosphere had darkened since the great fight. Though many still filled the living room, gone was its arcade-like bustle. Members either worked or stared into space, and those who spoke did so in whispers, as if fearing they might wake some invisible monster in the air.

Near the entryway, Quiet Book sat on a beanbag, holding Wang Weiyan while reading her a picture book in hushed tones.

They spotted Gao Yang first. "You're back, Captain!" Quiet Book's voice lifted reflexively.

Gao Yang nodded and entered the living room.

“Captain.”

“Captain.”

“Captain...”

Everyone looked up, their tasks forgotten. They searched his face for something—anything—to break the oppressive mood: reassurance, mourning, encouragement.

Gao Yang knew he needed to speak. This was his first return to the S Base since the Battle of the Qingyang Bridge.

Standing in the living room's center, he met their gazes steadily and spoke with conviction. "Everyone, at the Qingyang Bridge, we struck a heavy blow against the Ocean River Union and secured Dr. Jia. We gained a reliable new ally. Strategically, we won."

"Yet the price was heavy. We lost White Rabbit, Yellow Lotus, and Thick Earth from the Twelve Zodiac Signs. We're indebted to Spring, the Spectres' leader."

"I won't say their sacrifice was worth it, because it wasn't. No sacrifice ever is. No one should have to give their life. But in this war, we must keep moving forward."

"The Ocean River Union is planning something. War Tiger and I have developed new strategies in response. If nothing goes wrong, most of us will have time to rest. The Lunar New Year approaches. You should enjoy the holidays."

"If possible, focus on the present. Be happy or sad. Sing or bawl. But don't lose yourself to anxiety about the future. Live as humans should. Eat well, sleep well, especially in these inhuman times. Remember, while we fight for survival, survival can't become all we are."

Gao Yang swept his gaze across the room once more and pressed his right fist to his chest. "The dawn remains distant. May our light shine bright in our hearts forever."

The living room grew quieter, but within that silence, the collective gloom began to burn away.

Gao Yang turned to War Tiger, who lingered in the entryway. "Anything to add?"

War Tiger stood slightly dazed, an unlit cigarette in his mouth, remembering how Dragon had once won his loyalty.

"Ahem." He removed the cigarette, fidgeting with it. "I second the general idea. As for how we'll enjoy this holiday reprieve, I have a few thoughts..."

While War Tiger spoke, Gao Yang slipped into the dining room. Zhang Wei sat at the table alone.

His left arm and leg were encased in casts, a sling hanging from his neck. Thick bandages wrapped his head, and two walking sticks rested at an angle beside him.

Depression seemed to weigh on him as he struggled through a bowl of mixed congee.

Gao Yang had heard the details. After the Qingyang Bridge battle, Zhang Wei had suffered the worst injuries after Fat Jun—multiple broken bones and a severe concussion. If not for Wang Zikai's timely administration of Medicine C, Zhang Wei would have died.

Fat Jun, the healer, was out of commission, and Dead Pig wasn’t in good condition, either. The burden on the Lamb Pig Duo was great.

Lovely Lamb had only taken half of Zhang Wei’s injury. He would recover from the rest on his own, or more might be done once Dr. Jia returned with his laboratory.

Gao Yang sat down next to Zhang Wei.

"Brother Yang!" Zhang Wei set down his spoon, forcing cheer into his voice.

Gao Yang smiled gently. "Don't mind me. Eat."

"I don't have an appetite." Zhang Wei's voice turned bitter. "Keep feeling like throwing up, but I have to eat."

"You made a great contribution this time. You and Wang Zikai saved many lives." Gao Yang offered the praise sincerely.

But Zhang Wei's expression fell further. "Yet we underestimated our enemy. If we'd worked just a little better together, maybe we could've killed Qilin, and White Rabbit and the others wouldn't..."

"Zhang Wei," Gao Yang cut in. "Don't dwell on the 'what ifs'. There lies no hope, only pain." Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Zhang Wei fell silent, his eyes reddening as he nodded.

"How's your recovery?" Gao Yang asked.

"Just some fatal wounds!" Zhang Wei thumped his chest. "Nothing to worry about."

"Good. You're in good spirits."

"Haha, just lost three teeth." Zhang Wei rubbed his left cheek. "So I speak with a lisp now."

"Will they grow back?"

"Adept Horse and Dead Pig can't help. I'll need dentures."

"Don't worry. Wait for Dr. Jia's return," Gao Yang said. "I have Gecko. I'll have him develop something."

"That's right!" Hope flickered in Zhang Wei's eyes. "Even Sister-in-Law's arm grew back. My teeth are nothing compared to that."

Gao Yang smiled wryly. “Who did you get that from?”

Zhang Wei blinked. “Get what?”

"Nothing." Gao Yang patted his shoulder. "Finish your congee."

Crossing the living room, Gao Yang approached a particular bedroom.

The door opened to reveal Fat Jun lying motionless on the bed.

His legs ended at the knees, the stumps wrapped in bloodied bandages. The air hung heavy with blood, medicine, and excrement. An IV pole stood sentinel, multiple solution bags hanging from its arms.

War Tiger had said Fat Jun hadn't eaten since regaining consciousness, surviving only on nutrient fluids. Like someone in a vegetative state, he lay unmoving, soiling himself. Only Lying Wood's patient care preserved what dignity remained.

Gao Yang approached the bed, his heart constricting.

Fat Jun had lost weight—no, he had shrunk. No one would call him fat anymore. The old Fat Jun would have rejoiced at that thought.

But now, his face was pale, his lips cracking and his eyes blank like he saw nothing. He looked dead.

"Fat Jun," Gao Yang called softly.

No reaction. Not even a blink.

Gao Yang sat in silence before speaking again. "I think I can say I understand you, but that won't help. Some pain you can only overcome on your own, second by second."

"You must overcome this, Fat Jun. If for nothing else, then to avenge White Rabbit..."

Gao Yang paused. Fat Jun's lips parted, as if to speak.

Gao Yang leaned closer, catching the whispered words that carried deep resentment and cynicism for everything in existence.

“Shut the fuck up.”