Chapter 2: The Moonlight Fugitive

Book: Moon Demon

Author: Huang Yi

Chapter 2: The Moonlight Fugitive

Next to the front door was a closed circuit television that displayed an automatic camera. A man and a woman were standing outside the garden gate. Behind them were two police vehicles.

Ling Duyu sighed heavily. He had just come back from the police station two hours ago. Police generally made a house call when they were suspicious and wanted to keep an eye on someone.

He furnished his house with multiple antiques for a unique style; large Persian rugs, Taiwanese rosewood, colorful Victorian Furniture, Chinese calligraphy and painting. Underneath this deceptive exterior was a very modern system made up of many electronic devices, because he was top notch at electronics. This computer and weapons expert designed and installed the entire system himself.

Ling Duyu moved his hand to his waist opening a leather bag hanging on his belt. Inside was a delicate remote control the size of a box of matches. He skillfully pushed a sequence of numbers and the loudspeaker close to the gate began to transmit a raspy noise.

Ling Duyu turned toward the intercom saying, "Officers, is there a matter so urgent that it cannot wait until tomorrow morning to be discussed?

The young officer, MaXiu Ming, loudly replied in the direction of the intercom saying, "Mr. Ling, we are sorry to disturb you tonight, but there have been significant developments in this matter that we find very strange. To my side is Director Zhuo Chu Yuan, who is in charge of Interpol's special operations group. She just flew in from Taiwan to lend a hand in the investigation, and was hoping that she could see you immediately."

Ling Duyu stretched his hand out with the remote pressing a button. Outside the iron garden gate opened slowly while Director MaXiu Ming and Interpol's Director Zhou walked towards the house. After they were in the yard the gate slowly closed behind them. Beyond the gate the light shifted the shadows of at least six to seven other police officers located at different points around the house. Ling Duyu muttered to himself, "Are the police afraid I am going to flee?"

Ling Duyu pressed the remote control again and the big wooden door of the house opened. MaXiu entered first taking the lead and walked over to Ling Duyu giving him a customary handshake.

Facing this young officer, Ling Duyu had a favorable impression of him. They exchanged a few pleasantries before MaXiu Ming moved aside to make the introduction, "This is the Director of Interpol's Special Operations Group, Zhuo Chu Yuan."

Ever since he entered the room MaXiu obstructed Ling Duyu's line of sight and he could not see the person following behind. When he stepped aside the female behind was revealed. When Ling Duyu finally saw her he almost whistled involuntarily.

Zhuo Chu Yuan was informally wearing blue colored civilian clothes. The mini-skirt displayed her wonderful waist, hips, and legs in such a perfect way that it would make any man feel that she is at the height of youthful arrogance and vigor.

Like a floating cloud, her hair was tied in a small bun. Her skin was bronze and glossy, with a delicate stiff nose, corners and edges forming a small distinct mouth, all serving to contrast a charming, moving evil little deity. What goddess descended like a meteor to stand here?

Once MaXiu finished introducing her, Zhuo Chu Yuan smiled, revealing a row of neat snow white teeth. Taking the initiative she hurried forward to shake Ling Duyu's hand.

Ling Duyu secretly pondered this beautiful woman with super model looks. Failing to become a celebrity would be almost impossible. Why did she join Interpol, and not only that, how could she climb up to such a high position.

However when he shook Zhuo Chu Yuan's hand he changed his impression immediately. Her delicate hands were slender and powerful. Ling Duyu himself was a highly trained first-class fighter. He knew that this beautiful woman had been strictly trained in martial arts.

Zhuo Chu Yuan said, "Mr. Ling, How are you?!". Her voice was somber and graceful, with a pleasant sex appeal.

Greeting them both Ling Duyu led them to a reception room with a row of sofas to sit down on.

Ling Duyu sat on one side. MaXiu Meng and Zhuo Chu Yuan sat on the other side.

Both people fixed their four eyes on Ling Duyu with an intense gaze. It gave him the feeling that two armies were about to square off in an epic battle.

Ling Duyu spoke first, "Miss Zhuo just arrived and immediately rushed over. Your hard working attitude is much appreciated."

Zhuo Chu Yuan did not appear to appreciate Ling Duyu's speech. She wrinkled her elegant eyebrows and coldly replied, "Mr. Ling, on the airplane I read through your international profile. I know that Mr. Ling possesses the unique skill set to handle matters such as this one, but the death of Professor Xie has wide implications. As a representative of Interpol I would like to ask you, Mr. Ling, for your full cooperation with us." Her concise and orderly speech was very persuasive.

Ling Duyu was impressed by Zhuo Chu Yuan coming so quickly to the point, but he would not be persuaded so easily. Although he was only 33 years old, he had more experiences than the sum of several people would have in their entire lives. There weren't many storms he hadn’t already weathered. With a slight shrug he replied, "Is there still something I haven't cooperated in?

Zhuo Chu Yuan's ice cold expression remained unchanged, "Mr. Ling, if you are so cooperative then please hand over the 'magic stone' immediately."

This time it was Ling Duyu's turn to frown as he mumbled, "Magic Stone? What exactly is that?"

Instead of getting angry Zhuo Chu Yuan smiled and leisurely said, "Ling Duyu, before 20 years of age your background is unclear. At 13 years of age you obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT. The following year you received a Master's degree from Harvard University with a thesis paper titled, 'The Relationship Between Egyptian Pyramids and Astronomy.' At 25 years of age you received a doctorate, the submitted paper was 'Black Holes and the Age of the Universe'. This established a reputation of being one of the finest young minds of our generation. After that you travelled the world working as a self-proclaimed computer programming expert."

While she spoke, MaXiu's eyes continued to open wider as if it is the first time he has heard about Ling Duyu's prestigious accomplishments.

Ling Duyu sat comfortably on the sofa, unruffled, but displayed a disrespectful attitude.

Zhuo Chu Yuan continued, "This is what the average person knows about Ling Duyu, but according to reliable intelligence Mr. Ling is involved in many national movements across the world. It highly likely that he is a top ranking member of the secret global organization known as 'Alliance to Resist Violence'. Although this organization is involved in arms smuggling, hiring mercenaries, assassination, and other illegal activities, its goal is to assist the soldiers of all democracies in avoiding confrontations of power. This is why the intelligence agencies of all the great democracies have only observed and have not interfered with Mr. Ling's activities. This is the current situation."

Zhuo Chu Yuan's expressions could change swiftly and fiercely. She used both persuasion and threats. Ling Duyu was getting in touch with the fiery side of this beautiful woman.

Zhuo Chu Yuan revealed a trace of a smile that was unexpectedly moving. She continued on in a careless tone, "Mr. Ling's skills don't end there. For example in the knowledge of weapons and unarmed combat he could probably be ranked as one of the world's top masters. Mr. Ling is also a master hypnotist. My goodness! I almost forgot that Mr. Ling enjoys picking and defeating locks." The color from his face drained as she spoke, "With a person like this, when he found the old man in the room, after a possible accident, would he be at a loss? Would he just helplessly wait for the police to arrive?"

Zhuo Chu Yuan's refined speech put things in perspective making it difficult to refute anything.

Ling Duyu shot a strong look refusing to yield any ground while Zhuo Chu Yuan stared directly back. MaXiu had become a temporary bystander.

After a long period of time Ling Duyu concisely said, "Earlier today I already told the local police every detail where it should already be on file. Only in court will I make another statement, otherwise you will have to forgive me I will not repeat myself again."

Zho Chu Yuan sighed angrily, she appeared to regret Ling Duyu's uncooperative attitude, "Mr. Ling, perhaps you do not understand the gravity of the situation. Including the professor more than ten people have already traded their lives for the 'magic stone'. Interpol formally accepted the Egyptian president's request last year to investigate. The first group identified seven people to investigate and track down, but they all died before they could be reached and the group was forced to disband. I am in charge of the second group that has taken over. Regarding Mr. Ling's earlier propensity for justice, this is already a precious Egyptian cultural relic. From Mr. Ling's earlier response this item should be returned to the original owner, it would only be the right thing to do."

Zhuo Chu Yuan's military strategy was not lacking either, with good communication and quick, flexible changes.

Ling Duyu wondered how he could find the correct words to persuade her, "Miss Zhuo you are wasting your time, I really do not know anything. This is the first time I have heard about the 'magic stone'."

Zhuo Chu Yuan lowered her beautiful face, "I hope that Mr. Ling will not regret this decision in the future. No one can escape our watchful eye."

In a soft voice Ling Duyu said, "Please feel free to search the house when you have a warrant."

Zhuo Chu Yuan looked at MaXiu expectantly who looked a little embarrassed. He awkwardly said, "The search warrant should arrive at any time."

Ling Duyu was disappointed that as soon as Zhuo Chu Yuan arrived she wanted to search his house. However to execute a quick search, a warrant must be obtained which requires certain legal procedures and time. As a result the rest of the officers cannot legally perform a search of the property. Outside the gate there was definitely a large group respectfully waiting for the warrant to arrive so they could begin an organized search.

Ling Duyu shrugged his shoulders, as he turned over many ideas in his mind that would allow him to reduce the journal in the desk cabinet into a pile of ashes. Among his equipment the remote on his waist was the single most important tool. All he had to do was push a sequence of passwords and the system would trigger a small fire. There would be no guarantee that the source of the fire could be determined afterwards.

The three people temporarily sat in silence.

The sound of cars floated into the house. Ling Duyu estimated it to be at least three approaching vehicles.

Why were there so many people?

MaXiu Meng seemed to have the same sense of doubt as he pulled a radio out of his pocket, "Police Head 0137, Who is approaching? Over."

A voice transmitted in response, "They have ministry credentials, and brought the search warrant. Over."

Scowling MaXiu Meng replied, "Only permit one of them to enter with the search warrant. Over."

He was also extremely cautious, as the other side gave an acknowledgement.

MaXiu Meng turned to Ling Duyu saying, "Mr. Ling, please open the gate."

Ling Duyu did not use the remote control hidden within the leather pouch on his belt. In front of the sofa was a small tea table. On top of the table was a control box with a row of switches. Ling Duyu pressed the right-most switch and the outside gate automatically began to open slowly.

Standing up MaXiu said, "Mr. Ling's accommodations are refreshing..."

He did not finish what he was saying as he left the room, moving towards the front door.

Ling Duyu suddenly felt alarmed. His keen hearing told him that a total of three people were entering into the house. MaXiu clearly ordered only one person to enter a moment ago, what happened?

Startled into awareness he jerked his head up. At the same time he began typing into the remote control on his waist.

At that exact moment a long needle entered MaXiu's left cheek. His body slugglishly dropped to the floor. It was an anaesthetic injection!

Three foreigners entered the room, each of them holding a small shiny black pistol.

Ling Duyu fought many battles and he had a %100 sensitive response. As soon as he pressed the remote control the entire house fell into darkness. He immediatly twisted his body and threw himself behind the sofa.

Several sounds rang out. Ling Duyu knew that the sofa shielding his body had already been hit by no less than four needles. This was an extremely formidable enemy.

The slightest noise couldn't be heard from outside. It appeared that the waiting police officers had already quietly fallen to the enemy. As he switched the lights off in the house, he thought he saw Zhou Chu Yuan spring into action at the same time. He wondered if she had enough time to avoid the needle attack.

Another button was pushed and a rumbling sound began to come from the glass wall. On the outside hatches began to close sealing the house even further, blocking out the glimmering moonlight. Now, even if you held your hand in front of your face you wouldn't be able to see your five fingers.

Complete Silence.

No one dared to make the slightest sound, for fear of becoming the target of many needles.

Outside the front door and the big garden, the giant gate closed

Ling Duyu was fully aware that the situation was most advantageous for him. Nobody was more familiar with the house than him.

The only distressing thing, was that all his weapons were stored in the wall of the study within this dark house.

Ling Duyu gradually began to crawl backward over a rug, which cancelled out any noise he made, allowing him to noiselessly escape. He must take advantage of the unsteady enemy position to escape to the second floor. Judging by the facial expressions and by what the three men were wearing it was higly likely they came from a government commando force. If his estimation was correct, Ling Duyu thought that if he used his boldness and skill to somehow escape and live another day, it would already be something to brag about. Fortunately coming from outside the house they did not know that the total number of people including Zhuo Chu Yuan was only two. In order to deal with the current situation of modernized equipment they would have also needed the strictest military training for raids. Their attack effectively became futile.

Halfway up the stairs to the second floor Ling Duyu stopped all movement.

A light delicate fragrance floated to his nose. It was Zhuo Chu Yuan's perfume. She must be nearby. Ling Duyu was willing to bet she had a pistol in her hand. It would be difficult to distinguish between the enemies and himself. If he allowed himself to get shot now everything would be in vain.

Immediately he had an idea. He pressed the remote control and a tremendously loud noise began to shake the room. Ling Duyu heard someone closeby gasp in alarm. First Ling Duyu used the remote control to angle the speakers and turn the volume all the way up on his stereo. He then pushed the "power on" switch which caused the stereo to start playing at full volume.

It was pitch black inside with a deafening noise

Everything was thrown into chaos

The enemies were stumbling into objects. They were in total disarray.

Ling Duyu shouted to clear the way, "Its me, Ling Duyu!"

He heard Zhuo Chu Yuan three feet to his left let out an "Oh!" of surprised recognition.

As soon as he heard her, Ling Duyu approached rapidly with his hand out searching. He bumped into Zhuo Chu Yuan's shoulder and took the opportunity to follow her arm down and grab on to her smooth white hands

Zhuo Chu Yuan was subconsciously relieved when he grabbed her hand. She didn't know until then, that only Ling Duyu could lead her out of that dark place. This was the first time she had encountered such a sudden change.

Ling Duyu led her to the steps of the staircase. She fell down several times, but with the deafening sound of the music, who would be able to hear such an insignificant bump compared to the singing?

The two of them continued to tiptoe up the stairs towards the second floor. The deafening music didn't seem to diminish at all as they moved up. Ling Duyu feeling troubled in his heart, pulled Zhuo Chu Yuan forward with all his strength. Strangely Zhuo Chu Yuan displayed extraordinary agility and was able to follow him closely. She quickly figured out the curve and angle of the winding staircase.

A brilliant explosion of white light came from the room below, flashing into their eyes. The sudden change from complete darkness to a brilliant light left them temporarily blind.

Flares!

* Note: For those of you who don't know a flare is basically a chemical burning torch. Generally the police use them during night accidents to help direct traffic.

If Ling Duyu had any suspicions before, they were gone now. The enemy were definitely a military commando unit.

Why?

There was no precious antique in existence that should make a group like this strike in such a manner.

Just as their eyes began to adjust to the bright light, they both reached the second floor.

Ling Duyu keyed in on the remote again. A solid iron portal slid shut at their feet closing off the stair entrance to the second floor. This equipment that took a thousand days to plan and install was used all in one day. The iron portal would repel the soldiers pursuing on the staircase below. There was finally calm on the second floor, but probably not for long.

Ling Duyu turned the lights on. The indistinct music playing downstairs suddenly stopped.

Shaking his head he said, "Those military types don't appreciate good music."

Under the light, Zhuo Chu Yuan's face was a little pale. The enemy's unexpected attack caught her completely off guard. When she heard Ling Duyu's joke she gave him a withering stare. That was before she realized she was still grasping his hand.

Forcibly she shook off his hand.

Ling Duyu said cheekily, "Miss! Don't burn your bridges so quickly, everything is just getting started." Planting his feet firmly on the ground he continued, "They can come up from here." He was not being sarcastic, since the house was not made of iron and steel so how could it defend against a well-prepared army?

The conversation had not ended before the noise of an explosion rang out, the entire second floor shook violently. A blast of wind rushed in as both of them lost their footing, they fell to the floor together.

Dust and the pungent odor of explosives filled the entire floor. The sound of windows shattering could be heard from every corner of the house. Ling Duyu's peaceful retreat turned into a battlefield.

His earlier speech turned into a fulfilled prophecy.

This time Zhuo Chu Yuan responded quickest, she shoved Ling Duyu who was lying on top of her firm but delicate chest. The scene looked like a scared cat shooting upwards.

There was a metal impact.

Ling Duyu jumped up, with a faltering voice said, "Grappling Hook!". It was an essential tool that is used in mountain climbing.

He could not take on the enemies now, because they could be anywhere after exploding a big hole. Dragging Zhuo Chu Yuan behind him they dashed wildly towards the roof. Everything they saw was littered with dust, and jumbled in confusion.

Ling Duyu keyed in a password on the remote control, activating the automatic destruction device in his desk.

After 100 seconds everything in the desk would be incinerated in a ball of flame.

There was no other choice.

Finally fresh air, as soon as they breathed it they felt as if their spirits were renewed.

The sky was bright with the moonlight of the crescent moon. It was ten days until the mid autumn festival.

It had been two years since the completion of the house, at that time he had a blue hang glider installed on the roof. As a professional weapons expert this hang glider quickly became part of his plan to escape from the mysterious soldiers. He never had to use it until this day.

Ling Duyu helped Zhuo Chu Yuan into the glider and strapped her securely in.

Zhuo Chu Yuan urgently said, "What are you going to do?" She was filled with concern. The glider was outfitted to carry one person, but both of them needed to escape.

With the moonlight strangely reflected in Ling Duyu's eyes he said, "So, you are actually very concerned for me."

Zhuo Chu Yuan angrily shut her mouth tightly, turning her head to the side. That son of a bitch was about to die, and he still treated her with disrespect.

Attached to the base, on the frame of the hang glider, were three wheels situated on top of three long rods. The rods hung down and extended from the roof at a 30 degree angle making a runway for the glider. It was an ingenious design.

That night the winds were blowing strong.

The distant city and harbor sparkled magnificently under the moonlight. It carried an alien beauty.

Unfortunately this wasn't the time to be admiring the moon.

Tight steel pins tightly held the glider to the steel rods. Previously Ling Duyu often worried that there wouldn't be enough steel rings for the glider to take off, but with the tremendous winds there might be too many steel rings, causing the glider to be ripped away from line before reaching the end.

The glider was straining to be free.

Soon the glider would start to roll down from its high perch and slowly accelerate until it would dive from the roof into the night sky.

A second explosion rang out. The iron door to the roof, which was tightly shut, flew out hitting the railing with a noise so loud that it would be enough to rob anyone of their courage.

Ling Duyu shouted wildly as he pushed with all his strength. The glider suddenly sped up, grinding loudly as it slid to the end of the rods. Right then Ling Duyu showed his uncanny skill, as soon as he reached the edge of the roof he jumped with both feet. He looked like a pouncing leopard. With both hands he reached out and tightly grabbed on to the base of the glider.

Two people glided off into the night sky.

Facing the roof, Ling Duyu saw figures moving.

Another explosion came from the office. The auto destruct device had completed its task. Now there was no trace of Professor Xie's journal.

In the blink of an eye the house changed from the size of a box to a small black dot.

Since the day he was born, he had never lived in a house for more than two years. He lived here for 18 months in relative peace, but in the end he couldn't maintain it.

Using his strong waist Ling Duyu moved his feet up into the hang glider's frame support, reducing the workload on his arms. He was now facing Zhuo Chu Yuan underneath, she was on top. There wasn't much room in the frame, so their bodies fit snugly together. They were so close they could feel each the other's breath on their face.

A blast of wind scattered Zhuo Chu Yuan's hair, sending it into Ling Duyu's face. The contact made his face itch, unfortunately he didn't have a hand free to scratch it.

Zhuo Chu Yuan could not withstand the close intimacy, she shut her beautiful eyes tightly, nature had slowly taken its course.

The glider moved at an incredible speed as it swooped down towards the broad harbor.

Ling Duyu impulsively wanted to offend this arrogant and beautiful woman. He wanted to evoke such a response that she would open her apricot eyes, but he finally gave up this attractive idea muttering, "I guess we were lucky. Those madmen forgot to bring missiles."

Zhuo Chu Yuan seemed to be indifferent, her fate had been delivered into his hands.

The glider, the life saving bird, banked steeply. Ling Duyu was constantly correcting the angle of the wings in order to avoid flying into the surrounding skyscrapers. Most likely they would die on impact.

The glider was specifically designed for one person, overloaded with two people of course it wasn't as easy to control.

His goal was at the foot of mountain on the harbor. He was very grateful that at one time he had been fanatical about this sport.

They flew straight down the coast next to the buildings until the harbor slanted 30 degrees.

The glider welcomed the sea breeze as it filled both wings, a graceful arc was drawn through the empty sky before it slowly slid into the mighty, silver waves.

Zhuo Chu Yuan smelled the sea water, but couldn't bear to open her eyes. A faint smile played across Ling Duyu's face, he looked like he had just eaten a satisfying meal. At that moment Ling Duyu let out a miserable cry. His back made contact with the water, at such speed it was quite painful.

The glider's speed gradually reduced while sliding over the water. After it travelled about 100 yards it slowly came to a halt.

The water was ice cold, it was a mid-autumn night, and just a moment ago they were suffering by being blown about by the cold upper air currents. Neither of them were wearing clothes suitable for the water, they both groaned at the same time.

Ling Duyu got out of the frame and began to loosen the straps holding in Zhuo Chu Yuan. Were his hands so frozen by the cold seawater that he was unusually clumsy, or perhaps Zhuo Chu Yuan's exquisite floating body of health caused an extreme attraction, to always be bumping into places that few should touch.

Zhuo Chu Yuan felt rising panic, as she grabbed on to him trying to get free. Her lung capacity would soon be exhuasted.

Two people broke the surface of the water.

As soon as Ling Duyu looked at how far away the shore was he felt lucky, it was only about 200 yards away. A moment ago he climbed out from under the glider frame, he nearly exhausted the rest of his strength in the process. He felt like he didn't have much left to make the swim.

Zho Chu Yuan kicked off her shoes and jacket while treading water and gasping for air.

Ling Duyu also took off his shoes trying to stay afloat, "Young lady, please forgive little brother for not preparing a bathing suit for you."

Zhuo Chu Yuan stared at him with her beautiful eyes before giving a snort full of contempt "HMPH!" Then she turned around and swam for the shore.

Ling Duyu shook his head, the ice cold water caused him to smile bitterly, if he could be at home now reading a book that would really be nice. As he fantasized uselessly he forced himself to move through the water, he overexerted himself enormously already. If not for his life long strict training and discipline it would have given out on him long ago.

Under the moonlit night the sea water appeared to be a 10 million color glittering snake that was pulsating. Using the freestyle Zhuo Chu Yuan rapidly swam towards the shore, the graceful movement was pleasing to the eye.

Ling Duyu secretly admired the beautiful mermaid. A moment ago while they were both riding the glider he let an opportunity to kiss that vain woman go.

Ling Duyu sighed again, then forced himself to pursue the beautiful mermaid who was far away towards the shore.

Both of them successfully reached land, it was the dead of night and completely quiet. They were in a parking lot, but nobody was around.

Looking at Zhuo Chu Yuan, Ling Duyu praised her, "I originally didn't notice Miss Zhuo's beautiful figure!"

He then shrugged and said, "Good Night!" as he turned into the night and walked down a dark street.

Zhuo Chu Yuan hesitated for a moment, clenched her teeth, then hurriedly followed after him.