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Chapter Text

“Gege, run!”

It echoed in Xie Lian’s ears as panic flooded his entire being. He took a step forward as Hua Cheng backed away from him as if he was afraid of him, “I’m sorry,” he whimpered.

“What happened…?” Hua Cheng wasn't just afraid he was terrified. 

As he took another slow step forward, making his actions clear so as not to startle Hua Cheng, he was immediately paralyzed with fear as he doubled over clutching at his face crying out in agony. His cry made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. 

“San Lang!” He cried out as the cage of fear was broken by the need to be by his beloved’s side, rushing over to him. He put his hands over his wrists in an attempt to steady him, “what is it!” 

Before he was ready for it, he was roughly pushed away, “ please get out of here, leave !”

Xie Lian’s heart stopped, he knew the feeling all too well yet it was more painful than any stabbing, drowning, or bleeding out he had ever experienced. As the words leave hung over his head and before he could act on them, Hua Cheng had pushed past him still clutching his head and was staggering away towards the private garden. He swallowed the hurt and began to follow him, he would leave but not before making sure Hua Cheng was safe. But after only taking two steps toward his retreating figure he was stopped dead in his tracks by a broken scream from down the hall.

“Ban Yue!” Xie Lian looked towards the door and back towards Hua Cheng. It wasn't just Hua Cheng… but why hadn't he felt anything yet. He balled his fists up in frustration and turned to go check on Ban Yue, once he was sure she was safe he would then come back and stay with Hua Cheng until whatever was happening was resolved. He felt the vice on his heart retreat slightly as he heard running footsteps draw closer, bringing with them a small amount of relief.

“Your Highness!” It was Yin Yu.

“Oh Yin Yu, I’m so glad it's you!” He quickly reached down to tie his robe up as he spoke, “what’s going on!?”

“Mount Tonglu has opened, when it does, ghosts… suffer… and for a time they lose all inhibitions, whatever their greatest desires are, well, nothing logical will stop them from getting what they want.” He could hear the strain in Yin Yu’s voice, Xie Lian was sure there was chaos everywhere within Paradise Manor and Ghost City yet he was here checking on him first. 

Clarity dawned on Xie Lian as Yin Yu’s words sank in and with it an understanding of why Hua Cheng pushed him away. Xie Lian started to make his way to the door and began to respond to Yin Yu, “ah, that explains some things… Hua Che- oof!” He was knocked forward by a sudden force from behind him and followed closely by a strong unyielding grip encircling itself around his waist. Hua Cheng had fallen to his knees and buried his head in Xie Lian’s back, his hands fisting into the front of his robes.

“Your Highness?!” Yin Yu’s voice raised in concern and Xie Lian heard the door shake as if Yin Yu attempted coming in before the lock caught him.

“No,” Hua Cheng wept, “no please, don't go away again!” His hands gripped Xie Lian’s robes tighter as if trying to lock him in place, “don't go away again!” He was trembling all over and the only thing Xie Lian wanted to do was hold and comfort him.

“Your Highness the door is locked,” panic was now rising in Yin Yu’s voice, “please open the door!”

“I didn't mean it, gege, I didn't mean it,” Xie Lian turned around, which was quite a feat with the vice grip around his waist, so he could stroke his hair and offer even just a little comfort, “I can be good, I’ll be good,” he cried as he shook his head side to side, nuzzling into Xie Lian’s stomach.

“Ok, ok, ok,” Xie Lian said while he continued to stroke the top of his head.

“Stay with me,” he whimpered, holding him even tighter and if Xie Lian was anyone else the embrace may have caused considerable pain. 

When Xe Lian didn't answer right away he heard Yin Yu yell out, “Your Highness! Are you ok? I can break the door down if you need help,” a heavy thud landed on the door which Xie Lian assumed was Yin Yu fists landing hard against the door in frustration. 

“Go away!!” Hua Cheng roared, his demeanor changing abruptly from trembling to rage, his eye glowing red. 

“Shh, San Lang, I’m not going anywhere,” he said as he bent over to gently hold him around the shoulders and stroke the back of his neck. This appeared to be the right thing to do as Hua Cheng instantly turned his head back into his stomach and sighed deeply.

“I’m ok,” he called out, “but could you-” he yelped embarrassingly loud as Hua Cheng’s hands had unexpectedly drifted much lower than he was prepared for. “Ahaha, San Lang-” his voice trembled as he tried stopping his hands by the wrist. 

At his yelp, Yin Yu’s voice became apprehensive, “Your Highness?” 

“Everything is ok!” Xie Lian squeaked out, “can you take care of Ban Yue for me? She -ah!- won't know what's going on either.” Hua Cheng had wrenched his hands free of Xie Lian’s grip and had begun to map out hips, his back, his- “ah!” He was being far bolder than he had ever been and Xie Lian shamefully found himself and his body reacting to the rougher handling. 

“Of course, Your Highness,” he said with worry clear in every word. 

Once he knew Ban Yue would be safe and looked after, Xie Lian couldn't spare him anymore of his attention as Hua Cheng actively put everything he had into claiming it for himself. Before he could get his bearings he was being pushed back while Hua Cheng pawed at him as he got back up to his feet and quickly untied his outer robe with renewed vigor.

“San Lang!” Xie Lian yelped and before he could try to close his robe, Hua Cheng trailed his lips and tongue across his chest and to his neck where he bit down. “Ahhh!” Xie Lian said in shock but also pleasure, it was much harder than the gentle nips Hua Cheng had done in the garden and it carried an electric shock straight to his groin. Without thinking his hands drifted to the back of his head and fisted around his hair. “Gods,” Xie Lian gasped as Hua Cheng continued to bite his neck and his jaw before claiming his lips. 

This kiss was bruising and Xie Lian’s arms dropped to his side in defeat causing his only robe to gently slide off his body and pool around their feet as he let himself fall into the kiss. His hands reached up to Hua Cheng’s back to complete their embrace all the while Hua Cheng’s tongue found entrance and his hand went to the back of his neck to hold him firmly in place. He could do this, this wasn't going any further than they hadn't already gone but as soon as that thought crossed his mind his body was lit from within with power at all ends. A gasp was ripped from his lungs and Hua Cheng captured it, stifling the noise. He was pouring energy into him, it was both too much and too fast. His head spun and he needed to pinch his eyes shut from the sudden heat of it. His body hadn’t held onto so much spiritual power in centuries and after that much time of disuse it ached all over.

He put his hands on Hua Cheng’s chest and tried pushing but as his hands found purchase on his chest he felt them fist in his tunic instead. He wanted , he didn't want to push him away even if the spiritual power was overwhelming, it also felt good. That feeling didn't last long as Hua Cheng’s claws ran down his bare back, to his hips and began to loop underneath the waistband of his legwear. 

“Wait-” Xie Lian said against his lips as he remembered the exact circumstances they were in and realized that Hua Cheng with his mind clear had wanted Xie Lian far away from him for this reason alone. With that knowledge, he found the strength to unfist his hands from his tunic and push him hard away, breaking the flow of power in the process. He jumped back just in time to dodge Hua Cheng’s arms that seeked to envelop him once more.

As he backed away he bumped into something behind him and was stopped. He looked back and groaned, “oh no…” he now was caught in between Hua Cheng looking more desperate than he had ever seen him before and their very large, very comfortable, very inviting bed. He held his hands up and took an exaggerated breath for Hua Cheng’s sake, “San Lang, just breath, I need you to relax.”

His words had no effect on him, he only seemed half aware of his surroundings as he took one long step over to him, reaching his arm out to snake around his waist and crush him against his body. Xie Lian could feel every part of Hua Cheng shaking, from his legs that were getting tangled up into his own, his hands that were clawing at his naked back and his breath that fanned across his face. 

Before he could say another word he was lifted off the ground as they tumbled into the bed, Hua Cheng putting all his weight on him, effectively pinning him. His head swam as he felt Hua Cheng’s length push firmly against his hip causing him to moan obscenely loud. “Fuck,” he whimpered, he wanted him so bad and he knew Hua Cheng did too. But this wasn't how he wanted it. 

He brought his hand up to the back of Hua Cheng’s head and tightly fisted it in his silky hair, but this time he tugged at it sharply to try to shake some sense into him but all that did was make Hua Cheng groan before his lips were back on his. He had liked it! As their lips parted to breathe each other in, he began to pour the power into him once more while grinding himself down. Xie Lian felt his eyes roll back in pleasure at the friction on his own erection and found himself canting up to meet him but he once again snapped out of it when Hua Cheng dug his fingers under the hem of his legwear and tugged down hard, nearly exposing all of Xie Lian. 

With all the power Hua Cheng had given him, Xie Lian grabbed his wrists and flipped them around so he was straddling him and pinning his hands above his head. He gasped for breath as he let the cool air clear his head while Hua Cheng thrashed his head into the pillow in obvious discomfort. 

“San Lang-” he tried getting out while also attempting to keep his voice soothing rather than heady, “I need you to listen to me.” He had an idea on how to effectively slap sense into Hua Cheng but that would be his last resort, it would hurt him just as much as it would hurt Hua Cheng if it came to that.

“Please,” Hua Cheng begged through gritted teeth, “it’s all yours, take it all!”

His words made Xie Lian pause, it didn't seem like he meant sex but something else, something greater. “I don't understand,” he said regrettably. 

“Please-” his pinned hands nearly ripped from his grasp in an attempt to break free and pull Xie Lian back down.

Whatever Hua Cheng was referring to, it didn't matter, “not like this,” it pained him to say it, “please just try to- AH!” He nearly jumped out of his skin as Hua Cheng rolled his hips into him pressing his length directly into a spot Xie Lian had never been touched before. He was ever so grateful they were clothed from the waist down but he still simply wasn't ready for such a foreign yet surprisingly pleasurable sensation. 

“Ahaaa,” he groaned in pleasure but also frustration as Hua Cheng did it again. That frustration lit a fire in him, he had to deny them both what they had wanted and he needed to be cruel to respect their relationship and Hua Cheng’s desires.

“Wuming!” He shouted, his voice harsh and reminiscent of the person he had become long ago resonating deeply throughout their bedchamber. It worked both to his relief and horror. Hua Cheng stilled as his eye widened in shock before his face crumpled in anguish. His frame began to shake, blurring his image as if Xie Lian was losing part of his vision and when it cleared Xie Lian was left staring at beloved’s smiling mask.

“No!” Xie Lian cried out, “gods, please, no! Thats not-” he sobbed as he felt Wuming tremble underneath him, “this isn't what I meant!”

Wuming replied only with a whimper, nearly killing Xie Lian in the process.

“I just want to help you,” he choked out, “please, let me help you. I want to take the pain away but I just dont- we dont want to go further than this right?...” He was at a loss for words as Wuming turned his head away from him in an attempt to bury his face into the pillow.

Xie Lian bent his head low and said softly, “we want this one thing to be ours, remember?”

Wuming turned his head to look back at him, a small win, “let me help you,” he said gently as he removed one hand from Wuming’s wrists and caressed his jaw before putting his finger under the chin of his mask. 

Wuming gasped as he began to lift it from his face. Xie Lian stopped and bit his lip before asking calmly, “can I? I want to help.” At his words he saw tears begin to leak out from under his mask, “please, my beloved,” Xie Lian whispered. He didn't deserve this man beneath him, he thought to himself. Wuming nodded his head slowly and Xie Lian was able to pull the mask completely off. 

He was a few years younger than his true form, his Hua Cheng. He was most likely nineteen or twenty but still so very much his San Lang; still breathtakingly handsome, his long dark hair held back in a severe tail while his shorter hair in the front fanned around him. His most striking and beautiful feature, though, was the crimson red eye that stared back at him in abject panic. It practically glowed and Xie Lian got lost in it, transfixed, as if it was a window he could see straight into and view the fragility Hua Cheng so fiercely hid from the world. 

“You’re so beautiful my beloved,” he said, sounding more like a prayer than anything else. He leaned down and as their lips just brushed, Wuming pressed forward to press their lips together. He was gentle, soft, and loving. Everything Wuming ever was to him and nothing like Xie Lian ever was to Wuming. Xie Lian leaned forward more and this time he was the one to ask for entrance. As Wuming allowed it, he felt the power once more flooding back into him, and this time it was less like a boulder breaking deluge and more like stepping into a warm bath. Once Xie Lian was certain Wuming was a little more in control, he pulled his last hand off his wrists and caressed his neck before bringing it around his waist to hold him close. Wuming in turn brought both hands to Xie Lian’s bare chest before running his hands down to his waist and squeezing his hips with his large hands causing Xie Lian to whimper in his mouth.

Wuming took this as a sign to continue and gently rolled them over so he was once again pressed down firmly against all of Xie Lian’s body. Pressed into the bed, he groaned in relief and pleasure knowing that he didn't have to fight him anymore. Wuming did on occasion grind into him, causing Xie Lian to moan embarrassingly loud but thankfully he had stopped trying to undress him fully. The energy Wuming delivered began to hurt as he felt his shackles begin to burn painfully but before he could consider pushing Wuming off, he had slowed and eventually ended the stream of energy. As his lips left Xie Lian’s, he caressed his lips across his jawline, his neck, collarbone, his chest-

“San Lang-” Xie Lian’s voice hitched quietly as Wuming began to go far lower.

Wuming hummed against his skin in response before making his way back up until his head was nestled in the crook of his neck where he gently fell asleep after a few deep breaths. Xie Lian was left a complete wreck but in solace that his Wuming, his Hua Cheng, his beloved was safe and no longer in pain. 

The entire time Wuming slept, Xie Lian took stock in what had happened and fought the burning tears that threatened to spill over. This was not the time to wallow but to act, he needed to get control of himself. And if not for himself, then for Wuming. He looked down at his beloved who looked blissfully at peace with a small smile on his face. His entire body was still on top of him, pinning him in place but it wasn't unpleasant in the least. He was amazed at all the details that had gone unrecognized by Xie Lian back then, the clothes that Wuming wore were all black as if he was forcing the point he existed for destruction, overcompensation for the pure nature of his heart Xie Lian knew he had. The only red he donned was from his stunning eye. 

In a farcical parody, as they laid in a loving embrace, Ghost City was filled with screaming and destruction that carried in the late afternoon wind. He worried it would wake Wuming but he never once stirred. He wanted- no needed time to stand still just for a moment, just for them, so he could take in what could be his last moment of peace. He knew as soon as Wuming woke up everything would change. He knew Wuming would try to protect him, would do anything including sacrificing himself to save him and this time around Xie Lian was determined to not let that happen.

As the sun began to set and light faded away, with it too did the chaos that had filled the air. By the sounds alone he was sure Ghost City was going to need a tremendous amount of work to rebuild. But, rebuilding was the easy part. Rebuilding was something he would even look forward to if he was lucky enough to be around for it because before the rebuilding could begin, confronting White No Face came first. His heart began to pound hard against his ribs as his words echoed through his mind from the night prior but he had guaranteed Xie Lian that Hua Cheng wouldn’t be hurt… as long as he didn’t get in the way. Xie Lian had an idea to keep his beloved safe but he would only use it as a last resort. 

Everything was happening so fast, he had hoped they would have days to savor their allotted time together and hold it to their hearts like the delicate treasure it was. Xie Lian looked down at his Wuming and gently stroked his hair. His chest was bare and instead of being cold, left to the crisp evening air, it was warm and lit pleasantly on fire as Wuming’s hand would gently caress his chest and stomach every now and then in his sleep.

When the sky was fully dark and the stars shining brightly, Wuming began to stir. It was at first pleasant as he nuzzled his face into his neck and hummed in contentment. Xie Lian could feel the vibration of his deep humm against his skin and any other time, that exact moment would be perfect. However, every banquet must come to an end .

Wuming began to stretch his one arm that laid on top of him out before he suddenly stilled, as if he had gotten stuck mid stretch. Xie Lian tried to keep the panic from his face as Wuming slowly looked up at him in horror. He watched as he saw Wuming’s eyes take stock of the bite marks on his jaw, then his neck, his eyes going wider by the moment until his face twisted in dismay as he took in all the marks that littered his chest.

“Gege…?” his voice sounded so frail, as if he was standing on the precipice of disaster.

“It’s ok,” he said soothingly, afraid to move a muscle and frighten Wuming away, “we didn't do anything… we didn't go any further than we already have,” he felt his face start to go red when he thought of what they did do, “just a lot more of it.”

Wuming’s face was pained and all Xie Lian wanted to do was soothe his distress, “did I- did I hurt you?”

“No!” Xie Lian said quickly, “no not at all, you just…” he swallowed, trying to find the right words, “you very much wanted more.”

Wuming paled even further, making his crimson eye become even more striking.

“But I was able to snap you out of it for the most part,” he bit his lip, unsure if Wuming was aware of who he had turned into. 

Wuming glanced around the room, his gaze went from the robe fallen to the floor, the bed sheets and pillows scattered haphazardly around them before his eyes settled on the mask that was cast aside. 

“...oh…”

It was as if he was trying to process what he was looking at and as soon as it did he inhaled sharply before launching himself off Xie Lian, bringing his hands to his face. Upon realizing Xie Lian had obviously already seen his eye he dropped his hands back to his lap. 

“I’m so sorry, San Lang,” Xie Lian said, voice trembling, he had caused his beloved pain once again, “it’s my fault, I’m so sorry.”

“How- how could any of this be your fault,” he rasped out through gritted teeth.

Xie Lian sat up as well and tried reaching out to hold his hand but Wuming flinched away from him. He swallowed his hurt and replied, “it’s because of how I got you to stop… to not…” he sighed in frustration, “to make sure we didn't cross a line.”

Wuming looked up at him slowly and stopped before making eye contact, simply staring at his chest as Xie Lian continued, “I called out to you… like I did back then.” This shocked Wuming to snap his eyes up to fully look him in the eyes, “I’m sorry,” Xie Lian choked out, “gods am I sorry! It was the only thing I could think of on the spot, I had no idea this,” he gestured at the mask, “would happen, I just wanted to shock you out of what you were trying to do.” He was tripping all over his words as he rushed to explain himself. He had betrayed his beloved’s trust and he felt his hands begin to shake as he dreaded Wuming’s reaction.

“It’s ok gege,” Wuming said softly, very gently resting his hand over Xie Lian’s, “I’m grateful you stopped me when you did. I don't think I would ever be able to live with myself if that was the way we finally gave ourselves to each other.”

Xie Lian stared into his eyes, his words rang full of sincerity in his head and before he could stop himself he blurted out, “your eye is beautiful.” The moment the words escaped his near non-existent filter he internally cringed at the bluntness of it.

Wuming turned away and slipped his hand away, “gege, I know it’s ugly.”

“No, San Lang… no,” Xie Lian said while he adjusted to sit closer to him, “everything about you is beautiful.” He brought his fingers slowly up to his face so he didn't startle him and ran his fingers ever so lightly over the few scars that surrounded his eye. “What happened to cause these scars?”

Wuming trembled at his touch but didn’t shrink away, “gege doesn't want to hear such stories, they are… unpleasant.”

“I want to know everything about you,” he whispered, bringing his hand down to retake his hand. 

Wuming sighed, “the largest scar is from my father, from the last time he kicked me out. He was drunk and said I could stay if I let him carve out my cursed eye but… I couldn't take the pain, couldn't let him finish…” The scar in question looked horrifically painful, it started from underneath the eyebrow and curved around the eye socket before it looked like it had been ripped away slashing across his cheekbone. “I realized that day, I would rather live on the streets or die than be subject to another person’s cruelty.” Wuming turned his head away and clenched his fists. 

“San Lang, you don't have to-”

He took a deep breath and recollected himself before looking forward once more, his red eye the only one visible to Xie Lian, “the rest of the smaller scars are from other kids who found me while living on the streets.”

Xie Lian wrapped his arms around his shoulder and chest, holding him tight, “I wish I could have been there to comfort and protect you.” Wuming froze at his words, “San Lang, are you ok?” Was there going to be another round of ghost madness? 

Wuming turned to look him in the eyes, his features twisted in resignation as if he was about to say his final words before execution, “Gege, you we-”

“Chengzhu!” a very tired and harried sounding Yin Yu called out from down the hall followed closely by a “Lian-ge!”

They both ripped their eyes from each other to look at the door as the sound of two pairs of feet ran towards their door. 

“My Lord-”

“What is it?” Wuming called out, his hoarse voice cracking from the strain of raising it. 

Yin Yu cleared his throat before responding, “are you and His Highness alright?”

Xie Lian’s heart broke as Wuming’s face crumpled at the question and his shoulders began to drop. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He clacked his jaw shut and gritted his teeth before gently removing Xie Lian’s arms from around him, putting distance between them.

“We’re fine! We’ll meet you in the main hall in a little while,”Xie Lian said in a hurry, at this point he just wanted them gone before they actually aided Wuming in rebuilding the walls Xie Lian had finally started to chip away at.

“Lian-ge,” Ban Yue’s voice shook as she called out to him quietly, “are you really ok?”

Wuming now completely curled in on himself and clutched at his face. 

Xie Lian bit his tongue and smothered his annoyance before he spoke, of course he was ok! “Yes, Ban Yue, I’m ok.”

“Ok, we’ll meet you in the main hall then” Ban Yue said, worry still lingering in every word.

Xie Lian breathed a small sigh of relief as he heard both sets of footsteps slowly recede down the hall and turned to give his beloved his full attention, “San Lang, you-”

“We should get cleaned up and meet them out there,” Wuming said, his voice sending a shrill wave of fear to cascade across his nerves. His voice had always felt full of life, full of emotion, but now it sounded hollow… sounded dead.

He reached out to capture his arm but before he could Wuming was already standing and walking away, “San Lang, wait-” but he continued to the washroom without a moment of hesitation or looking back. 

Panic began to clutch at his chest as he was left alone on their bed, in their bedchambers. He clasped his hand over his mouth just in time to catch the sob that had attempted to break free. What had he done!? He dragged his hands across his face as if to wipe away the nightmare he was seeing, but each time he opened his eyes he was staring down at the discarded robe on the floor, glaring proof it was real. 

He shakily stood up and walked over to the robe and took a deep breath as he looked down at it, as if it was mocking him. How could he have possibly thought he deserved someone like Hua Cheng -Wuming- someone who was selfless with everything he did. Help Wuming, fix this damage you caused, his mind screamed at him, berating himself for the indulgence of self pity. As he picked up the robe and slipped his arms back in it he heard a loud crash from the washroom. 

“San Lang!” He cried out as he ran in before he was stopped in his tracks by the sight. Wuming was crouched down, leaning his head against the counter and his hands gripping it as if his very existence could be pulled away with a breath of wind. He rushed over to his side and put his hand on his back to find him trembling even harder than before and tears running freely down his face. “What happened?” he pulled the words out painfully as the thought of something even more terrible descending upon his Wuming made it hard to breathe. 

“I can't change back,” he choked, “I don't have enough power to change back, it's not stable enough.” He stumbled backward as his grip failed to hold on to the counter. Xie Lian immediately caught him and this time it was his turn to gently take his weight, guiding him carefully to the bamboo bench. He knelt between his legs and rubbed small circles on his thighs while staring up at his beloved who was actively avoiding eye contact.

“Thats… it’s ok, you just need time-”

“Time!?” Wuming cut him off, voice cracking almost painfully, “we don't have time! He’s coming and I cant-'' he covered his face with his hands again, blocking Xie Lian’s view. “I need to protect you.”

Xie Lian didn't know what to say, he didn't want Wuming to protect him. He just wanted him to be his beloved, to hold him every night, to read with him, to write, spar and laugh. The past few days he had spent here in Paradise Manor would forever be the best days of his life. But telling Wuming that he didn't want his protection seemed more like a slap in the face after everything he had done for him. 

He chose to avoid the topic altogether and move towards their next steps, “do you know where White No Face wants us to find him?”

Wuming simply nodded as he dropped his hands into his lap and Xie Lian quickly reached out to hold them as delicately as if they were a bird with broken wings.

“Mount Tonglu?” 

“Yes,” he croaked, “it's where ghosts go to become as strong as someone like me… a calamity.” 

Xie Lian felt his face pale, “why there?”

“It can't be for anything good,” Wuming turned his hands around in Xie Lian’s and for the first time since this nightmare started, held him back. 

Xie Lian lowered his head and kissed the back of Wuming’s hands tenderly eliciting a small gasp in return, “then,” he said quietly as he breathed out, “let's start small, one step at a time and we can start with getting cleaned and dressed.” He looked up to see a complex web of emotions swimming in Wuming’s eyes but he nodded ever so slightly at Xie Lian’s words. He took that as an ok to stand and help Wuming up. “Can I- will you let me help you?” 

“Gege, you don't need-”

“I know I don't need to,” he said while still holding his hands, “I want to.” 

Wuming swallowed thickly, “ok,” his voice wavering. 

Xie Lian took his time untying and unclasping every part of his black leather armor and robes. There was nothing sexual in the act as fully disrobed him from the waist up, his hands gently massaging the muscles he saw where clenched tight until they eased into a relaxed state. It was a small gesture in comparison to the many wonderful things Wuming had ever done for him, he wanted to make sure he knew he was loved and cherished. His hands started to drift down to remove his legwear until his wrists were caught, “gege umm-” his voice breathless, “thank you but perhaps it would be better if I took over from here.” 

Xie Lian nodded before wrapping his arms around his waist and laid his head against his cool chest, one last embrace before he gave Wuming his privacy. He pretended he hadn't seen nor felt his arousal pressed against him, just took that moment to breathe. He pulled away and gave him a small smile before leaving the washroom, he wanted to ensure he left him on a positive note in hopes Wuming wouldn't spiral once again when left alone with his thoughts. 

They finished getting cleaned up without any issue, Wuming walked out looking handsome as ever in fresh black robes and black light armor but he had replaced his vambraces with his silver ones, wicked spike chains wrapped around his hips and his hair pulled high in a silver spiked brace. He looked beautiful. He looked deadly.

But when Xie Lian saw him reach for his mask he stopped him short, “please don't.” 

Wuming looked down at the hand that was wrapped around his forearm, holding him back, before looking over at him, “I don't want you to have to look at this.”

“San Lang,” gods how many times was his heart going to break, “If you only knew how beautiful I found you, how many lonely cold nights I longed to know what you looked like. To kiss you.” Wuming dropped his arm to his side, “please, as long as you are comfortable with it, I want to see your face.”

“Alright,” Wuming turned away and sighed in defeat, “let me find you some warmer clothes while you get cleaned up.”

“Thank you San Lang,” he whispered, afraid to raise his voice and break the spell of calm surrounding them.

He took his time getting cleaned to try and calm his unsteady heart, after which he emerged from the washroom clearer headed. With Ruoye settled comfortably around his arm he looked for Wuming, “San La-”

His words died in his throat as Wuming wrapped his arms around him gently, “I’m sorry,” he said barely a whisper with his face pressed into the crown of his head, “I didn't mean to hurt you.”

“You didn't, you never could,” he held him back after the initial shock of the embrace wore off, “I just don't know what I would do if you turned away from me… if I hurt you I-.”

Wuming pulled away to look at him, his eyes wide before embracing him tighter, “I could never turn away from you- I’m sorry gege,” he took a shuddering breath before admitting, “I’m scared.”

Xie Lian’s breath caught in his throat, “I’m scared too.” They lingered in each other’s tight embrace as the reality of what was to come truly began to sink in. Their embrace was only broken when Xie Lian shivered from the cold. He was, after all, only in his legwear and Wuming’s cold silver vambraces pressed into his skin wasn't helping the chill creeping into his body and heart. The cold permeated everything warm within him. 

Wuming raised his head and kissed his forehead before letting go and retrieving a soft inner robe followed by the warm outer robe he prepared for him and oh were they soft, softer than anything he had worn before. That was in part because they were lined with some type of fur and they kissed his skin so gently he felt he might actually melt into them.

“These are incredible,” he breathed as Wuming finished tying them. 

“I’m glad you like them,” he said while rewarding him with a small smile as he looked back up at him, “would gege like armor?”

Xie Lian considered it for a moment but shook his head, “my fighting style would be restricted if I wore armor now.”

Wuming thought on this before pushing, “how about a sword?”

Xie Lian felt his face pale, “I gave that up a long time ago I- I only want to spar with swords for fun.”

“Gege,” Wuming’s face grew hard, “we are going up against a calamity, this is not the time to limit your defense.” 

He bit his lip, he knew he was right, “I suppose,” his hands fidgeted with the hem of his robe as Wuming stood up, his eyes lost focus for a moment before looking back at him.

“Yin Yu will have the sword waiting for us in the hall.” Xie Lian was starting to think even if he had said no, Wuming would have brought the sword with him no matter what. Before he could reply back however, Wuming wrapped his arm around his shoulders and said softly, “let's take that next step, my beloved.”

Xie Lian relaxed as he led them out of their room and down to the hall. When they got to the hall Xie Lian was surprised to see the state Yin Yu and Ban Yue were in. Yin Yu’s eye was swollen shut with a bruise, his clothes in some places had singe marks and tears while Ban Yue looked like she had been crying all night, her knuckles cracked and bloody.

He rushed over to them, “what happened!” 

Ban Yue shrank and looked at the ground while Yin Yu shifted uncomfortably. “It’s nothing, Your Highness,” Yin Yu said calmly, “Ban Yue… she wanted to get back to you last night.” Ban Yue took a step back away from everyone as he spoke, “she was afraid you were in danger.”

“Oh Ban Yue,” Xie Lian said as he tried to reach out to her but she flinched away.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Wuming said softly but with a matter of fact clip in his words, “with the power you have, the fact you didn't do more damage to Yin Yu as he tried to stop you is something to be proud of. You obviously were able to restrain yourself better than others.”

Xie Lian cringed at his words, knowing that the slander was directed at Wuming himself. He bit his tongue though, he understood that nothing he could say or do would change his mind and would only drag their grievances out in the open. 

“Thank you, Yin Yu,” Xie Lian looked to him, “for keeping Ban Yue safe for me.” He smiled warmly at him and that eased some of the tension from Yin Yu’s frame. Yin Yu then reached to his back, and pulled out the sword that was strapped to his back, presenting it to Xie Lian. It was the sword he had used to spar with Hua Cheng but now the sun lit blade was sheathed in a crimson scabbard with delicate pink flowers falling down the length of it.

“Ah!” Xie Lian exclaimed and clapped his hands in front of him, no matter rain or shine, a beautiful blade would always draw his focus, “thank you!” He gently picked it up from Yin Yu’s hands and strapped it to his back as well.

“His Highness and myself need to leave for a while,” Wuming said with an air of command in his voice, “once we rendezvous with one other, I will be leaving Ghost City under your command Yin Yu.” He turned his gaze to Ban Yue, “and your protection, Ban Yue.”

They both straightened at his words. Ban Yue looked over at Xie Lian for the first time, “where will you be going?”

“Ummmm,” Xie Lian knew the general area but not much else.

“We’ll be going to Mount Tonglu,” Wuming said, “Yin Yu has my personal array password, he can share it with you and if something happens you can reach out to me.” 

Yin Yu ever so quietly groaned, as to why Xie Lian was not sure, what was so bad about telling someone Hua Cheng’s password? Ban Yue could tell there was no more room for questions or prying and simply said, “please be safe Lian-ge.”

“I will,” he said with a smile, he hesitated on reaching out to hold her but as the thought crept in that it might be the last time he would see her he couldn't stop himself. She froze at the embrace before hugging him back, “thank you for everything Ban Yue, take care of yourself.” 

“Lian-ge?...”

“Your Highness,” Wuming’s voice serious, “we will be back, Yin Yu is only in charge temporarily.”

Xie Lian nodded his head as he stood up, “sorry,” he murmured. Wuming reached out to place his hand on his back.

“Thank you for your dedication, my Waning and Waxing Moon Officers,” he said proudly, “I know I am leaving Ghost City in safe hands.”

“We look forward to your return,” Yin Yu said before they both bowed to them and then left them standing in the hall. Wuming’s hand on his back moved to hold him close for a brief moment before releasing slightly and his gaze becoming unfocused. Xie Lian knew he was communicating with someone but to whom he wasn't certain. 

After he saw the tension relax slightly from his shoulder he broke the silence, “San Lang…” Wuming looked down at him, pensive, “who are we meeting with now?”

Wuming sighed, “gege,” he released his grip from around him and Xie Lian immediately lamented its loss, “the person I spoke with yesterday is on his way. He’s… another calamity.” He watched Xie Lian’s expression for some kind of reaction but when given none he continued, “his name is Black Water Sinking Ships. If you feel comfortable, we can meet him together.”

He immediately understood the tension. Inviting another calamity to come into his territory must be stressful enough as it is, let alone when another calamity had trespassed and the territory had been laid vulnerable from Mount Tonglu’s vicious opening effects.

“As long as you are by my side, I’m not afraid of him,” he reached out and grabbed the hand that had slipped away from his back and Wuming’s eyes softened. “I know it’s safe it you trust him.”

“Trust is too strong of a word,” he laughed coldly, “but, we have an understanding with each other. We both have too much to lose to betray each other now.”

“I understand,” at least he thought he did, “I look forward to meeting the person that helped our escape from the heavenly realm,” he tried giving him a reassuring smile but he didn't feel his lips move like they should.

Wuming let go of his hands and wrapped it around his back once more, “let’s get this over with,” and kissed the top of his head before leading him to the back. He pulled out a pair of dice and once again they were using a shortcut to the large public garden they had visited once before. It seemed untouched by the chaos that the rest of the city suffered from and was dimly lit by floating gold lanterns illuminating the path. They stopped at the pond by the bridge that was filled with lotus flowers and lily pads and Wuming took his hand while they waited, rubbing small circles with his thumb reassuringly. Any other time it would be one of the most heartbreakingly romantic settings Xie Lian had ever seen but too soon reality washed over them. 

He gasped when he saw something large and black begin to emerge from the pond. Amid what looked like black seaweed, he saw a ghostly pale face break the surface. The tendrils of what Xie Lian came to realize was his hair obscured most of his features but what was there he could tell he was as handsome as his features were sharp. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he noticed his black eyes, similar to a shark, were solely focused on him. Though he restrained himself from emoting any reaction he did squeeze Wuming’s hand tighter. 

Once he fully emerged and took a step forward Xie Lian felt his aura come crashing down on him like a wave. It made his memory fall back on the fateful day he was thrown in the river before drowning in the torrent of the storm. He kept himself upright and the mask of ease perfectly trained on but his heart was racing for its life and he felt his lungs scream for air even though he was already breathing. 

“Black Water!” Wuming barked, his fangs bared and the rest of his calamity features starting to appear, “control yourself in my territory, know your place!” He growled threateningly.

“Know my place?” His eyes shifted over to Wuming, he bared his needlepoint teeth right back at him, “I thought you wanted me to introduce myself to your beloved. ”

Wuming snarled as his eyes began to glow red and Xie Lian saw and felt his claws extend, ready to attack.

“It’s ok, it’s fine,” he finally spoke, trying to diffuse what would be an explosive situation if left unattended. He turned to Black Water and bowed, “Black Water Sinking Ships, thank you for your help in the heavenly realm. Your aid was very much appreciated.” When he rose from his bow he saw Black Water’s black eyes had gone wide, making the shark-like eyes striking with now a small circle of white surrounding the pupil.  

“Gege,” Wuming’s voice was strained in obvious displeasure at him bowing.

“I’m glad I could be of assistance, God of Misfortune,” he bowed his head slightly. Wuming growled and his lip twitched to bare his fangs once again, “what? That is his title, is it not? Anyway, I meant no disrespect, if anything he should be proud of the chaos he caused up there. They need more of it.”

“I am no longer a god,” Xie Lian said simply, “you may call me Xie Lian if you would like.”

“Not gege?” Black Water smirked.

“No!!” Wuming barked.

Black Water sighed and shrugged his shoulders, “suit yourself.”

“I assume you have some idea why I have asked you here?” Wuming said through gritted teeth.

“Besides the fact I almost killed the Wind Master when Mount Tonglu opened? Yeah- I have some idea,” hie grimaced as if recalling the event, “the Water Tyrant was lucky I was called away to go back working with the Wind Master once more. You owe me for that by the way!”

“Are you seriously bringing this up again!? It wasn't our fault they paired you up with the Water Tyrant when they sent their hounds out after us.” Wuming clawed at his face in frustration with his free hand before letting it fall to a fist, “forget it! We have much more important matters to discuss. Were you found out?”

“Would I be in such a pleasant mood if I had been?” Black Water said while looking around as if bored of the conversation.

Wuming sighed and his shoulders dropped, “I need to ask a favor.” Xie Lian could see each word caused him physical harm to say out loud.

“Oh? Only for a price,” he grinned, his needle like teeth sending a shiver down Xie Lian’s spine.

Wuming rolled his eyes, “food?” Well that didn't sound like-

“Proceed,” Black Water waved for him to continue making Xie Lian’s jaw drop.

“We already discussed our suspicions of Jun Wu, after we spoke it was confirmed. And then Mount Tonglu opened.” Both Wuming and Black Water’s aura darkened at the memory, the feeling was quite overwhelming, as if Xie Lian was going to drown in sorrow. “We’re on our way there now but I need you to be my eyes and ears in the heavenly realm. If anything, anything , unusual happens, alert me immediately. If you can't contact me, alert Yin Yu.”

Black Water raised his eyebrow, “what are you expecting at Mount Tonglu? What happened since we last talked?”

Xie Lian looked up at Wuming as he felt him tense by his side, if he had hackles, Xie Lian was sure they would be raised. 

“Umm, White No Face or I guess Jun Wu wants me to meet him there…” his voice faded out, each little step they kept telling each other they would make was bringing them closer and closer to that inevitable outcome.

“And you're just going!?” Black Water turned on him, looking at him like he had lost his mind.

“I have to, he won't stop until he gets- we defeat him,” he bit his tongue but not soon enough, he felt Wuming freeze and turn his glaring red eye on him. 

“Are you sure about this?” Black Water asked Wuming.

Wuming snapped his head and bared his teeth, Xie Lian could tell he was getting close to losing his tenuous grip on what little calm he had left, “what, you want to come and help us!? Don't you also have something worth putting every ounce of effort into”

Black Water paled, “I’m sorry Crimson Rain.” And for the first time, he did seem sincere. He turned to look at Xie Lian, sincerity still prevalent in his features, “you should know, you still have some supporters in the heavenly realm, the Wind Master for one seemed to believe you were treated unjustly. They have continually fought to support you which-” he sighed through gritted teeth, “is irritatingly considerate. After they got back to the heavenly realm, Feng Xin and Mu Qing appeared to get into an argument with Jun Wu and then as they left proceeded to get into an argument with each other. But ever since, they have been acting odd…” Xie Lian raised his eyebrows at him before Black Water grinned, which was slightly alarming considering the size of his teeth, “well, more off than usual.”

Xie Lian grinned back, “as long as we can keep the heavenly realm in their place we have no concerns right?”

Black Water laughed, though it was slightly muted as if underwater and very deep, “Crimson Rain, I like him.” 

Black Water’s smile faded when he saw Wuming, terrifyingly still like an arrow knocked and pulled back. No telling when he would finally snap. “Be careful in the heavenly realm, White No Face is fearsome and there is no telling what he has planned for us all.”

Wuming’s hand tightened even harder on Xie Lian’s and Black Water’s eyes looked down at their joined hands and back up to Wuming. Something in his eyes made Xie Lian feel that Black Water was more than sympathetic to their situation. 

“For your sake Crimson Rain,” he bowed his head, “I hope this ends well.”

“It will,” Wuming began to turn away, “there is no other choice.”

Before Xie Lian was completely turned away with Wuming he bowed his head towards Black Water and gave him a small wave. The look on Black Water’s face put a crack through Xie Lian’s calm facade, he was looking at him as if he knew it was the last time they would meet. 

“Good luck,” he heard him whisper before he was led away into the dark. 

The walk back to the door they had come from felt achingly long yet not long enough. Each step made his heart beat quicken, made each breath of air taste a little sweeter. When they arrived at the door Wuming pulled out his dice and rolled it back and forth in his fingers as if afraid to give it a toss. 

“Are you ready gege?” his voice just above a whisper.

Xie Lian nodded and swallowed before getting out, “yes.”

Wuming closed his eyes and then opened them when he tossed the dice in the air. When he looked down at it, fear flitted across his features before he could smother it down. 

“What is it?” he asked while looking at the dice. It was a one, “is that bad?”

Wuming closed his shaking hand, “it's fine, I just- usually roll sixes every time. Means my luck will most likely not help us where we are going.”

“Oh.” 

Wuming looked down at him, “we stay together, right gege?” 

“Of- of course,” Xie Lian said, looking away from his searing glare. 

“I’m going to be by your side every step of the way gege,” Wuming said, closer to pleading than making a statement but Xie Lian didn't comment on it.

When he opened the door they found their little shrine the exact same way they had left it and it made Xie Lian want to curl into Wuming’s side and cry. Who would have thought he would look back on suffering from a deadly poison with so much fondness… longing to return to that moment. It really hadn't been that long ago since they had been there but his life had changed so drastically since those couple days in the shrine that it was chokingly overwhelming. His little mat was still in the corner, Hua Cheng’s red outer robe that had acted like a blanket for him laid tossed in the corner. The weeds and grasses Ban Yue had collected were rotting on the table along with the bag of food she had bought from the village. It took his breath away.

That was until he realized White No Face had been here. It felt as if he had forced himself into their shared private memory, their most intimate thoughts. It felt vandalized, even though there was no trace of his presence. He turned back to look at Wuming who was equally pained. He opened his mouth to say something comforting when the faint glow of an array on the door behind them caught his eye. 

“San Lang, I think that's it,” he tugged his sleeve to direct his attention.

Wuming ran his hand over it and nodded solemnly, “it just needs power.” 

“Do you have enough?” Xie Lian asked nervously, “I could do it, I still feel- I have power.”

“No,” he said sharply and then sighed, “I’m sorry gege, I didn't mean- save your power, in case you need it… please.” His voice shook on his last word.

“Ok,” he leaned into him, “my beloved.” He didn't know for what purpose he said it besides he simply wanted to say it as many times as he could. 

Wuming took a deep breath before putting both hands against the array and spoke a series of incantations under his breath so low Xie Lian couldn't make them out but he watched as the array grew steadily brighter with each word. Once it was ready, Wumming slumped forward in what looked like exhaustion.

“Are you ok?” Xie Lian asked worriedly, maybe this was where they should part. 

“I’m fine,” Wuming clipped before he retook Xie Lian’s hand and it felt like a lifeline. Xie Lian got the distinct impression it was for both their sakes. They both felt as if they were tethering themselves to each other while in the current of a great storm. When they stepped through the door, Xie Lian braced himself for the brunt of the cold winter winds but instead was greeted with cool, slightly damp air along with the sightlessness of pitch black darkness. 

“Where-?”

He was cut off by a sharp gasp from his side, Wuming’s hand tightening hard on his hand.

“San Lang!” He cried out in fear and just before his eyes could adjust to the darkness a cool hand enveloped his face and covered his eyes. He reached up and began to claw at it before stopping when he realized the wrist belonged to Wuming and not White No Face’s.

“Please don't look Your Highness,” his voice strained.

Xie Lian couldn't help it he was frightened, his mind going through all the horrible things they could be potentially surrounded by. But in everything his mind conjured up, nothing explained how Wuming was acting. What horror could they have stepped in that would elicit such a fearful response from Wuming but didn't demand action. 

“San Lang,” his voice shaking, “what's going on, please.”

“It’s- I need to get you out of here,” his voice was becoming increasingly desperate and the hand that was covering his face was beginning to tremble.

“What is it!?” He so badly wanted to make sure Wuming was ok and comfort him, for he sounded more frightened than Xie Lian felt, “please San Lang, you’re scaring me.”

He heard Wuming exhale shakily before he felt something fall on his shoulder and realized it was Wuming’s forehead, “Your Highness,” he choked out, “don't be scared.”

“Why can’t I look then?” He tried turning his head in the general direction of Wuming before he felt his hand slowly drop from his face. Wuming lifted his head slightly from his shoulders and he briefly met his eyes before Wuming turned away, he looked absolutely destroyed. As if he had resigned himself for an inevitable outcome. As he inhaled to ask what was wrong, Wuming raised one hand and created a ball of ghostly blue flame. 

Xie Lian let his eyes adjust to the brightness and turned around to look at their surroundings, the sight pulled the air from his lungs. They were surrounded by statues, so many in fact he couldn't count them all. He took a few steps forward, his curiosity making him forget he should be afraid. After taking a few steps he realized Wuming wasn't following him and looked back, his head hung low, staring pointedly at the ground. 

Xie Lian turned around to look at the nearest statue closer and covered his mouth to stifle the gasp that attempted to escape. It was him! He looked over at the adjacent statue and then the next- they were all of him!

“San Lang…” he said breathlessly as his feet carried him further into the cave, “did you…”

He looked back when there was no response. Wuming’s head was still low, his fist clenched at his side while the other diligently betrayed his wishes and continued to light what he hadn't dared show Xie Lian. He was at a loss for words, it was all so much. As he tried to look at every statue he realized they were all… real? They were all moment’s from Xie Lian’s past life. As he turned away from one statue that depicted him in battle armor during the Xianle war a rare bright color in the grey toned cave caught his eye in his periphery. He looked over and his jaw dropped.

He had come to a wall that had been painted from floor to ceiling so exquisitely it would make the finest artist give up painting. It depicted Xie Lian carrying a little boy in bandages through a thicket of red maples. As he took in every detail it was as if the memory was coming back to life for Xie Lian, he remembered that little boy clinging onto him tightly, desperate for any kindness offered. He lifted his hand to touch the little boy who was painted obscured in red, as if he was a tear in a beautiful tapestry. How would Hua Cheng have-

“Oh,” Xie Lian whispered.

He turned around to see Wuming, his head finally raised up and looking up at him with terror written in every facet of his features. A tear falling from his red eye.

Xie Lian began to walk back over to him, “you’ve always been there…” the closer he got the more Wuming trembled, so hard the flame had begun to tremble with him. When he got close enough he reached out to cup the underside of the hand holding the flame, steadying the light. 

“They’re beautiful,” he said, causing Wuming to suck in a shaky breath, “just like my beloved.”

“You saved me,” his voice drowned in emotion, “you saved me back then and your memory saved me from myself.” 

Xie Lian wiped away the tears before gently cupping his face, “my Hong-er, my Wuming, my Hua Cheng, my beloved.” A sob ripped from Wuming before the light was extinguished and they were both clinging to each other in a tight embrace. Wuming buried his face into his neck and wept, Xie Lian felt his cool breath jerk in and out against his skin and into his hair. He raised his hand and gently stroked Wuming’s back. The scene unfolding quite similarly to the painting. 

“I’m sorry I didn't tell you,” he whispered into his hair as he calmed down, “I was so afraid the memory of me would be unpleasant and that it might change the way you look at me.”

Xie Lian shook his head, “the memory of you could only bring light to my dark world.” He adjusted so he could kiss the top of his head and murmured, “I’m so happy I was able to see my Hong-er again.” Wuming’s hands clung onto his back harder, fisting into his robes as if to confirm it was real. Xie Lian rubbed circles into his back reassuringly until Wuming was able to calm himself. When Wuming straightened out, Xie Lian had to strain his eyes to see him, they clumsily bumped noses while they tried to find each other’s lips. When they did, he felt warm again for the first time since they had left Paradise Manor. 

Wuming snaked his arm around his waist and pulled him tight as their kiss deepened. His eyes closed as he let himself fall into their touch, it was beautiful coming together in such a way, surrounded by all their memories together. He felt a tear slip down his cheek as he realized how badly he wanted more, he wanted an entire mountain full of new memories with this person. And he was certain he would never get that chance. He opened his mouth in gasp as his kiss got more desperate, tears starting to flow more freely and his hands becoming more erratic in mapping out his body. 

Wuming slowed their kiss in response to his desperation and pulled away, his face a mix of love and sadness, “gege…” 

He raised his hand to relight the flame and in the moment the flame erupted a clawed bone-white hand reached from the darkness behind Wuming and clutched his neck, the abnormally long fingers wrapping completely around. 

“No!” Xie Lian cried out as Wuming was lifted into the air, his feet kicking out behind him but missing whatever had him in its clutches.

Wuming dropped the flames but they remained lit on the floor, casting their ominous shadows high to the ceiling and their faces lit from below creating gaunt depictions of their features. E’ming shot out from his hip but it too had been diminished from Mount Tonglu and was the size of a dagger but no less menacing. As it launched itself to attack whatever was behind Wuming, Xie Lian saw another even faster hand catch it by the hilt and stop it midair. E’ming’s eye wide and spinning around madly.

“Did you like my surprise, little ghost?” White No Face leaned down, whispering in Wuming’s ear. “Imagine my surprise when I stumbled in here… this is afterall my territory.” He looked back at Xie Lian who was frozen with fear, “I could snap his neck so easily, just a flick of my wrist,” and as he spoke he shook Wuming as an example of his strength.

“No!” he cried in terror that he was actually going to snap his neck in the shake.

Wuming’s eyes were shut tight but he didn't utter a sound, Xie Lian could see the pain he was in but he knew Wuming wasn't going to give White No Face the satisfaction of making him cry out. White No Face, more like Jun Wu now that his face was uncovered, was nothing like the person he used to be. Instead of the serene kind face he had come to look up to and trust, it was distorted with cruelty. He was reveling in all the forms of anguish he could inflict. 

“Please, no! You said you wouldn’t hurt him!” His voice was shaking badly as the words spilled out, it was a miracle he could be understood entirely, “please I will do what you want just… don't hurt him,” he cried.

“Your Highness,” Wuming said through gritted teeth, “run!” Jun Wu’s claws began to dig deep into Wuming's neck, blood running down his neck before disappearing under his clothes. 

Xie Lian steadied himself, he needed to think clearly, this was after all why he was here, “what do you want.”

Wuming’s eyes went wide, “no!”

“Meet me in the Kiln,” he raised Wuming up higher, his back bending slightly from the lift at his neck, “he can walk you there as I’m sure you have no clue where you are but he cannot follow you in. Or he dies. Understood?”

“Understood,” he whispered, barely able to get the words out.

“Oh Xianle,” his voice immediately changed from cruel to sickly sweet, he truly was the duality of the laughing crying mask, “the pain will be gone soon, we will make it all better. You’ll see.”

“Please, please let him go,” he begged, he couldn't stand to see Wuming like that a moment longer.

“As you wish,” Jun Wu said as if without a care and dropped him to the ground. Wuming collapsed forward but Xie Lian dropped to his knees and caught him in time.

“Gege, no,” Wuming cried softly.

“Don't make me wait long,” Jun Wu’s voice clipped menacingly before he slipped into the dark and tossed E’ming ruthlessly to the ground besides Wuming.

Both remained still, Xie Lian holding onto Wuming as they sat on the cold stone floor. Neither said a word for an incense time, surrounded by their memories that a moment ago had brightened the darkness but now mocked them as their time together had finally run out.

“Can you-” Xie Lian swallowed dryly, “can you take me to the Kiln?” Afraid Wuming would refuse.

Wuming sat up but glared at the ground, he looked furious, “do you even know what that is?” His voice shaking with anger.

Xie Lian shook his head mutely. He really had no idea what it was and he wasn't even sure he wanted to know. If he had no choice but to go there, why add to the fear with the knowledge of the horror he was about to face. Pain was pain at this point, there weren't many different levels of pain to him anymore. It was either bearable or unbearable and he was certain this pain would be unbearable. 

“The Kiln is where the real test takes place for ghosts,” he looked him in the eyes, his red eye practically on fire with rage, “you’ll be locked in until one is left standing and the Kiln decides if you are worthy to be set free. If not, you will be killed.”

Xie Lian looked down at his knees that were folded on the ground, “I see,” he said simply.

“That's it!?” Wuming spat, “you see!?”

“I don't have a choice!” He looked up at him and grabbed his hands, “he will keep finding us, haunting us… I can't let him hurt you!”

“You do have a choice!” Wuming pleaded, “we can fight him together!”

“No!” He said sharply, making Wuming flinch back, “San Lang, you have already helped me more than you know. You don't have your full strength back and you already used a lot of your remaining power to bring us here.” Wuming gritted his teeth as he continued, “I need to do this, please please take me to the Kiln.” 

“Gege-”

“If the roles were reversed…” Wuming looked away. 

“I’ll take you,” he bit back, “but that doesnt mean I am letting you go alone.”

Xie Lian didn’t respond, he had known all along Wuming wouldn't just blindly let Xie Lian put himself in danger. As always Wuming would sacrifice himself but this time Xie Lian wasn't going to let him, he was going to be the one to save him for once. 

When they began their trek outside the cave and out into the cold frigid air of the mountain, Wuming kept a strong hold on Xie Lian’s hand. It was as if he was afraid at any moment Xie Lian was going to bolt and be lost forever. It was a quiet walk up the mountain, frigid in more than just the temperature of the biting winds. At one point Xie Lian shivered hard and Wuming let his hand go to quickly wrap his arm around him, holding him tight. Xie Lian leaned into the embrace, soaking in every moment he could before the inevitable. He looked up to see Wuming’s jaw clenched and his eyes staring dead ahead, determined in his focus yet something looking profoundly broken in his red eye.

All banquets must come to an end.

Finally, when they reached their destination, Xie Lian stood near the edge and looked down warily all the while Wuming kept a firm hold on him. 

“That's it then I take it…” Xie Lian whispered.

“Mhmm,” Wuming nodded. 

Xie Lian turned to look at him and was going to speak but the words died in his throat as he looked into Wuming’s eyes. How was he going to let go of this? Before he could decide what his last words would be he was pulled in with a crushing embrace, his head held tightly against Wuming’s shaking chest. 

“San Lang,” he choked out, “I love you.”

Wuming quivered at his words and buried his head in his hair as a wrecked sob escaped his lips, “then stay with me.”

Xie Lian had to work to control himself, he couldn't break completely in front of him, “I’ll come back to you, I’ll always come back to you.”

“I’m going with you, gege,” Wuming said as he pulled away just enough to crush his lips to Xie Lian’s and it hurt. It caused more pain than he had ever experienced, it left his heart in shreds. He could feel all of Wuming’s emotions in the kiss and it made Xie Lian hate himself for what he was about to do.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered against his lips and at the same time Ruoye wound itself tight around Wuming, pinning his arms to his side. 

Wuming barely had time to register before he gasped the command “E’ming-” but he was too late. As they had kissed Xie Lian had reached down, feigning a caress, and grabbed hold of E’ming so when it attempted to leap out Xie Lian was easily able to keep it secure long enough for Ruoye to wrap it tight in its holder. All it could do was shake violently as it stared at Xie Lian with tears in its eye. 

“Gege!” Wuming yelped as he fought against Ruoye in an impossibly tight hold. 

Xie Lian lifted the necklace with the ring Hua Cheng had given him and began to put it on Wuming, “keep this safe for me.” It was a promise to Wuming that he would return. Wuming stopped dead and as the ring rested against his chest his frame began to shift once more and when he settled, Xie Lian was left to look down at Hong-er, his big black eye staring up at him.

He dropped to his knees, “oh San Lang,” the tears finally breaking free.

“Do you know what this is?” Hong-er whispered, his voice shaking with the tears that fell from his one eye and soaked his bandages at the other.

“The ring you gave me?”

“It's more than that, gege,” he looked down at the ring hanging loosely on his small frame, “it's my ashes.”

Xie Lian’s breath caught in his throat and looked down at the ashes like it was the first time really seeing them.

Hong-er continued, “to the person I give them to, they can cherish me or destroy me. They are yours, they always have been.”

Xie Lian reached out to gently hold him, “keep them safe for me then, that is the most precious thing in the world to me and I’m coming back for them.”

“No- no- gege,” Hong-er began to panic and thrash against Ruoye as Xie Lian pulled away, “no don't do this!” 

Xie Lian leaned down to kiss him on the forehead before whispering, “thank you for saving me, my beloved.”

“Gege!” Hong-er cried as Xie Lian stood up trying desperately not to hear his pleas, if he gave in now he would doom them both. He forced his feet forward and towards the Kiln as Hong-er continued to shout, “Your Highness!” And as he jumped down he heard him scream at the top of his lungs, “Xie Lian!!”

When he finally landed in the Kiln he could barely see a thing. He looked up to see the Kiln closing over him and just as it was about to close for good he saw Ruoye slip in at the last second before a resounding slam echoed throughout the chamber, sealing in his fate. He felt a grip on his heart tighten as Ruoye slipped into his robes, he betrayed his beloved in one of the most ruthless ways possible. He was beginning to believe he was a calamity born of the heavens at his skill in hurting the people he loved most. 

He sighed as patted Ruoye, “thanks for coming back for me,” he whispered. It was nice knowing he wouldn’t be completely alone at the end.

As he began to look around he raised his hand and lit a fire, grateful for the power Hua Cheng had given him. As he looked around he was surprised to find the light failed to penetrate to the walls, as if he was in a never ending abyss. That was until he saw the flash of white he was waiting to see. 

“Xianle,” Jun Wu’s voice echoed in the chamber, as calm as if he was meeting with him on his balcony for tea.

“Ruoye!” Xie Lian didn't give him a second to say more and launched Ruoye forward, he was going to go down fighting no matter what. Ruoye went spinning like a serpent with its prey in striking distance but right as it could make contact Xie Lian saw a blur of white and before his eyes could comprehend what had happened he saw Ruoye partially ripped down the middle and pinned to the ground. 

“No!” Xie Lian cried as he watched Ruoye struggle to get free.

Jun Wu chuckled behind Xie Lian, making him spin around blindly, “who knew you would end up being so attached to the one complicit in your stabbing and strangling of your parents. No wonder you’re so attached to the little ghost that follows you around, you like reminders of the pain don't you?”

“Shut up!” Xie Lian yelled. 

“You like the suffering, don't you Xianle? Mu Qing was right, you have quite the martyr complex about you,” he tutted as he circled him. Xie Lian kept his eyes trained on him at all times as he drew out his sword and imbued the blade with power. Before Jun Wu could continue he struck out but only hit air. “You enjoy the attention you receive after don't you?”

Xie Lian spun around until he got him back in his sights, “why!? Why are you doing this? I trusted you!”

Jun Wu sighed disappointedly, “I told you already, you need to learn. You need to grow.” He gestured grandly as he spoke down to him, as if he was a child having a tantrum. “Your little ghost only enables you. I know who you really are and I know what you could be.”

“And what's that?”

“Me,” Jun Wu said, almost lovingly, “more so, you are me but you aren't letting yourself reach your full potential. Don't you see the hypocrisy around you? No one cares for anyone but themselves; suffering, pain, humiliation. Both the common people and the heavens are guilty of it. We say we cherish life but how can life have any meaning if life is treated so superfluously, what's there to cherish?”

“Says the person who has killed countless innocents and caused the suffering of even more,” Xie Lian spat as he looked over at Ruoye who was waving angrily where it was pinned. If he could cause a distraction to quickly dive away he could free it. 

He needed to keep Jun Wu talking as he poured all of the remaining spiritual power he had left inside him into his sword. Luckily for him Jun Wu continued, ignoring what Xie Lian had said and moving on as if he was lost in his own self righteous diatribe, “all three realms need someone who won't give in, won't be lenient. Look at the fall of Xianle. You could have instantly saved your entire kingdom, family, loved ones, perhaps even your little ghost if you had just killed the people of Yong’an when you had the chance. You allowed-”

Xie Lian took his chance and threw out his sword, the power thrusting the sword towards its intended target as he dove to Ruoye. Just as he got his fingertips on the dagger, he felt a clawed hand clutch his arm and pull back sharply, creating an echoing crack throughout the Kiln. He didn't scream, he had felt and become accustomed to this pain before so he was able to ignore it and whip around to attack but what he saw stopped him dead in his tracks. 

His sword had indeed hit its mark. It had impaled Jun Wu’s hand and went straight through his gut as if Jun Wu had intended to catch it blade first. The power Xie Lian had put in it must have shocked Jun Wu. It was still futile in the end, he watched horrified as Jun Wu slid his impaled hand further up the blade until it caught the hilt and wrapped his fingers around it before pulling it out of his gut.

Jun Wu sighed as if he had just wiped dirt of his clothes, “what are you hoping to accomplish Xianle?” He couldn't move, pinned like Ruoye who was waving wildly behind him. He had no more power, no blade and any damage he could possibly inflict on Jun Wu would do nothing besides irritate him.

“I had such high hopes for you,” he tsked until he stopped in his tracks with an “ah!” He turned back to smile at Xie Lian threateningly, “but perhaps… I went about it all wrong, perhaps you truly were a mistake.”

“I-” was all Xie Lian could get out before he felt a burning pressure on his neck and ankle. 

“You were supposed to die with the fall of Xianle as a mortal all along! You would have become the strongest wrath- no calamity to rule over the ghost realm!”

Xie Lian finally broke and screamed as he felt every fiber of his being getting crushed from the inside out, every bone being broken, every blood vessel splitting open. He had found a new level of pain, a pain he feared that would forever change who he was. As the pain began to subside, his last thought as the darkness took him echoed in his mind,

Beloved.

He didn't know how much time had passed, it felt like eternity yet at the same time like he had just blinked before he was opening his eyes. He was sure he was going to die but here he was conscious. He heard a soft murmuring and realized it was directed at him yet it sounded like it was underwater. San Lang? He thought. Did he find him again? Did he take him home?

He tried reaching out to him, to hold his hand once more, but he couldn't feel anything. He couldn't feel anything ! He tried to speak but it felt strange… different. He didn't understand. 

The murmuring got louder, his hearing getting clearer. 

“Isn't this better?” an unknown person called out.

Better? What’s better?

“Still confused?”

“San… Lang…” he tried calling out but it came out as a whimper, “San Lang?”

He heard a frustrated sigh and then, “we’re still on that?”

Xie Lian’s vision began to come back to him and the first thing he noticed was that there was a light emanating around him. Did he ascend again? No that's not right, he would be in the heavenly realm if that were the case.

“Always the disappointment, the failure,” Jun Wu’s recognizable voice finally coming into focus. 

Xie Lian gasped but didn't feel anything, no air rushing through his lungs. 

“San Lang!” he cried out in fear, what was happening!? “San Lang!” He couldn't help screaming his name, he was terrified. 

“Seriously!? That's your first thought after you die? San Lang ?” Jun Wu said his name mockingly but Xie Lian barely heard him.

“Die?” he repeated weakly. The light he saw emanating from him was in fact him! He was a ghost fire. “No!” he cried out, he needed to get back to Hua Cheng, that was the only thing that mattered. The light on the floor was flickering wildly, he wasn't sure if that was him or if it was just the natural way his fire appeared. 

“I was so sure you would be more than just a petty ghost fire, not even a wrath,” he spat at him. “But… I think I can fix this as well. What if I do for you, what I did for you little ghost friend. A little encouragement to reach your potential. 

“No!” he screamed, the light around him expanding further into the abyss growing larger and wilder. He was so useless! Always too weak to finish what he started! Hua Cheng had always suffered for his mistakes and paid the price. He couldn't let it happen again. A new hatred and anger began to take shape inside his soul. A hatred for himself, Jun Wu and all the other heavenly officials that ignored his cries and everyone who had needed them. 

“Thats it! Thats the key!” He smiled wickedly, “you don't love anything nearly as much as your little ghost, losing him- seeing him suffer is what will enlighten you.” He sighed in exaggerated relief, “I was wrong all along, I shouldn't go after you,” with that he looked up at the Kiln that had oddly not opened after his death. It was waiting for something. Jun Wu began to walk away before calling over his shoulder, “no need to lift a finger- whoop sorry that was insensitive, just stay there and we’ll be right back.”

Xie Lian felt the rumbling of his hate and anger start to grow, it was if his rage was screaming around him. He was so blinded by it he didn't hear the tearing sounds behind him. “Jun Wu!” he screamed before everything started to go white. The white was surrounding him and closing in. He could feel it starting to constrict him and shape him. He cried out in desperation as he finally started to feel something -pain- so much pain. His vision went red as he felt his form pulled around like a doll, the world shaking all around him before all rational thought was gone and all that was left was rage.

—

“Xie Lian!” He screamed so loud his throat bled. He struggled in vain to try and follow but only ended up landing face first in the snow as his beloved fell from view. He screamed in frustration as he tried righting himself. “Ruoye!” He cried as he got to his knees, “let go, follow him! Help him!” 

The one free end of Ruoye peered at him before flailing wildly in the air as if it too was conflicted on what the right choice was. 

“I thought you cared about him!” He yelled as the Kiln’s lid began to close, his remaining window of time running short, “please let me-” his cry was cut short as his small body was flung far away from the Kiln. He quickly righted himself as his scrambled to get back up the mountain in time but as soon as the Kiln was in view he saw the tail end of Ruoye slipping in before the Kiln closed shut tight, a resonating thud filling the mountain air and the ground trembling beneath his feet.

“No,” he screamed.

Before he could take another step forward he felt his body start to right itself. He felt his natural aura of power begin to rebuild itself and his body feel like his own once again. His frame shifted as it stepped into the form he felt most comfortable with, what he had grown to not hate. The form that made Xie Lian look at him with the most tender smile he ever imagined possible. His true form.

As soon as he regained control of his body he ran over to the Kiln and lept to its edge putting as much power as he could into trying to open it. Even E’ming attempted to pry the seal open but it was no use, their attempts were pathetic. He was pathetic. He screamed in an unadulterated fury at his own ineptitude. He screamed until he fell to his knees coughing up blood. As his voice finally gave out he wept uncontrollably in silent sobs with only staccatoed painful coughs as an interruption. 

After what felt like an eternity of useless weeping, he laid down in the snow on his back and looked into the sky as the tears fell silently down his face. He watched as the clouds flit across his vision as his beloved had described to him, how they had comforted him during his most lonely and desperate moments. Now, they just mocked Hua Cheng. They were a reminder he failed, once again, to protect his beloved. He was alone. If anything, his curse was the reason his beloved was in the Kiln and not him. He could handle being dispersed. He would beg for it versus this. 

“I’m sorry,” he whispered to the sky, “I’m so fucking sorry, my beloved.”

There was nothing he could do besides wait, he was trapped just as much as his beloved was. He had his ashes in his hand, ready for anything. If it wasn't His Highness that emerged he would slaughter Jun Wu, make him suffer, writhe and wallow in an agony he never imagined was possible. And once his bloodlust was satiated, once Jun Wu had died ten thousand deaths, Hua Cheng would crush himself out of existence. Follow his beloved to wherever he went next in death. 

As sun began to settle over the horizon making the sky turn a shockingly deep red, he heard a strangled scream from the Kiln making his already cold body turn to ice. He knew that scream. His heart jumped in his throat as he crawled over the edge but nothing happened. The Kiln remained unchanged. He grit his teeth in the unbearable frustration of being unable to do anything. What was happening to his beloved in there? 

He knelt down in the snow, his black hair falling to the ground in a sharp contrast to the bright white, like spilled ink on paper flowing on and over the edge. Like the ink they had used to write his name when he thought for a brief moment they had a chance at happiness. He looked down at the hand that had held his beloved’s as they had practiced calligraphy, the hand that had stroked his beloved’s while he confessed his love, his devotion for him.

“Gege,” he cried out softly, “don't leave me alone again.”

But all that answered his prayer was the howling wind.

As darkness of the night fell, the loneliness that accompanied it settled in his heart. He laid down and again watched the sky, this time the stars that blinked randomly. It was beautiful yet it made the moment even more bitterly lonesome when his first reaction was to point out a shape he found in the stars to his beloved. He would wait for however long it took and prayed he would be able to show his beloved what he had discovered. 

And so he did. For four days he waited, never moving from where he had settled after his beloved’s scream. No other sound escaped the Kiln after that. Until, on the fourth day, the quiet afternoon was shattered as the ground began to tremble under Hua Cheng’s feet and the most broken hair raising scream he would ever hear in all his existence pierced his ears. It lit every nerve of his on fire. 

“Gege?” he whimpered. There was no doubt in his mind that the cry was from his beloved but it was nothing like he had heard before. The cry continued to grow louder, impossibly louder, until it turned into something inhuman. The Kiln began to shake as if something larger than could fit was slamming itself against the sides. New screams joined the cacophony of sounds, this one assuredly not his beloved. 

He jumped back as the Kiln’s cover exploded open with what appeared to be steam bursting from the opening along with something white and incomprehensibly large. He fell back even further when the cloud and whatever was hidden in it rose higher in the sky. 

After a few turns high in the sky the cloud slowly descended back down to the ground and as the cloud began to dissipate, pink flower petals were left drifting languidly in the air until resting in the snow. The flower petals, however, were not what Hua Cheng was left in awe of. Standing before him was a long serpentine dragon, its white scales were long and sharp like the blade of a sword and along the ridge of its spine were crimson red glistening spikes that looked as deadly as they were beautiful. Its claws and horns were a bright crimson red as well and its head was framed down to its shoulders in a brilliant gold mane that shone bright in the sunlight. But its most striking feature of all was its eyes, its glowing gold eyes very literally looked as if they were on fire. Even though the golden irises swam in a sea of red, Hua Cheng would know those eyes anywhere, they were his beloved. 

Hanging dead in his mouth was the body of Jun Wu, or what was left of it. He didn't seem to recognize Hua Cheng though, he looked confused and scared. It was only after he had accepted everything he was seeing was real did Hua Cheng hear the deep growling rumbling from his beloved’s chest.

He took a step forward while saying softly, “Your Highness?” 

His golden eyes snapped and focused on Hua Cheng, teeth bared. Hua Cheng, however, wasn't frightened.

“Gege?” Immediately the growling stopped but he could still see that his beloved was far from calm, “gege, it’s ok.” He took a couple slow steps forward as his beloved watched him uneasily, “I know what you're going through… the anger,” another step, “the pain.” 

“It’s all overwhelming,” he continued to take a step with each word, “listen to my voice.” Another step, and this time he was so close he could feel the cold air being blown out his nostrils, “you’re going to be ok.” He stopped when he was close enough that he could reach out and touch him. 

“Gege, I’m going to take you home.”

His beloved whimpered low as the red in his eyes slowly faded away to white, making the gold appear even brighter than before. 

“Oh gege,” he choked out as he reached to gently put his palm on his nose, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” He felt the tears fall once again and he shut his eye tight at their arrival, “I wasn't there to protect you.”

He stumbled forward as his beloved recoiled from him and lowered his head as he opened his jaw, Jun Wu tumbling to the ground before him and his eyes staring blankly at the sky. His beloved backed even further away from him, fear clearly written on his face even in this form. The fear in his eyes snapped Hua Cheng out of his grief. 

“Gege, it’s ok,” he said as soothingly as possible, “I know this is all very confusing, I went through something similar… maybe not to this scale but I understand.” He stepped forward to once again touch him but he flinched back like a horse struck in the face. He immediately froze, “gege, I’m not going to hurt you,” his beloved pawed at the ground nervously and it dawned on Hua Cheng what might be causing some of the fear, “I’m not afraid of you, I’m never leaving your side.”

His beloved’s ears pinned back as he let out a whine and before Hua Cheng could try and comfort him, his whine morphed into a gravelly growl. 

“Gege?”

But he wasn't looking in his direction, his head was lifted and peered over his frame. Hua Cheng turned to see a recognizable black ominous figure making its way over to them. He immediately shifted into his full red eyed calamity form, ears long and pointed, thick black claws curved and deadly, fangs extending past his lips, more akin to an apex wild predator than a person. 

“Gege,” he growled low so only his beloved could hear, “stay behind me.”

Hua Cheng snarled as Black Water grew closer and shifted into his full calamity horror as well. His needle-like teeth grew terrifyingly long, so long in fact that his jaw extended down like a deep sea fish that couldn't close its mouth all the way. Eternally baring its lethal bite. His skin became near translucent and his once shark-like eyes turned a glowing milky blue as if he could see everything yet had been imprisoned in the dark all his life. A vision of a deep sea horror. 

“So it's true,” he hissed. 

“What do you want?” Hua Cheng snarled back, he knew he wasn't here for a simple chat.

Black Water’s milky eyes shifted over to his beloved and Hua Cheng growled louder, “I wanted to see for myself, heaven is in an uproar.” His eyes finally looked back at Hua Cheng, “they lost all communication with Jun Wu when his temple collapsed. Every ward and protection spell he had ever cast has been eliminated.” His gaze dropped to the lifeless form on the ground, “good riddance,” he hissed viciously. 

“Is that all you came here for?”

Black Water took a step closer, his eyes now roaming the large dragon behind him, “I also came to greet the new calamity but it doesn't look like it's even aware of itself.”

“Get the fuck out of here!” He roared as E’ming flew out of its sheath and rose menacingly next to Hua Cheng.

Black Water’s eyes snapped back to him and he bared his teeth shockingly further, “we need to come to an agreement!” He hissed.

“He only just die-” he choked, unable to finish, “he’s only just formed. Even you must have some sympathy for what it's like. He’s experiencing every change we went through in less than a day when we had years .” 

His eyes narrowed, clearly not sympathizing, “even more dangerous. He could cause chaos if not controlled!”

“Lay a finger on His Highness and you will find out why I am the Ghost King and why you simply laze around with the fish!” His words only enraged Black Water further. He stepped forward while pulling out a long fish bone whip from his sleeve and cracked it upon full release sharply. 

Before Hua Cheng could move a muscle, a deafening roar echoed through the mountain range and a cloud began to spin around them furiously. The flower petals that had gently fallen to the ground were now picked back up and as they flew in the air, their razor edges began tearing through Black Water’s skin and clothes. Black Water jumped back to dodge the barrage that he had become trapped in. 

Hua Cheng turned back to his beloved, his eyes back to red and teeth bared lost in rage, “no gege,” he said as he tentatively reached out and placed his hand on his scaled nose, “its ok, please? For your San Lang?”

His beloved’s eyes flashed in his direction and began to focus on him, the red slowly receding and the clouds dying down once again. He continually stroked his nose until everything had gone calm around them and when he looked back up he saw his beloved’s eyes were still wild with anxiety. He took his chance and rested his forehead on his snout, “it’s going to be ok beloved. We will never be parted again.”

A low whine trembled from his chest as he leaned in Hua Cheng, both seemingly forgetting Black Water standing at a distance watching their personal drama unfold. Hua Cheng needed to prove that his beloved was still in there, not some mindless calamity. 

“Gege,” Hua Cheng whispered, “close your eyes and try to focus on your center, find your center and visualize who you are.”

His beloved whined again but did as he was told. Hua Cheng forced himself to take a few steps back as the wind started to pick up again but this time gentler, more like an embrace closing in on his beloved until he could no longer be seen. When the clouds dissipated, Hua Cheng saw a man standing where the dragon had once stood. His nails were crimson red against his pale skin, ears slightly pointed like the dragon’s, and his reptilian-like eyes remained glowing gold as if they could see beyond sight. 

Hua Cheng took a step forward hesitantly, “gege?” his voice felt small to his ears. 

His beloved’s bright eyes focused on him, clearly processing what he was seeing until they began to fill with tears, “San- San Lang?” he cried out. 

Hua Cheng broke out into a run and fell into his beloved, toppling them both to the ground. His face buried in his hair, “gege,” he cried while his beloved reflected his actions. He felt him shaking as he clawed tightly onto Hua Cheng’s back like a life line.

They were immediately interrupted when Back Water stepped forward, eliciting a deep rumble from his beloved’s chest that Hua Cheng could feel and a growl from himself as they both sat up. Black Water stopped when he was met with the gold and red glare, both with their teeth bared. He deliberated for a moment before hissing, “Xie Lian, do you realize what you are?”

Hua Cheng looked back at his beloved who at the moment still looked overwhelmed and on edge as if ready to launch into an attack. As he thought over Black Water’s question he stopped baring his sharp teeth.

His beloved looked at Hua Cheng nervously and then back to Black Water, “I… died?” Even though he was ready for it, Hua Cheng still flinched at the words spoken.

“Correct,” Black Water hissed coldly, “you’ve become the next calamity.” 

At his words, Hua Cheng felt his beloved begin to shake uncontrollably and held him tighter, “Black Water, please. I beg you, please give him- give us more time.”

Black Water looked back at him and must have seen something in his eyes to relent, his shoulders sagging, “let it be on your head, Crimson Rain, if he oversteps until we’ve had a chance to speak.”

“Fine,” Hua Cheng snapped.

Black Water spared one more glance back at his beloved before whipping around with as much dignity he could muster with his shredded robes and turning back to his real form. After he took a few steps away he paused, “by the way, you better hurry off this mountain as soon as you can. Those two heavenly officials are trying to make their way over here. I sent them in the completely wrong direction with a faulty teleportation array but that won't last long.”

Hua Cheng felt a cool hand rest on his arm causing him to wince at the reminder he would no longer feel the heat from his beloved’s skin ever again. 

“Thank you,” his beloved said, his voice rough.

Black Water tilted his head to the side in their direction, “I’m grateful to you for killing that thing but… I am sorry you lost your life.” He sighed deeply, “you didn't deserve such an end.” With that he walked away.

Hua Cheng looked back at his beloved to see him staring at his own clawed hands, as if seeing them for the first time. He reached out to hold his shaking hands causing him to flinch his hands away but Hua Cheng held onto them gently while he rubbed small circles into them, just as he had done before. His beloved’s shaking seemed to calm and his eyes soften. 

Hua Cheng didn't want to move his beloved right away, he wanted to help get him completely in control of his emotions before moving forward but they didn't have much of a choice. He needed to get him off the mountain before the officials came back.

“Gege,” he said softly, “we need to get you somewhere safe.”

His beloved looked up at him but his eyes seemed unfocused, “ok,” he murmured. 

As he stood up, he helped his beloved up as well and walked him carefully back towards the Kiln and unfortunately back towards Jun Wu’s body. He heard a terrified gasp rip from his beloved’s throat and his body immediately began to tremble, clouds starting to form as his gold eyes remained fixed on the body.

“Hey, gege, hey,” Hua Cheng stood in front of him to block his view and gently put one hand on his shoulder and another to cup his face. “He can't hurt us anymore. We’re finally free because of you.” His beloved met his gaze and nodded, the trembling subsiding along with the clouds. “Keep your eyes on me, ok?” He nodded again and Hua Cheng wrapped his arm around his shoulders as they finished walking to the edge. But as they got to the edge of the broken Kiln Hua Cheng felt his beloved freeze. 

“I’m sorry, gege… but I need to go down there for the- for your body.” The words felt like acid on his tongue, trying to stay calm was becoming near impossible. 

“I died,” he said again, as if he still had yet to understand.

Before Hua Cheng could prepare, his beloved’s eyes went wide with horror and he cried out, “Ruoye!!” He dropped to his knees and began to sob, his hands clawing at his face and chest. Hua Cheng quickly got down on his knees and pulled his hands away but bloody tracks were already made on his face.

“What happened to Ruoye?” he panicked. 

“It- it helped me-” he choked on a sob before continuing, “it became part of me.”

Hua Cheng felt his heart break for his beloved, Ruoye had been his sole companion for all the centuries they had been apart, “I’m so sorry gege.” He held onto both his hands with one hand while the other rubbed his back. 

When first becoming a wrath, let alone a calamity, the emotions live right at the surface. For everything that had happened, his beloved was doing remarkably well. When he gained his composure for the most part he looked up at Hua Cheng, “I want to go home,” he whimpered.

Hua Cheng swallowed hard to keep his own emotions in check, he needed to keep himself collected for his beloved’s sake. 

“My beloved,” he said cupping his neck, “we will go home. I’m going to leave for just a little bit, ok? Don't go anywhere.” His beloved nodded, he still looked petrified but seemed to be slowly coming back to Hua Cheng. 

He gently let go and made his way into the one place he had sworn he would never enter again. As he got to the bottom he looked up at his greatest statue smiling down at him. It felt like a mockery to know his beloved had died under its smile, completely alone. He looked back down towards the ground and scanned until his eyes settled on his beloved. What was his beloved. His heart clenched as he got closer, his body collapsed in a heap, his neck and ankle mangled but without any shackles. They had cursed him one last time. 

Jun Wu was lucky he was dead, only once before had Hua Cheng felt this level of brutality flooding his senses. He knelt besides his beloved and gently picked him up, cradling him in his arms before he finally broke down and wept. His beloved’s head fell limply against his shoulder and his eyes stared through him. He didn't deserve this fate , he buried his head into his chest as he held him tighter. He lingered for only a moment longer until clarity cleared the fog of sorrow, he was still there waiting for him. He slowly stood up and held the body close as he turned to exit but that was when he heard a thundering roar echo through the Kiln. 

“Gege-” he rushed out of the Kiln in a red blur to see his beloved back in his dragon form, growling and tail thrashing while two heavenly officials laid on the ground bloodied from the razor petals. The clouds had died down by the time he had arrived so he made his way to his beloved’s side and put his hand on the side of his long face, “gege,” he whispered. 

The growling immediately ceased and all went calm. His beloved opened his mouth exposing his deadly teeth but then his eyes went wide, as if he had tried to speak but nothing came out. 

“They cant stop us,” he said reassuringly, “can you try to change ba-”

“NO!” Feng Xin cried out.

“What have you done!” Mu Qing yelled.

They both stared in horror at His Highness’s body laying limp in Hua Cheng’s arms. “I didn't do anything, you can thank Jun Wu for this. And while you're at it, yourselves! If you had only believed in His Highness from the beginning maybe this wouldn't have happened!” He was snarling by the time he had finished, it had taken all his willpower not to transform into his calamity form.

“I’ll kill you!” Feng Xin screamed.

His beloved roared and whipped his long body around slamming his tail between them as a barrier, baring his long teeth. 

“What the fuck is this!” he cried out. 

“Bow down to His Highness, the new calamity of the skies.”

They both froze at his words and then paled. Mu Qing looked from the body in his arms to the dragon, “are you telling me?...” His beloved’s eyes narrowed.

Feng Xin dropped his bow, “Xie Lian?” his voice shaking. 

His beloved huffed cold air out of his nostrils before closing his eyes, the clouds surrounding himself and Hua Cheng. When the cloud receded, he stood in his calamity form while Hua Cheng remained himself. 

“We’re leaving,” Hua Cheng said icily.

“So it was true,” Feng Xin said, staring at Jun Wu whose body was in the funeral robes of White No Face.

“Of course it was!” He spat at them then bared his fangs, “maybe if you had listened and trusted His Highness everything could have been avoided. Even back all those years ago!” Feng Xin was struck silent. 

“I’m sorry,” Mu Qing said sincerely, startling everyone, “I- I truly thought you had lost your mind. I didn't mean- I didn't think this would happen.”

Hua Cheng growled until he felt his beloved’s cold hand on his shoulder before he walked over to Mu Qing and Feng Xin. They both flinched back from him and his beloved stopped unsure, “it's over now,” Hua Cheng saw his hands shaking until he clenched them into fists at his sides, “there is much that needs to be sorted and… and I need some time. Mu Qing, you’re right, at the moment I do feel like I have in fact lost my mind a little but-” he looked over at Hua Cheng and gave him the smallest of smiles, “I’m not alone anymore, I’ll be ok.”

“Your Highness-” Feng Xin reached out and his beloved, too forgiving in Hua Cheng’s opinion reciprocated and they embraced. “I’m sorry,” Feng Xin gripped him tightly. To his shock, his beloved reached out for Mu Qing who had tears in his eyes and soon they were all three holding each other. 

“No more apologies, my friends,” his beloved sighed as they parted, “I would rather move forward than keep looking back.” As he spoke Mu Qing roughly scrubbed away the evidence of tears, not meeting Hua Cheng’s glare. His beloved walked back over to him, making him feel more at ease with him by his side. “Thank you for coming back, even if you didn't know what you were going to find here,” he said gently to them, Hua Cheng noticed that his beloved’s eyes looked much more clear than they had before. 

“Beloved,” he turned his gaze to look at Hua Cheng, “take me home.”

Hua Cheng bowed his head and without giving either officials a glance, led his beloved down the mountain and thankfully they weren’t followed. They walked back to a small shack by the edge of the forest at the base of the mountain. Hua Cheng asked to have the dice taken from his pocket and placed in his hand so he didn't disturb the- didn’t disturb what was in his arms. He very carefully tossed the dice and used the door at the shack to send them back to Paradise Manor, more specifically to their bedchambers where they could have privacy for however long they needed. Without speaking, they both walked out quietly to the private gardens as the sun began to sink low in the sky. 

His beloved had been silent the entire time and Hua Cheng was beginning to fear what he was thinking. As his beloved turned to look at him the wind rustled through the trees, his hair blowing gently around him and it left Hua Cheng breathless by his beauty. Even death couldn't take that away from him. His beloved held his gaze and gestured to the ground by a flowering tree, the setting sun lighting up the flowers as if they were glowing, “would you come sit with me?” He sounded unsure and somewhat fearful. 

Hua Cheng took a step forward but stopped and looked down. He didn't know how to let go of his beloved’s body, he needed to protect him but then he looked up and there was his beloved looking frightened and Hua Cheng wanted to comfort him. What was he supposed to do?!

“San Lang…” his voice wavering, “it’s ok.”

Hua Cheng looked from his glowing eyes to the lifeless eyes staring up at the sky and a gut wrenching sob was ripped from his throat, “I can't let you go again.” 

“You never did,” he said gently as he walked over to him.

Hua Cheng watched as his tears fell onto his beloved’s body before he saw another pair of arms slip under and around his body. He looked up to see his beloved’s soft gaze, “may I?” All he could do was nod, it was probably the only way he would ever be able to let go. His beloved gently took his own body from him and set it in the patch of white flowers Hua Cheng had been carefully tending all these centuries. 

As soon as his body was laid down, his beloved apprehensively walked back over to him, “San Lang?”

Hua Cheng lifted his head to meet his gaze, realizing that his beloved was keeping his distance, hesitant to come too close. He couldn't stand it!

“Gege-” he breathed shakily, reaching out for him. His beloved’s expression softened, tears welling up in his eyes which Hua Cheng took as permission to pull him into his arms. Both of them grasped at each other tightly and sank to the ground, crying and holding each other until they both calmed down.

“I thought I had lost you,” he said hoarsely as they both pulled away.

“I told you I would never leave you,” a sad smile on his face. Hua Cheng put his hand gently under his chin and tilted it up to kiss him softly and his beloved leaned in, deepening it. 

As they parted he asked, “what happens now?”

Hua Cheng sighed, “we should prepare your ashes as soon as possible.” He leaned forward to rest his forehead against his beloved’s, “to keep you safe.”

“I see,” he said in thought as he ran his fingers through Hua Cheng’s hair, “can I- do you still want me to have yours?”

Hua Cheng lifted his head in surprise, “gege, why wouldn't I?” Before his beloved could respond, he quickly pulled out the ring from his robes.

His beloved didn't meet his eyes as he spoke again, instead choosing to look down, “I didn't know if this,” he gestured to himself, “changed anything.”

“No,” he cried out softly, “no how could it? I will love you in any state, this doesn't change anything about how I feel for you.” He carefully put the necklace back on his beloved who seemed to sigh in relief as it touched his skin. As soon as Hua Cheng sat back, his beloved’s frame began to waver and in a blink Hua Cheng was looking at his beloved from before. Looking far more human but whose eyes still glowed gold and nails still crimson. 

Hua Cheng lifted his hand to gently stroke his face, “you’re beautiful in all forms my beloved.” His words made him blush lightly, only adding to the sweetness of the moment. Hua Cheng bent low to kiss his forehead softly, reveling in the feel of his soft skin against his lips. His beloved met his gaze and smiled before turning around, facing his body. 

They both moved to sit next to it before he asked, “how?”

“Put your hands on your body and pull energy in the form of spirit fire from your ghost form into the body,” he kept his tone as calm as possible, watching his beloved burn would be excruciating. “Then as the body is consumed with the spirit fire, picture what form you want it to take, it can be anything.”

His beloved looked at him thoughtfully and almost curiously, as if he was looking for something on Hua Cheng before turning back and doing as he was told. Partway through, Hua Cheng realized he couldn't bear to watch and closed his eye just before the flames erupted. When the light behind his eyelid diminished he opened his eye to see his beloved holding something in both hands, inspecting it. When he saw Hua Cheng looking at him, he asked, “hold out your hands?”

Hua Cheng lifted his shaking hands and his beloved put one hand underneath to steady them before dropping an item in his palms.

He looked down and gasped at the beauty. It was an earring that would pin in his earlobe and from it hung a large gleaming hoop. Dangling inside the hoop was a butterfly and resting at the bottom was a brilliant diamond flower, the exact flower Hua Cheng always offered to him.

“It's yours,” he whispered.

“Gege-” his voice broke.

“May I?” he asked as he gestured to put it on him.

Hua Cheng nodded still in awe as his beloved put it on him. After the earring was pinned in his ear he felt his cool fingertips trail from his ear, across his jawline and down his neck, “San Lang,” he breathed while looking him in the eye, “you’re beautiful.” 

*******

Hua Cheng mimicked his beloved’s action, his fingertips mapping out his jaw before cradling his neck, pulling him forward into a heated kiss. And oh he wanted more, needed more. They finally had nothing to fear, no axe hanging over their head. Together, they could take down any prey that dared get in their way and the thought only made him hunger for more. The kiss soon was not enough and Hua heng leaned forward and gently rested his beloved down in the bed of flowers. His beloved’s hands began to map his body slowly before one ran up his spine and into his hair tugging his closer as the other trailed much lower pulling him down on top of him, their erections pushing against each other and making both groan in each other’s mouths. 

“Gege,” he moaned against his lips as he began untying his beloved’s outer robe and pushing it to the side, dipping his head down to let his lips trace his throat down to his clavicles and sternum. 

“Ahh,” his beloved breathed as his lips went lower while his hands made quick work untying and pushing to the side the inner robe. His beloved’s back arched as his hands began to explore his naked upper body, claws gently scratching his back. “Harder,” he groaned, “oh gods- don't have to be so gentle.”

Hua Cheng’s breath caught in his throat as the meaning of what he said became clear, he growled low as lurched forward, claws digging in deeper before his nipped at his neck. His beloved making the most beautiful sounds as he began to mark him all over. Before he could begin tearing off his legwear his beloved pulled him up back to his lips and he too began undressing him. 

When his robes lay abandoned on the ground, Hua Cheng brought his mouth to his beloved’s ear and playfully nipped at it before saying, “wrap your legs around me.” Without any hesitation, he immediately wrapped his legs tight around his waist and Hua Cheng held him close, his lips finding his beloved’s once more before carrying him to the bedchamber. If anyone saw them, they were quite a sight, his beloved’s robes untied and falling off his shoulders with his arms tightly wound around Hua Cheng’s neck. 

“I love you,” his beloved whispered against his lips causing Hua Cheng to nearly fall face forward while they entered the bedchambers. His beloved had no idea what those words did to him, it made him feel like his heart was beating for the first time in centuries. 

He gently laid him down in the middle of the bed, letting his hands trailed across the plains of his muscular but slim chest and abdomen before hooking them in the waistband of his legwear. He looked up to make sure this was still what he wanted and what he laid his eyes upon was the most ethereal beauty that could possibly exist in all three dimensions. His beloved’s eyes were completely blown out, only a thin ring of brilliant gold remained, he looked completely wrecked but breathtakingly so.

“Please,” he said desperately while his hips bucked up.

Hua Cheng grinned, “as you wish, Your Highness,” his words caused his beloved to blush which Hua Cheng reveled in. He slowly pulled down his legwear, freeing his trapped erection from its constraints but as soon as he did he heard a gasp. He looked up to see his beloved looking flustered and eyes looking away. 

“Gege, are you ok?” his voice was completely serious with concern, he looked embarrassed.

He looked back, his face now as red as his nails, “umm, just a little nervous…” he trailed off.

Hua Cheng gently laid his legwear on the floor before lifting himself up and laying next to him, “gege, we can go as fast as you feel comfortable with,” he leaned his forehead back onto his, “we have all the time in the world.”

His beloved relaxed at his words and looked up, “I want you… please,” he kissed his chin softly before reaching his lips once more. Hua Cheng leaned forward into him and turned him over to lay over him, one arm resting on the elbow to hold him up while the other caressed down, low, lower until he gently touched around his length. His beloved tensed for a moment before relaxing and taking it as a cue to continue, he slowly brought his hand over and wrapped his hand around his length gently stroking him. He lightly brushed his fingers across the head, spreading his precum around his length and easing his movement.

His beloved’s head leaned back into the pillow groaning, “ah San- San Lang-” his voice going high as he began quickening his hand and tightening his grip. His words became unintelligible as he got close and right before he was going to tip over the edge he cried out, “wait!” 

Hua Cheng immediately stopped and let go at his words, “what's wrong?” he said, worried he had hurt him.

“Ah- I ummm,” he panted, he looked completely broken from his self-denied orgasm, “I want to… with you.” It took a moment for Hua Cheng to understand his words, his own arousal making his brain work slower but once he pieced it together he smiled.

“Oh gege,” he reached forward and kissed him gently, “we don't have to try everything tonight. I just want to make you feel good.”

“And you will- have been,” he quickly corrected himself, “but I also want to feel you… be as close to you as possible, in every way.”

Hua Cheng had to bite down on his tongue hard to distract himself and not release just by his words alone, “if you're sure,” he said, his voice shaking. 

“As long as you want-”

“Fuck gege, I more than want,” he growled before getting off the bed to take his own legwear off and quickly getting a bottle of oil before settling in between his legs. He kissed his inner thigh as he worked his way up until his dick was resting against his face making his beloved’s hips buck up in the air.

“Tell me if this hurts ok?” he said softly and his beloved nodded his head in reply.

Hua Cheng tried desperately not to be nervous, it was his first time doing this on someone other than himself and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt him in the process. He made sure his fingers were slick with oil before he began working him open. At the initial intrusion, his beloved clenched around his finger and Hua Cheng paused, letting his beloved relax and grow used to the sensation before continuing. Soon he was able to get two fingers in, curling his them to loosen the tight muscles inside him, making his beloved cry out in pleasure.

“More, please fuck,” his beloved cursed and Hua Cheng did what he was told and brought a third finger to open him further. “San Lang,” he cried, “I want you, please, I’m ready.” 

Hua Cheng grinned, “you sure about that?” He pumped his fingers in a few more times until there was no resistance before sitting up with his erection in clear view. 

His beloved’s eyes went wide at the sight, “oh,” he squeeked, “will that fit?”

Hua Cheng chuckled, “don't worry, beloved, I won't hurt you.”

His beloved looked up at him, his eyes filled with lust but also love, “I trust you.” 

“This will be one of the easier positions,” he said softly as he hooked one of his legs into the crook of his arm and spreading his legs wider. 

His own erection now pressed firmly at his entrance making his beloved groan in frustration. Hua Cheng was not one to leave his gege wanting and he slowly began pushing himself in, nearly falling over from the sensation. He was so tight . Never had he felt something like this before and it was almost too much to process. He was so warm inside, surrounding him as he clenched around him.

“Ahhh, gege,” he groaned as his other hand gripped onto his hip both for stability and to keep his beloved from pushing down on him quicker than he was ready. Once he was fully inside he paused, taking in the sensation and giving time for his beloved to adjust to the intrusion. 

“San Lang,” he said, gasped, “you feel so good.”

Hua Cheng couldn't stop the whimper escaping his lips from the praise before slowly pulling out just until his head was about to exit and pushed in with a little more force, causing his beloved’s body to bow with a desperate moan. “Harder,” he begged and Hua Cheng was more than happy to listen. With each thrust, his beloved grew louder and Hua Cheng began to lose his trepidations. He found his beloved liked it when his nails dug in, when he fucked him hard, bit his thigh. He begged for it. And Hua Cheng loved it all. 

As he felt his release coming he reached down and pumped his beloved two, three times before he tipped over the edge, clenching around Hua Cheng tighter and tipping him over the edge right along with him. Hua Cheng fell forward as he released, burying his head in the crook of his beloved’s neck trembling. “My beloved, ah my beloved,” he called out to him as if in prayer but with nothing to pray for. He had everything his heart desired underneath him, wrapped securely in his arms. He fell to the side when they both began coming down from their climax and held him as close as possible.

*******

As his beloved’s breathing calmed he turned over and began stroking his long hair, “thank you, beloved.”

“For what,” Hua Cheng questioned.

“For believing in me when no one else would.”

Hua Cheng leaned in to kiss him softly, “I am forever, your most devoted believer,” he whispered.

—

Every part of his body was humming, with energy, with excitement… with pleasure. It was all so overwhelming but Xie Lian wouldn't have it any other way. When they had gone to clean themselves off, Hua Cheng had gently cared for him, cleaning every part of him and soothing the slight aches that were left from their lovemaking. Xie Lian found he liked all the little aches that began to make themselves known, he would use his now abundant spiritual energy to quickly heal them later but for now he enjoyed the little reminders of what they had done. 

Once they both were clean and happily exhausted, they curled up in clean sheets before Xie Lian laid on stomach. Hua Cheng began stroking his bare back languidly, Xie Lian happy to see the calm smile back on his face. After everything he had feared the worst, that Hua Cheng would no longer see him as his god but a rival. Something he needed to keep at a distance, or worse, fight. He knew now those were ridiculous thoughts but at the time it had been hard to think clearly when his own fighting instinct wanted to lash out blindly.

“May I ask gege a question?” Hua Cheng asked hesitantly.

Xie Lian grinned, “I think you just did, but you can ask as many as you like.”

Hua Cheng paused and Xie Lian realized at that moment it would be a question to take seriously, “has gege thought about what he would like to do now that- now that he is free?”

Xie Lian appreciated how careful he was being with his words, but he stilled once his words sank in. He was free. No more shackles , he thought to himself as his hand raised up to his neck, no more fear of the monster lurking in his shadow.

“Well… I haven't had a lot of time to think about it but, I would like to help lost souls either move on or find their way here to Ghost City where they could be safe,” he said thoughtfully as he turned on his side and put his hand on Hua Cheng’s bare chest, “no one is there to protect the lost or wandering ghost fires, what if- what if I hadn't been there in time when you were trapped,” his body began to tremble at the idea, “I would have-”

Hua Cheng slid down so he was eye level and held him close, “hey, its ok shh,” he hummed, “its ok, I’m here.” He rocked them back and forth until Xie Lian realized how much he had lost control of himself. He had been trembling so hard he had bit his tongue and blood had begun to fill his mouth, and as he looked at his hand still on Hua Cheng’s chest he saw his nails had once again turned into red claws. 

“Oh San Lang,” he gasped after swallowing down the blood, “I’m sorry, I don't know what came over me.”

Hua Cheng brought his finger under his chin to make him look him in the eye, “it's to be expected, emotions… they run strong in the beginning.” As Xie Lian’s breathing and trembling calmed down, Hua Cheng continued, “I think that's a perfect role for gege,” he said smiling warmly at him, “you’d be protecting and saving the ghosts of the common people, ghosts that people with more power take advantage of in life and death.”

His voice was so loving it brought Xie Lian to tears and he buried his head in Hua Cheng’s chest and he relaxed in his warmth. They were both naturally cold but under the blankets and emotions running so hot he felt pleasantly heated all over.

“You said I could ask as many questions as I would like,” his tone turning playful, Xie Lian knew he was trying to bring back the levity of the moment.

“Mhmm,” he said as he nuzzled his head into his chest and fallen hair.

“Was there anything in particular gege would like to try next? Anything he’s been curious about?” Xie Lian felt a thrill go up his spine at his words and also from the rumble of Hua Cheng’s deep voice that echoed in his ear that was against his chest. 

“Ah-haha,” he laughed nervously, “well, I did see something in a scroll recently.” He felt Hua Cheng immediately freeze and it dawned on Xie Lian very quickly what he thought he had meant, “oh! No, not your scrolls,” he said sitting up, “I mean- if you had scrolls- I mean I saw a scroll on accident the first time we were in ghost city-” he was rambling, trying to get the words out as quickly as possible and only making it worse. 

Hua Cheng’s eye went from wide to a crescent as he grinned, a little fang hooked over his lip, “gege was looking for-”

“No!” Xie Lian cried as he buried his head in a pillow with embarrassment, “I was curious what they were selling and…” 

Hua Cheng chuckled deeply as he brought his lips to his ear, “did gege see something he liked?” he purred.

“Oh, ahh…” he couldn't help but respond to Hua Cheng’s satin voice in his ear and his hand caressing his back up and down, each time dipping lower. “There was- I mean I only saw one image that looked… I found myself thinking about it after we met…”

Hua Cheng groaned ever so quietly in his ear, so quietly he wasn't sure he meant to do it, “ah gege, this San Lang would do anything to hear more about it.” Xie Lian slowly began to turn around but it was too slow for Hua Cheng who quickly wrapped his arm under him and pressed him firmly against his chest, kissing him hard. “Let me worship you,” he moaned in his mouth.

And so he did.

—

Over the course of the following season, Xie Lian began growing quite the reputation in all three realms. First was his moniker that Hua Cheng continued to fawn over and lovingly whispering it in his ear at all occasions: Descending Cloud Flower Dragon. Descending Cloud came from the fact he kept his appearance hidden whenever he descended from the sky so as not to draw attention and alarm any passerby of a large dragon landing; therefore, it appeared a cloud had fallen from the sky when he settled back to the ground. Flower Dragon was because his primary defense, before using his teeth and claws, was to use a cloud of razor sharp flower petals, usually accompanied by silver butterflies, making for an awe-inspiringly beautiful spectacle with gruesome injuries as a result. 

After a long but surprisingly relaxed discussion with He Xuan, they all three confirmed Xie Lian’s domain was the sky, monitoring heavenly officials who traveled down to the mortal realm and catching them by surprise if they suspected foul play either directed to mortals or ghosts. His main job, however, was to ferry wandering ghost fires in his cloud to either move on or bring them to Ghost City where they would be protected until they could form fully. Ghost City in turn had taken him in as their own and fawned over him like they did with the Lord of the City. They celebrated, treating it like a recurring holiday, whenever he would arrive in his dragon form, surrounded by ghost fires that circled him happily. They would even go as far as to call him the Ghost Queen, only after someone called him the Ghost King and were thoroughly berated by their fellow ghosts saying there already was a Ghost King. 

“He’s obviously his Queen, you idiot!” A neighboring ghost shouted, which made Xie Lian go bright red and hide his face in Hua Cheng’s shoulder. 

“Gege,” he chuckled the first time they heard the title while walking the streets to try and find palatable food, “I think it suits you.” 

His words caused the crowd to erupt around them and celebrate, “San Laaaang,” he groaned, which only made Hua Cheng smile wider and laugh. The increasingly expanding crowd shouted even louder after Hua Cheng’s laugh confirmed it was true and began discussing plans. Something about a parade, drinks, public sex- it was all too much. He nearly jumped into his dragon form and flew away. But that day forward, Xie Lian was the Ghost Queen whether he liked it or not… he loved it.

—

The next year, on a hot and balmy summer night, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng were walking lazily down a hilly path when Xie Lian jumped out of Hua Cheng’s arm that was wrapped around his waist. 

“San Lang!” He said excitedly. 

Hua Cheng looked down in surprise, “what is it?”

“I know this place!” he said, looking around at the lush greenery, “I was buried here after- well never mind that,” he quickly stopped the direction his topic was going in at Hua Cheng’s pained expression, “there was a couple here that took me in and before my horrible luck ruined it, they sheltered and fed me. Did everything they could to help me.”

Hua Cheng swallowed hard before he gently stroked his arm, “would gege like to see if we can find them? I would like to thank them personally if that's ok with you.”

Xie Lian felt warmth spread in his chest, “very much so.”

It had been so many years since he had left them, he was nervous they perhaps moved on but after some searching they found the little shack he had called home. It was only a grain of sand in a desert worth of his time alive, but it had changed everything for him. When they got to the door he froze, nervous all of a sudden. What if they didn't recognize him? What if they realized he was no longer human? 

He gave himself a shake before working up the courage to knock on the door.

“I got it,” he heard the hushed sound of Li Jiao before he opened the door, “yeah wha-” his face froze and jaw dropped, “you’re…”

Xie Lian bowed low with his hands clasped before him, “thank you for your kindness and generosity when I was in desperate need.”

“Who is it?” Tsai May asked as she stepped into view. But as Xie Lian straightened from his bow her eyes went wide, “it's you!” She pushed Li Jiao to the side and grabbed him in a tight embrace, “oh gods I’m so happy it's you!”

Xie Lian staggered back for a moment before hugging her in return, “thank you,” he said through his tears, his throat tight, “thank you both for everything.”

When she pulled away her eyes flicked over to Hua Cheng and paused. Before Tsai May or Li Jiao could say anything, Hua Cheng surprised them all by bowing as low as Xie Lian had, “thank you for taking my beloved in all those years ago, your kindness saved not only him but myself as well.”

Xie Lian was speechless.

“Truly,” she said quietly in shock, “it was the least we could do. We were just glad we found him when we did.”

“Nevertheless,” Hua Cheng said as he reached into his sleeve, “please take this as a token of my sincere gratitude.” From his sleeve he pulled out a very large, very full purse that Xie Lian knew was filled with gold coins.

As he handed her the purse, Li Jiao spoke up, “but why? It was only for six days.”

“Those six days changed everything for me, more than you will ever know,” Xie Lian said, meeting his gaze.

“You will find a carved white wooden flower in that bag. If you are ever in need, pray to that flower and you will be shown the same generosity you showed my beloved.” Xie Lian looked over at Hua Cheng with so much love, he had to stop himself from grabbing him by the shoulders and pulling him down hard for a kiss.

After they accepted the gift, Tsai May invited them in for one cup of tea before both of them saw them off. Tsai May pulled Xie Lian in for one more hug with joyous tears in her eyes before they finally left. 

—

As they walked back from the couple’s house, with no real direction in mind, his beloved pointed to a lake up ahead that bordered the forest and asked if they could sit in the tree line to watch the sun rise. 

“Of course,” Hua Cheng said happily before scooping him off his feet and into his arms. He was blindingly happy, it was a perfect moment. He had experienced so many perfect moments ever since they no longer had to live in fear. As they found a soft patch of grass to sit in, Hua Cheng sat down and nestled his beloved comfortably between his legs while still holding him close. 

“Thank you for all that you did for that couple,” his beloved said tenderly while resting his head on Hua Cheng’s chest.

In all actuality, Hua Cheng had wanted to do more. If he could, he would have given them a palace in Ghost City, “gege has no reason to thank me, I wanted to do it,” he said before kissing the top of his head.

His beloved stroked his arm as his eyes started drifting as if in thought. Hua Cheng gave him a moment to think for a while but as his face darkened, he softly whispered, “gege?”

“Hmmm,” he said, still lost in thought.

“What's gege thinking?”

His beloved turned to him, feigning a smile, “just… so many years of- of unpleasant memories. So many years I could have spent with you…”

He knew exactly how he felt, he held him closer and chased away his own haunting nightmares of those years apart, “I plan on spending more years together than apart for the rest of our existence.”

“That's all I could ever ask for,” he replied before leaning his head back on his chest.

Hua Cheng calmed his nerves, it wasn't how he planned on doing it but this felt so much more intimate, more them, “my beloved, I know your my Queen and it appears all three realms are in agreement that we are joined but-” he adjusted to meet his questioning gaze, “for us, will you marry me?” The words almost stuck on the way out with how nervous he was before adding, “privately married with only a few people lucky enough to see the one I will be joined forever with in his wedding attire.”

His beloved’s eyes went wide and jaw dropped, for what felt like an eternity Hua Cheng thought he was going to say no, but then he was being pinned to the tree in a strangling embrace, “of course I will,” he nearly shouted out. 

Hua Cheng could have ascended with how elated he was to hear his words. He wrapped his arms around him in return and laughed, “gege you just made this ghost the happiest being in all three realms!”

He felt his beloved shake his head against him, “that's impossible San Lang.” He pulled back slightly from the strangling embrace to kiss him far more heatedly than he usually did when in public and Hua Cheng was more than happy to reciprocate. Too soon though he broke the kiss and pulled away, “it’s impossible because the happiest ghost would be me.” And he did seem happy, glowing even, his whole frame trembling with it.

His beloved laughed heartily at the surprised look on his face that was surely comical as Hua Cheng could barely contain his own joy.

“May I?” His beloved said excitedly and Hua Cheng knew exactly what he meant.

Hua Cheng laughed, “of course gege.”

His beloved lurched away from him and in a blink of an eye, an awe inspiring dragon was dancing like a silk ribbon caught in the wind above the lake. He felt his chest grow tight with how deeply in love with him he was. The sun began to rise and the light gleaming against his scales and the water made everything appear unreal, for how could there be something of this much beauty in all three realms? 

After his beloved danced out his happiness he came back down to Hua Cheng still in dragon form, his jaw hanging open as if he was smiling wide all the while a deep contented rumble erupted from his chest. Hua Cheng stood up and buried his head in his long golden mane. He stroked the side of his long face as he hummed along with his beloved’s rumble. 

“My beloved,” he said softly in his ear, “take us home.”

—

In the following years, Xie Lian’s name became synonymous with comfort and safety. People in their last moments would pray to him to watch over their spirits as they passed on. The heavens didn't dare provoke the Ghost King or Queen not only because they knew they would lose but also because they feared they would lose followers if it was found out they had upset the Ghost King and Queen. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng became so beloved in the mortal realm, temples were built specifically for them, always filled with flowers and a place to feel sheltered when times were hard or someone had nowhere else to go.