So I was going to write another story when I realizes that my last document about Halfway Hero is about two months ago... I was like "OMG!? More than two months ago?!" so I was then like:
"Alright you shits! Drop the hogwartsAU! Drop that Teacher!Ye Xiu AU! Drop that seven deadly sinsAU! Ignore If I Win for the while being! Pause that idea about Mending the Leaves continuation! No- stop those AllYe one shots! WE'RE GOING TO WORK ON HALFWAY HERO!"
Fi: shits...
Icy: alright...
Nirina: *looked up from her food magazine* What?
Muse: *perked up from her song hunting* ehh...
We're going for Wang Jiexi's chapter!
Halfway Hero
Chapter 2: The Magician and the falling goddess.
It couldn't be said Wang Jiexi was swiped off his feet. No...
The third season is Wang Jiexi's start. Although he was new, he wasn't anything young unlike those who started in their prime teen years. And of course as a player of Glory, he's also curious about One Autumn Leaf's identity. It's normal for a Glory fan to be curious after all.
Even with Lin Jie's reminders only piqued Wang Jiexi's interest further.
"She's hard to perceive. Cunning. She basically destroyed your expectation for delicate beauties. And whatever things she said to you later when you met for the first time, don't take it seriously." Is what Lin Jie told Wang Jiexi before the third season started.
So when meeting the Battle goddess... Well, Wang Jiexi really wasn't swiped off his feet but certainly he was dumbstruck.
But then Ye Xiu smiled at him, "Vaccaria's new owner? Old Jie-jie*'s successor? You really do have one big eye. "The senior pro player bluntly remarked with an unusually happy and crisp smile as like she just found a very joyous thing to be celebrated over. Clearly teasing.
Then, Wang Jiexi's appraisal dropped as he finds her annoying immadiately. But Ye Xiu just have that charm that always made her incoveniently cute... Annoying but cute.
Since then, they had become pretty good friends. They could at least casually hold out a conversation and exchange jokes once in a while (Ye Xiu always give a joke at least once in a conversation though).
Old days of Glory was pretty relaxing, everyone is acquinted finely.
The fourth season is full of surprises. The rise of new bloods that called the Golden Generation, promising new additions basically are like dusts in the fourth season, there are simply too many that it make people numb in excitement. Blue Rain's sword and curse duo, Huang Shaotian and Yu Wenzhou. Void's Li Xuan. Misty Rain's new queen, Chu Yunxiu. The three Master Tacticians. Excellent Era's perspective Launcher, Su Mucheng. And many more... But the thing that surprises Wang Jiexi the most is not within them...
The fourth season ended with the fall of the Battle goddess.
Wang Jiexi was so surprised to the point of silly. Maybe it's because he unconsciously feels that other winner is almost impossible as Excellent Era had took all three earlier championships into their own hands. Although Wang Jiexi understood that victory is not absolute, it's still surprising.
But that's the point. Nothing is absolute. Even the unbeatable Battle God, One Autumn Leaf, and his player the knowledgable goddess of Glory, Ye Xiu, could fallen too. Silently, Wang Jiexi vowed that the next season will be his'.
Wang Jiexi's discerning eyes truly didn't see anything amiss that day. Even if he is, he brushed it off because of how neglectable it was. What he knows is when he exitted the VIP seats, he found Ye Xiu in the dark corridor, smoking a cigarette.
Wang Jiexi probably should have worried about how he could recognize Ye Xiu's sillhouette in the dark but instead Wang Jiexi approached her.
"You're alright?" Wang Jiexi asked while looking down at the older woman.
Ye Xiu exhaled, her usual calm and got-nothing-to-lose eyes lose its splendor but even so she still looked back straight at Wang Jiexi's uneven eyes. In the traitorous part of Wang Jiexi's mind, he quite liked her lost eyes it made her to look vulnerable and need to be protected like a girl she is. But Wang Jiexi pushed those thoughts aside. Because the battle goddess never need to be pitied.
"The Era has changed..." Ye Xiu sighed as she looks downcast. Her voice is melancholic full of hidden grievance as she stated out those words (That Wang Jiexi later on realize just how many hidden meanings beautifully and secretely burried inside those words).
"It's normal for a change." Wang Jiexi replied earnestly, as expected girls need more encouragement. "But that doesn't mean you should give up with one lost." Wang Jiexi continued. Ye Xiu looked up, a spark of hope ignited inside those mesmerizing eyes and Wang Jiexi's heart jumped in... Delight?
Ye Xiu smiled, "Big eyed Wang, you're surprisingly good at consoling others," Wang Jiexi frowned exasperatedly at the nickname before Ye Xiu hastily added, "Thank you Wang Jiexi." her smile makes the dark corridor feel brighter. And a skip of his heartbeat is enough to tell Wang Jiexi... That he had fallen for this isolated goddess. In the fourth season, Wang Jiexi acknowledged this.
In the fifth season however, Wang Jiexi noticed. He noticed almost everything. If Han Wenqing rellied on his close rivalry to notice something's (everything's) wrong, Wang Jiexi only needed his pair of uneven discerning eyes. They mentioned "Ye Xiu's declining skill", no... She's still as good as ever. That girl almost never touch any alcoholic liquor in any gatherings why? Because she loves Glory, her passion for the game is no one could ever measure. Declining? She's as good as ever.
the problem laid in her team. Her team is isolating her... Why? Disregarding the fact that she's a top tier god, she's also a Master Tactician. In fact, it could be said she's the other three Master Tacticians' inspiration. Thunderclap, they're just a cannon fodder team without Xiao Shiqin being there. Blue Rain, rellied heavily on Yu Wenzhou's tactic to create the smallest opportunity for their ace, Huang Shaotian. Tyranny, they protects Zhang Xinjie's cleric like their lives depended on it. But why, Excellent Era instead isolated their Master Tactician who other team would kill for to be in their team? Aside for the rookie, Su Mucheng, everyone just seems so... Disgustingly sloppy.
.-.
Time flew past and before Wang Jiexi knew it half a season had gone. Another big thing happened...
Tiny Herb beat Excellent Era(1)
Of course as someone who is deeply loyal and loves his team, Wang Jiexi is very happy. Every victory is their happiness after all to attain the eternal glory. He mentioned nothing about the other side's sloppy play, he keep silent under the "Ye Xiu's skill is decreasing", he mentioned nothing because he believed Ye Xiu could solve it soon enough.
It was later on Wang Jiexi believes he's stupid when he found the girl he (Overestimate) have a feeling for is sobbing soundlessly under a tree in a secluded place of stadion outdoor when he's going out for a fresh air.
Had he's anyone other that Ye Xiu's friend, he might slowly backed out to respect the other side's privacy of not wanting to be seen. But he's Ye Xiu's friend plus having some good feeling regarding this female veteran so Wang Jiexi stepped up.
His soundless steps gather no attention from Ye Xiu before he gently laid a hand on the delicate lady's shoulder who in turn tensed and snapped her head toward the newcomer.
Wang Jiexi inclined his head slightly in greeting and inquiry trying to be nonchalant but Ye Xiu quickly turned her head away attempting to wipe off her tears.
"You don't have to," Wang Jiexi mentioned and Ye Xiu paused. The younger man bent down and settled beside Ye Xiu, not caring that he's dirtying his outfit.
"Ladies have their moment to cry, I won't judge." Wang Jiexi calmly stated and heard Ye Xiu took a deep shaky breath beside him. An urge to protect arose in Wang Jiexi's heart but he pressed it down.
"But not over a game... I'm pathetic," Ye Xiu grunted out bitterly with hoarse voice, Wang Jiexi glanced at Ye Xiu who wasn't trying to hide her face anymore.
"But Glory is not only a game to you right?" Wang Jiexi stated.
Ye Xiu stayed silent for a while before answers, "Yes... Glory is... Very important to me," Ye Xiu admitted. They stayed silent for a while before Wang Jiexi sighs.
"It's not your fault really, you played great." Wang Jiexi spoke up. Another silence occured followed by endless stream of cold breeze. The cold breeze made Wang Jiexi fastened his green coat and rearranged his scarf before noticing that Ye Xiu's attire is not exactlt suited for this kind of weather.
"Let's go back, it's cold outside." Wang Jiexi stood up and offered a hand to pull Ye Xiu up. Ye Xiu shook her head unwillingly, her eyes seemed to be ready to pour another stream of grievances and Wang Jiexi won't leave her like this.
"Come on," Wang Jiexi unceremoniously took Ye Xiu's small and delicate jade-like hand and tugged it slightly to gain her attention. But Ye Xiu shook her head again, this time is more defiant, Wang Jiexi sighed, wondering why he felt like a parent trying to coax his child who is still throwing a tantrum.
"Why not?" Wang Jiexi softly inquired, demanding a reason.
"Su Mucheng would see me like this.." Ye Xiu elaborated and Wang Jiexi felt helpless as he stares at Ye Xiu relucant expression.
"Oh? You're afraid that your friend would see you being sentimental?" Wang Jiexi mocked
Ye Xiu scowls, "I'm not being sentimental!" She refuted and Wang Jiexi gave her a look with his uneven eyes.
"... Alright yes, I'm being sentimental." Ye Xiu sulked and Wang Jiexi nods agreeingly.
"So is like that. Come on," Wang Jiexi tugged on Ye Xiu's delicate hand again.
Ye Xiu gazes up, "Can't you just leave me alone?"
"I'll leave you alone in a warmer place," both stares at each other in silent not willing to back out.
"I'm rather insensitive to weather..." Ye Xiu reasoned.
"You're being childish," they once again went silent before Wang Jiexi sighed.
"... Someone is waiting for you to be home, safe and sound. You should take care of your health." Wang Jiexi carefully reasoned with concern but what he didn't expect is for Ye Xiu to starts tearing up again after hearing that sentence.
Ye Xiu tugged her hand back, "I'm pathetic..." Ye Xiu moaned and bury her head on her knees, hugging them close.
Wang Jiexi once again kneeled down, "Hey, what's wrong?" Wang Jiexi asked concernedly. Is it because what he had said?
"I-I'm hopeless... Even though I promised to be on top I... Sobs," Ye Xiu's voice come out muffled but Wang Jiexi could hear it just fine.
"Hey... Hey, sorry... Sshhh calm down." Wang Jiexi consoled softly.
"If... If only he was here... that's what I thought. Pathetic. To think I insist to be his pillar of strength..." Ye Xiu gritted her teeth and spoke nonsensically.
"Ye Xiu... Hey, Ye Xiu," Wang Jiexi called out trying to gain Ye Xiu's attention, the more Ye Xiu didn't react the more panic he is. "Don't cry, you did nothing wrong."
"Let's get inside, crying outside in a cold weather is not exactly healthy...(2)" Wang Jiexi tried to give a reason.
"No..." Ye Xiu refused.
"Come on, I believe Su Mucheng would understand." Wang Jiexi whispered.
"She will understand and start crying too..." Ye Xiu did not deny that. "But she will become overly concerned and no doubt she will tell him..." Ye Xiu curled up into a tighter ball.
"Him? 'Him' who?" Wang Jiexi asked.
"... My lover," Ye Xiu admitted. No doubt if Su Mucheng saw her dearest Jie-jie is crying she will inform her brother at a moment notice... While also crying.
Wang Jiexi's heart tugged painfully,
"..." they fell into a silence with Wang Jiexi is staring at Ye Xiu's fragile curled up form.
a cold breeze once again swishing past and Wang Jiexi supress a shiver before noticing Ye Xiu's figure is slowly sliding off to the side. By reflex, Wang Jiexi quickly caught the older woman before she hit the ground.
"Ye Xiu!" Wang Jiexi exclaimed as he noticed Ye Xiu's secured curled form slowly uncurling weakly, her breath is weak and her face flushed red. Wang Jiexi's hand quickly placed on her forehead to check her temprature
"You're burning up!", Wang Jiexi exclaimed as his hand left her forehead. "Let's get you inside," Wang Jiexi puts his hand behind Ye Xiu's knees and Ye Xiu groaned in protest.
"It's either you're willing or not." Wang Jiexi scorned and carry her up bridal style. Wang Jiexi used a secluded route to get inside without being seen by public's eyes.
"Excuse me, I need a couch," Wang Jiexi barged into the player hall and everyone inside gawked at him. Some of the outside players who come to congratulate the victorious team starts exchanging glances.
"Ye Xiu!?" Su Mucheng, who was staying around congratulating the opposite team sincerely whilst searching for Ye Xiu's whereabout, cried out in extreme worry. She hurried over and helped Wang Jiexi to clear up the way.
"Goddess Ye?!" Everyone turned concerned and start making a way for them.
Wang Jiexi laid her down on the long couch but Ye Xiu insist to sits up, "I'm fine..." Ye Xiu brushed them off calmly but Su Mucheng is having none of it.
"Where were you? I was searching for you all over the place, I'm worried!" Su Mucheng fussed and Ye Xiu lowered her head.
"I'm okay, Mucheng." Ye Xiu replied softly.
"Ssshhh, you're not okay. We're going home okay?" Su Mucheng patted Ye Xiu' head gently, Ye Xiu's eyes become even more downcast.
"We had leaving for so long. He must be missing us no?" Su Mucheng whispered. Ye Xiu's breath hitched before she nods agreeingly.
The girls slowly stood up with Su Mucheng supporting Ye Xiu, "I'm sorry guys. But we'll have to excuse ourselves. Good luck for the next match!" Su Mucheng cheerfully bid everyone a goodbye whilst Ye Xiu nodded silently to them.
"Be careful in your way ladies,"
"Are you sure it's alright?"
"Why don't you stay for some time to make sure goddess Ye is fine?"
"Do you need an escort?" the guys in the room expressed their worry.
Wang Jiexi stepped up, "I'll send you off..." Wang Jiexi volunteered as a gentleman and a captain he is.
"That's fine, thank you." Su Mucheng nodded.
The three of them exitted the room and walked down the corridor before Ye Xiu froze solid in the spot, Wang Jiexi pause over Ye Xiu's strange behaviour whilst Su Mucheng simply smiled in a gentle manner.
There on the by the bench along the corridor, sat Excellent Era's manager(3), Cui Li, and a guy in a wheel chair. Su Mucheng approaches them.
"Manager, thank you very much for taking care of my brother here."Su Muche g bowed down thankfully.
Cui Li smiled and waved it off, "It's only a small thing, I don't mind it miss Su," what he wouldn't do for Su Mucheng's favor? Cui Li turn to nod at the two captains before went on his way, trying not to be apparent in his try to alienating himself from the lady captain.
Wang Jiexi felt Ye Xiu is taking a deep and shaky breath beside him, "Why are you here..?" Ye Xiu asked.
"To cheer you up," the man who have some similiarity to Su Mucheng answered earnestly.
Ye Xiu's head fell down in defeat, "How wasteful huh... I'm sorry..."
"What are you sorry for?"
"Su Muqiu, I-" Ye Xiu gritted her teeth and continues, "I lost..." she whispered.
Su Muqiu smiled gently, "I'm not here to see you win... Or lost... I'm here to see you. Whether you win or lose, it doesn't matter. You have tried your best."
"I..." Ye Xiu slowly approached Su Muqiu.
"Come on love... Smile." Su Muqiu smiled as if trying to encourage Ye Xiu with his action, but it's proven to be hard for Ye Xiu to smile. Ye Xiu kneeled down and let her head fell onto Su Muqiu's lap. Su Muqiu sighed.
"Even though I promised to be your pillar of strength..." Ye Xiu muffled.
"You already did. And you have done a great job at that. Cheer up okay? Your smile is my world." Su Muqiu expressed. But Ye Xiu stayed motionless before Su Muqiu felt his lap is drenched with hot tears. Su Muqiu patted his girlfriend's head a few times to console her. Wang Jiexi felt that he wasn't supposedly to see this but retreating now is already too late.
As if sensing Wang Jiexi's inner turmoil, Su Muqiu turned toward the younger man. "You're Wang Jiexi right? I'm Su Muqiu, Su Mucheng's big brother as well Ye Xiu's boyfriend... Thank you for taking care of our independent lady," Su Muqiu grinned to Wang Jiexi.
Wang Jiexi's heart tugged again as he forced out a smile, even if he had already expect that... As expected it's still painfull.
"Nice to meet you, Su Muqiu..." Wang Jiexi expressed.
"Yes, pleased to meet you too..." Su Muqiu patted Ye Xiu's head one last time before the delicate beauty finally decided to stood up and turned toward Wang Jiexi.
"Thank you... Wang Jiexi," Ye Xiu smiled toward Wang Jiexi in a sincere thanks and Su Mucheng also nodded curtly.
The three went on their way leaving Wang Jiexi to his musing.
It didn't take a pair of discerning eyes to clearly see Ye Xiu's distress is not because the lost but... Because she's afraid of the disappointment of the guy she's lovingly looking at...
Wang Jiexi sighed, the weather is getting colder isn't it?
*Old Jie-jie: Not jie-jie, "Elder sister" but Jie in Lin Jie's name. Yes, Ye Xiu called him that just to tease him (Lin Jie)
(1) headcannon, headcannon. I'm taking a liberty.
(2) speaking from experience... If you're crying when it's extremely cold and windy weather it felt worse than crying in a normal weather. You'll feel lightheaded faster and become dizzy.
(3) Manager? Or... Other thing? I'm suck at this.