Hello everyone! Duìbùqǐ (sorry) for not updating in a while. I got a new job. The hours are a lot longer than I'm used to so I've been pretty tired by the time I get home. But I've managed to get time to update again. So here's another chapter! Enjoy!
-Chapter Fourteen-
"...ge. Gege."
"Ngh?"
"Gege. Wake up. We have to leave soon."
Opening his eyes, Xie Lian looked up to the red clad teen standing beside his bed as the moonlight came in through the open window. He blinked a few times before sitting up with a yawn.
"What time is it?" he asked quietly, glancing at his door that was still shut.
"About eleven," San Lang replied as the other boy stood up from his bed. "If we hurry, we can get there by time the gate opens at midnight."
"Alright."
Going over to his closet as San Lang clicked on his desk lamp, Xie Lian pulled out the outfit that San Lang had brought over for him to wear. He gave a slight blush as the other boy turned around to let him dress, despite earlier that day having their intimate moment together. Then sitting in his chair, he waited as San Lang quickly put the hair extensions in his hair to look more like the crowned prince from before. Xie Lian then pulled out some money he'd been saving and put it in the pouch bag that San Lang handed him. However, he had the teen put the pouch into another bag that he affixed to his belt at his side.
"I think that's everything," Xie Lian spoke with a smile.
"We'll take this too," San Lang said, grabbing the red umbrella he'd gotten the other teen at the Ghost Festival.
"What's that good for?"
"To keep the ghosts at their distance as we go through the woods." San Lang grabbed one of the markers off the desk before writing a line of symbols down the wooden handle. Xie Lian gave a confused look. "They're talismans to ward off evil ghosts."
"Oh. That'll be good." He gave a nod as the red clad teen capped the marker then turned off the light on the desk.
"Alright. Let's go."
Going to the window, San Lang slid his boots back on after Xie Lian got on his to match the outfit. He grabbed the umbrella and set it outside the window before slipping out into the night. The brown haired teen slipped out right after him and slid his window shut quietly.
"Alright, stick close," San Lang said as he took the white clad teen's hand in his. He led the way to the edge of the woods before stopping, put the umbrella up, and pulled the other boy close while having him hold onto it.
Pulling out a flashlight, he pointed it towards the trees to find the red ribbon tree. He knew where it was and the path needed to take, but he was doing this for Xie Lian's benefit since the other boy didn't know who he really was. Same thing with the symbols on the umbrella. They were just there for show. The real power came from him.
Pointing out the path he'd marked with white ribbons tied to the trees along the way, they made their way through the darkness. Xie Lian gave a small gasp as he saw some glowing eyes watching them as they made their way through the dark trees.
"Don't worry. We'll be safe under the umbrella," San Lang spoke up, eyeing the watchful ghosts. He gave a small narrow of his eyes on them; the golden hazel shifting to a red glow for a brief moment. They took a couple of steps back away from the two under the umbrella.
Continuing through the trees, it didn't take very long to get to the cave. The entrance was dark as they stopped outside it.
"Is it open?" Xie Lian asked as he furrowed his brow at the darkness. After all, he didn't know what to expect of an entrance to the Ghost Realm.
"It will in a minute," San Lang commented as he clicked the flashlight off. He took the umbrella and lowered it while closing it. Tilting his head upwards towards the clear sky above, he looked to the silver orb shining brightly down on them from the small clearing of the treetops.
Suddenly, the engraved letters earlier that had proclaimed it a Ghost Gate started to glow white on the rock. More letters spaced out going up around the entrance and down to the other side started to glow. As the last one finished lighting up, the cave's entrance started to radiate a matching white glow. Xie Lian's eyes widened in surprise before looking at the red clad teen beside him.
"Now it's open," the dark haired teen chuckled. He stepped forward and set the umbrella beside the entrance with the flashlight. This puzzled the other teen. "Having the umbrella with us would only make the other ghosts know who we are with those talismans." He gave a small smile. "But we should blend in alright. However, don't leave my side, understand?"
"I understand." Xie Lian nodded as the other teen held out his hand to him. He placed his hand in the other boy's before they turned and walked to the entrance.
Stepping through, there was a swirl of light around them as they took a couple more steps. A moment later, they came through to the other side; the moon shining high overhead just like in the human realm. Though the sky held a crimson tint to it.
Looking in front of him, Xie Lian could see the road stretching out before them leading down a small hill to many buildings in the distance. They were all old fashioned looking with red lanterns hanging along the buildings. On the other end of the city, he could see two larger buildings rising up that were bright crimson in colour.
"Oh wow!" he spoke up, eyes widened in awe. "It's Guǐ Shì!" He looked at San Lang. "It's just like how you described!"
"Of course," the red clad teen chuckled before they started heading for it. "We'll start at the buildings closest to this end, alright Gege?"
"Sure. But I want to also see that temple that you mentioned with all the lanterns." He pointed out to the ones in the distance. "Which one is it?"
"That one," San Lang brought his hand up and pointed to the one on the left side. "The other is Paradise Manor."
"Where Hua Cheng lives?"
"Yes."
"Can we go there?"
San Lang gave a chuckle. "We can try but he might not be home." Xie Lian pretended to furrow his brow in confusion. "He can be busy sometimes handling ordeals in the city and Ghost Realm. Sometimes he might be in the Gambling Den. He goes wherever he pleases. As the city master, he doesn't have anyone to order him around."
"Well then, I guess we can start at this end of town."
Smiling at the excitement of the younger boy, San Lang led him to the first building they came to. Xie Lian's eyes lit up at the different items he saw. But he also was equally enthralled by the different ghosts since some had human-like features while also having less than human features. Some had grey coloured skin, some eyes as white as snow, or as black as coals. Some also had slightly red glowing eyes and claw-like fingers. Also some wore masks with various emotions painted on them. They also passed a pig looking ghost that was chopping up meat. It made him blink but San Lang guided him past, keeping his distance.
Checking out more items as they moved to the next shop, he couldn't help but continue being excited. The red clad teen chuckled at him since he was like a kid in a candy store. They continued along to the next shop selling some fruit.
"Oh wow! They look good!" the younger teen said, eyeing what looked to be some apples. He realised he was a bit hungry and looked towards the red clad teen beside him.
"Do you want one?" San Lang asked. The other teen nodded. He smiled then reached out, grabbing two and handed them to the younger boy. Then pulling some coins from his money pouch he had, he handed them to the seller.
Continuing to walk along while eating their apples, Xie Lian stopped to watch one of the shop's owners sharpening a sword that another customer had. He was enthralled by the process since everything was done by hand and not electrical equipment.
Coming to another shop that sold other food seemingly freshly made, Xie Lian looked at it curiously. He'd already finished his apple and looked to the red clad teen beside him again.
"You won't want that," the darker haired boy said, shaking his head.
"Why not?"
Golden hazel eyes looked at him. "Trust me, you won't." He didn't have the heart to say that sometimes the food wasn't always fresh or hygienic. Nor did he want Xie Lian to get sick from eating something that wouldn't agree with him. The apples had been fine at least.
Making their way along, they made it almost halfway down the street towards the other end. The younger teen kept stopping and looking at everything, watching how things were done.
"Oh can we go to the temple now?" he asked San Lang.
"Sure Gege."
Taking his hand, they started walking along, heading for it. However, as they approached the Gambler's Den, the doors opened and a couple of ghosts in masks tossed another one out into the street in front of them. The ghost that had been tossed out was missing a hand. San Lang quickly put a hand up in front of Xie Lian.
"Is he...missing a hand?" the younger teen asked in surprise.
"He probably lost it in a bet," Sang Lang replied nonchalantly. Brown eyes blinked at him in astonishment. "Remember, I told you anything goes in the Gambler's Den. Even your life."
Xie Lian gave a blink recalling what he'd said as he turned his gaze to the doors that had been shut again. He noticed that there was writing on the pillars on either side and along the top of the door, though the handwriting was horrible. It reminded him a little of San Lang's handwriting, though much messier.
"'Money over life.' 'Gains over shame.' 'Hahaha!'?" he read out loud with a little difficulty deciphering the words. He gave a blink and looked at the teen in red. "Did Hua Cheng write that?"
"Well as the master of the city, he did create this establishment," San Lang chuckled.
"And all its rules?"
"Yep. Remember, the Ghost Realm isn't defined by the same rules, laws, and systems that humans follow. Or the Heavenly Realm."
Xie Lian gave a blink and looked to the spot the other ghost had been on the ground. He'd already gotten up and wandered off. With a glance at the doors, he turned to look at the red clad teen.
"Can we go inside?" Golden hazel eyes stared at him in shock at the question. "I won't bet anything, I promise. I just want to see what it's like."
"Are you sure Gege? It can get quite brutal and chaotic inside."
"Yes. I want to see."
"Alright. Then stick at my side."
Taking his hand again, Xie Lian followed San Lang to the doors. Inside, there were exquisite carpets on the floors while the walls were painted a deep crimson, similar to Hua Cheng's red outfit. It also matched the exterior of the building's red colouring. There were several ghosts with masks watching the area. Two of them were the ones that threw that ghost out earlier. Other ghosts wandered around with trays of drinks on them and there were other ghosts at the tables scattered around overseeing the games being played.
"Oh wow," Xie Lian said astounded as they wandered through the place, watching a few games going on around them.
"Care for a drink?" one of the attendants asked as they held out a tray of several glasses on it.
"Bù, xié xie," San Lang replied with a shake of his head. No, thank you. "We're good."
"Why not?" Xie Lian asked once the attendant nodded and left.
"It's alcoholic," the red clad teen replied. "Some anyways. And you really don't want that inhibiting you."
"Oh yeah. And I'm too young to drink anyway."
"Never too young as a ghost." San Lang gave a chuckle as they continued to wander and watch for a little while longer.
"Well now. Aren't you interesting," a ghost said, coming up to them a few minutes later as they watched one of the games going on. He eyed Xie Lian with a grin. "I bet that pretty little face of yours would like to come with me for a drink."
"I'm sorry but he's going to have to pass," San Lang spoke up, narrowing his eyes on the other ghost while putting a hand up in front of the white clad teen.
The ghost gave San Lang a once over and scoffed. "What are you? His babysitter?"
"As a matter of fact, he's my boyfriend," the darker haired teen replied. Xie Lian gave a small blush at actually hearing San Lang say the words out loud.
"A scrawny punk like you? Don't make me laugh." The ghost snickered. "I bet I can beat you easily with a hand tied behind my back."
"Is that a challenge?" San Lang retorted, standing his ground while narrowing his eyes on him. Some of the nearby patrons and staff turned to look at them. A couple of the bouncers also watched in curiosity. He gave a smirk in return. "Fine. Take your pick of a game. Whoever wins, gets the prize. And the loser leaves."
"Alright." The ghost went over to one of the tables and picked up the dice there as San Lang and Xie Lian came over. "Highest roll wins."
"Fine. You go first then."
Blinking in surprise, Xie Lian looked at San Lang who had a confident look on his face. The ghost gave a small sneer before rolling the dice. They fell to the table and landed with a six and a four facing up. A smirk drew the ghost's lips upwards.
"Beat that."
The red clad teen then picked up the dice before letting them fall to the table. They spun a little before landing with both sixes face up.
"I believe that's a win for me," San Lang spoke with a smug look at the ghost. "Now leave."
Gritting his teeth as he glared at the red clad teen, the ghost balled his fists up at his sides. Several others were watching, including the bouncers. Turning with a huff, the ghost headed for the exit. A small murmur went through the few who had watched.
"S-San Lang…" Brown eyes blinked at the teen that had been watching the other ghost as he left the premises. Golden hazel eyes turned to look at him.
"No need to worry, Gege," San Lang smiled as he brought his hand up and cupped the younger teen's cheek. "I'd never lose you to anyone. Especially someone like him."
Xie Lian felt his cheeks flush with warmth. He still couldn't believe he'd been a prize. But if it was San Lang, he didn't mind. Still, that had been a lucky roll to get the highest combination of all.
"Come on, Gege. Let's go to the temple now," San Lang said as he took Xie Lian's hand in his.
Making their way through the others in the building, they exited and headed out to the street. They started making their way towards the temple, stopping along the way to see more shops.
"Oh! San Lang! Look!" Xie Lian gave a wide eyed look at the black metal hand fan with silver butterflies painted on the red fabric. There was also a silver threaded tassel hanging off the bottom end of it. He picked it up and smiled.
"Do you want it?"
"Yes!"
"Alright." He gave a chuckle as he pulled out the coins needed to pay for it. Xie Lian gave a blink since despite bringing his own money, the red clad teen had been paying for everything.
"Are you going to get something?" the brown haired teen asked curiously as they started walking along again.
"I have," San Lang chuckled as he took the other boy's hand in his. "He's right here." He chuckled more at Xie Lian's embarrassed look and blushing.
Pausing again at another shop, Xie Lian picked up a book and was looking at it. San Lang stood behind him a few paces. He glanced behind him, noticing the eyes that were watching them since they'd left the Gambler's Den.
Noticing movement coming closer, San Lang turned around to face the ghost that had challenged him earlier. He narrowed his eyes as they shifted to glowing crimson. È'ming appeared at his side and flew towards the ghost, stabbing into the ground in front of him. A couple of silver butterflies also fluttered up around him. The ghost looked at him in wide eyed surprise. Even he had heard of the silver butterflies and how they belonged to Hua Cheng, Guǐ Shì's master. No one went up against Xuè Yǔ Tàn Huā and lived to tell the tale. Though no one also knew what Hua Cheng truly looked like. He was surprised to find he looked like a teenager.
Taking a couple of slow steps backwards, the ghost turned and quickly headed in the opposite direction. San Lang watched him as he disappeared out of sight while recalling È'ming back to him. The scimitar hovered in front of him for a moment before it disappeared with his magic as did the silver butterflies. He gave a blink as his eyes returned back to their golden hazel colour.
"Ne, San Lang?" The red clad teen turned back to the other boy just as he turned and looked up from the book.
"Yes Gege?" He went over to his side, sighing mentally in relief that it seemed he hadn't noticed the disturbance that had gone on.
"Can I get this book too?"
"Sure Gege."
Going to pay for it, the white clad teen smiled, holding onto the book and fan as they continued on to the temple. When they finally reached it, Xie Lian looked at the paved stones leading up to it.
"Qiāndēng Miào," he spoke softly before looking up at the many lanterns lighting the area.
Looking towards the red clad teen beside him, Xie Lian remembered when he was telling him about Guǐ Shì. Despite it being a temple, he'd said it wasn't for worshipping any gods.
"It's a place dedicated to someone that Hua Cheng cared for deeply."
That someone was his previous life as his friend, Hua Xie.
"It's so beautiful," the brown eyed teen said as they walked forward together after Xie Lian had taken San Lang's hand in his. They entered the main hall, only to find it empty and bare for the most part. But there were many lanterns lighting up the intricately designed space. "And it's all for honouring someone that Hua Cheng lost?"
"Yes."
San Lang gave a blink as the other boy stepped backwards from him after handing the book and fan to hold onto. The white clad teen looked up around the open area before raising his arms up over his head to the lanterns above.
Giving a small twirl in a circle slowly taking in the beauty and simplicity of it all, Xie Lian tried to fathom the fact that this beautiful place had been built for his memory hundreds of years ago. While he didn't know the whole story other than what San Lang had told him about Hua Xie dying at the hands of some thieves, it had affected his friend deeply.
"He was killed. Some thieves broke into the place we stayed and fatally wounded him. And there was nothing I could do to help him."
"I truly wanted to make each of the thieves suffer a slow, painful death."
"They're gone now. Rotting in Hell like they should."
Turning to look at the honey coloured eyes watching him while slowly lowering his arms to his sides, Xie Lian wondered just what had made him become a ghost. Had it really been because of him dying as Hua Xie? He wanted to ask so many questions but he didn't know where to start. It felt so hard to simply speak up and tell him he knew San Lang was Hua Cheng; that he didn't have to pretend anymore.
"Um...San Lang?"
"Yes Gege?" Golden hazel eyes looked at the brown eyes gazing at him. They seemed full of questions.
"I…" The younger teen bit his lower lip slightly before looking around. "Is there a way to light another lantern? I'd like to light one."
Honey eyes blinked in surprise at the words. "Yes. There should be more lanterns." He knew where they were. "Here. Hold onto these and I'll go find one."
Nodding, Xie Lian took his book and fan back while watching the red clad teen glance around before walking off to the doorway leading to another spot in the temple. He looked down at the book and fan in his hands and smiled softly. San Lang would be surprised just who he wanted to light it for.
"I found one, Gege."
Looking up, San Lang came back holding one and a lit candle. Xie Lian smiled as he set his two items down on the floor and took the candle, using it to light the lantern. He handed the candle back to the red clad teen before taking the lantern and held onto it.
"I light this lantern for you, San Lang," he said softly. "You've been a light in the darkness and I'm truly grateful for you and everything you've done for me." He gave a pause and looked at the other teen. "And for Xiao Hua and Hua Cheng. An equal light in that darkness."
San Lang's eyes widened in surprise at the white clad teen's words. For all the thousands of lanterns he'd raised for his beloved standing before him, Xie Lian was raising a lantern in return for him. It truly moved him enough that he wanted to reveal himself to the younger teen.
Smiling at the shocked look on the darker haired boy's face, Xie Lian looked to the lantern before letting it go. It raised up into the air, floating to the others above. He then turned to the still flabbergasted teen before pulling him into a hug. San Lang blushed a little, dropping the candle that went out before hitting the floor. It rolled away a little from them as he brought his arms up to return the embrace.
Giving the younger teen a soft squeeze, San Lang closed his eyes as he held onto him. It made him truly happy in this very moment to be here with him. And every fibre in his being wanted to tell him everything. But he also didn't want this moment to end. He'd rather stay just like this forever.
Suddenly, a soft flutter of wings caught his attention as he opened his eyes and glanced up towards one of his silver butterflies overhead. He gave a small furrow of his brow at it then widened his eyes as it reminded him that daybreak was near in the human realm.
Letting go of Xie Lian quickly, he stepped back and looked towards the windows. How had he lost track of time like this? Usually he kept track better. He looked back at the white clad teen that had furrowed his brow in confusion.
"What's wrong San Lang?"
"Daybreak," the red clad teen said in a worried tone. "In the human realm at the gate. It's almost there."
"What?" Xie Lian's eyes widened in surprise as San Lang grabbed the book and fan off the floor and stuck them inside his outer red jacket, using magic to keep them there.
"Come on. We need to leave. Now!"
Grabbing Xie Lian's hand, they headed to the doors of the temple. They quickly made their way back to the main part of the street and headed towards the gate's entrance on the other end of the city. But it was also a fairly large place and the street was long. As they ran, they kept bumping into other ghosts that were still milling about.
"Gah!" Xie Lian said as he tripped after knocking into a ghost that was large in body. The ghost looked at him as San Lang helped him to his feet. "D-duìbùqǐ!"
Taking off after the slight delay, San Lang weaved through a few others that had blocked part of their path.
"Move!" he called out, getting their attention as they quickly got out of the way.
Breaking through the last of the crowd at the end of town, they ran as fast as they could for the gate up the slight hill. As they neared it, the portal started to waver. San Lang knew it was closing and there wouldn't be time to get through for both of them.
Gripping Xie Lian's hand a little bit, he pulled him closer as he used his strength to shove the other boy forward towards the portal's entrance. The white clad boy gave a gasp as he stumbled forward through it.
Coming out through the other side, Xie Lian stumbled and landed on the ground outside the cave. He quickly turned just as the white glow at the entrance faded along with the glowing white letters that had been around the entrance. The darkness leading into the cave returned as his eyes widened.
"S-San Lang?" he spoke quietly at first as he slowly rose to his feet. "San Lang!" He ran towards the cave only to go inside instead of through the portal. "San Lang! San Lang!" He ran back out and looked into the trees that were still darkened as the first touches of dawn started to lighten the sky above. "San Lang!"
Falling to his knees, he started to sob. His heart ached as he clenched his hands into fists in the dirt.
"San Lang…" He sobbed more as tears poured down his cheeks. "I want him back. Just come back!"
A shadow stood in the entrance of the cave as two toned eyes, one dark and one red, watched the sobbing boy that had his back to him, hunched over into a ball on the ground. Two silver butterflies fluttered around him, softly lighting the red jacket he wore and the long, raven black hair that fell down to his waist. It made his heart ache seeing how torn up Xie Lian was thinking he'd just lost him. He pulled his lips into a thin line as he took a step forward out of the cave.
Hearing the sound of metal clinking with a couple of steps before ceasing, Xie Lian looked up as he opened his eyes. He turned around only to see San Lang walking from the cave's entrance in the growing grey light of dawn. His eyes widened at seeing his friend there.
"S-San Lang?" He slowly rose to his feet as the other teen stopped a metre from him.
"I guess Hua Cheng opened the gate for me to get back through," Hua Cheng said with a small rub to the back of his head, trying to play it off to the younger teen. He saw the other boy's lip quiver and the fresh tears on his face.
"San Lang!" Xie Lian practically threw himself at the red clad teen, who was able to react just quickly enough to catch the younger boy. The two fell to the ground with Hua Cheng landing on his butt. Xie Lian clutched the red jacket in his hands and buried his face in his chest as he started crying again.
Blinking at having made Xie Lian cry, Hua Cheng brought a hand up to the back of the other teen's head and gently threaded his fingers through his hair while the other rested at the small of his back. He closed his eyes, feeling regret at making him be in this state.
"Duìbùqǐ for worrying you, Gege."
Lifting his head as the light of day got brighter, Xie Lian looked into those golden hazel eyes gazing back at him. He gave a hiccuping sob as he leaned back a little from the other boy. There was a hint of shame on his face as he turned his head and that honey coloured gaze of his away.
"San Lang?" he spoke quietly. Those golden hazel eyes remained averted with that look of shame still on his face. "Xiao Hua."
Hearing that name, Hua Cheng turned his gaze back to the brown ones watching him. A look of surprise crossed his features.
"Or should I say, Hua Cheng?"
Hua Cheng blinked in even more surprise at the teen still somewhat clinging to him. Had he just heard him right? He started to open his mouth but Xie Lian gave a shake of his head while placing a finger against his lips.
"I know who you are so you don't have to hide it anymore."
Golden hazel eyes blinked in surprise again as the other teen pulled his finger away from his lips. He gave a small furrow of his brow in confusion.
"How did you figure it out? When?" While it wasn't like he hadn't outright said he was, he also hadn't hidden the fact of who he was at times.
"The morning of the Ghost Festival was when I more or less realised it," Xie Lian replied, blushing a little. This got the other boy to furrow his brow a little. "When I woke up, I noticed that you smelled just like Hua Cheng did the night being carried to the cave. I thought maybe it was just coincidence but watching you sleep, I also noticed your face reminded me a lot of Xiao Hua with your hair down. When I brought my hand in front of your right eye, you really reminded me of him. But your eye colour was completely different. I thought maybe it was just a coincidence.
"But as I continued to watch you sleep, I remembered some of the things you said and did that reminded me of Xiao Hua. Defending me against those thugs that time reminded me of when I was little and some bullies pushed me down at the park. Xiao Hua beat them up just like you had to those other guys.
"After dealing with them, when we were walking back towards my house, you were so distraught looking. You told me you didn't want to lose me again. I thought maybe you were remembering about Hua Xie so I didn't think much of it then. But after showing me that picture of Tài Zǐ Diànxià being like the one you'd sketched out of your friend and how you talked about him and complimenting me on being like a prince…"
Hua Cheng gave a blink at Xie Lian's words. He had figured it out from that alone?
"But it wasn't just that either. When I thought back to Xiao Hua, he too had someone he said he'd lost that had been precious to him. Though I was young so I didn't fully understand his words then. Or the fact that despite being older, he also called me 'gege' just like you do. And that he'd protect me from any bullies just like you said you'd go as the protector of Tài Zǐ Diànxià for the Ghost Festival.
"And then, you started to wake up from sleep and that's when I saw it," Xie Lian continued. "Your eyes had changed from the normal golden hazel I'd always seen you with. Instead, your left one was dark just like Xiao Hua had and your right eye was the same red as Hua Cheng's. But when you blinked, they returned back to your normal eye colour again.
"I thought maybe I was seeing things, but then I remembered how you had mentioned how Hua Cheng was really powerful as a Ghost King with magic. And that time that the spirit butterfly came to heal my hand and you said that he also knew a lot of things. That also reminded me of the time when I'd been injured and Xiao Hua had fought those bullies. I remembered scraping my hands and knees but the next day they were healed with nothing to show for it just like that time with the butterfly. But back then, I hadn't run into Hua Cheng yet. Or so I thought.
"Only if Xiao Hua were Hua Cheng could it have been possible. Both have dark left eyes and both were blinded in their right. I never saw Xiao Hua's right eye colour but I came to the conclusion that it had to have been red, just like Hua Cheng's. Then there was you, who looked a lot like an older Xiao Hua. Only the eyes didn't match up, unless with magic you were able to make them change colour. Something that Hua Cheng could do easily, I was certain."
Golden hazel eyes gave another blink at the younger teen's words. He'd seen his eyes change colour that morning? He hadn't been aware of his magic having faltered for that moment. Then again it was like when he'd woken up after their intimate moment together and he'd gone to the bathroom to wash his hands only to find his eyes had gone back to their normal colour. Had he seen them then?
Xie Lian gave a small blush as he looked down towards Hua Cheng's chest. "I wanted to be sure so I tested a few other things out," he continued. "When I laid my head on your lap in the cave when we found it, it reminded me of that night laying it on Hua Cheng's lap. Or when you carried me after I twisted my ankle. It was like that night too." He gave a pause as he blushed even more. "Or after that time we spent together helping each other to release ourselves. When you opened your eyes laying there, they were the two toned ones again. But instead of changing back after a blink, they remained that way until you fell asleep on me. When you woke me up, they were back to the colour they are now."
"Y-you saw them like that?" Hua Cheng gave another blink. "And you didn't say anything?"
"B-bù." No. "I was curious as to why they'd turned that way but I was too afraid to ask." He gripped the red jacket a little; his eyes on his hands still. "I was so afraid that if I said anything about you being Hua Cheng, you'd disappear on me like you did as Xiao Hua. And...I didn't want to lose you again."
Blinking at Xie Lian's words, Hua Cheng couldn't help but avert his gaze once more. He remembered the younger teen wondering why he'd left him back then.
"I'm sure he had his reasons. I just hope one day I'll know why."
"Gege, I…" He looked back to the brown eyes watching him. He brought his hands up and hugged him. "Duìbùqǐ. Duìbùqǐ for leaving you back then. I shouldn't have left. I should have stayed. I should have told you everything from the beginning. But I was so afraid that I'd lose you too."
Xie Lian gave a blink as he was held in Hua Cheng's arms. He could hear the slight waver in his voice as he spoke, his tone having a hint of fear in it. It reminded him of that time after the red clad teen had gotten into that fight with those guys and he'd hugged him while saying he didn't want to lose him again.
"Am I….am I Hua Xie?" he asked curiously, finally able to get the words out.
Letting up on his embrace, Hua Cheng leaned back to look at the questioning brown orbs looking at him. They searched his face waiting for his answer.
"Yes. And no." The younger teen blinked. "No, you're not him directly but yes, you are his reincarnation."
"That's what I thought." Golden hazel eyes blinked at his words. "I also started to think about it when I pieced things together. Why you seemed to choose me, protected me, and stayed close." He gave a pause. "But you also seemed to have high praises for Tài Zǐ Diànxià. Was I also him too?"
Hua Cheng gave a small smile. "Tài Zǐ Diànxià is Hua Xie. Or rather, his...your name then was also Xie Lian."
"Wait...so Hua Xie wasn't his...my name?"
The darker haired teen shook his head. "Bù. Hua Xie was an alias he took on after he fled the palace with his two servants, Mu Qing and Feng Xin. And his cousin, Xiao Jing. Since there were those from Yong'an that still hated those of Xianle, they had to take on alias names." He paused, a small tug of his lips going upwards. "Mu Qing took on the name Fu Yao and Feng Xin took on the name Nan Feng."
"N-Nan Feng and Fu Yao?" Xie Lian gave a blink at the names of his friends. "Do you mean they're reincarnated too?"
"From what I remember of their personalities back then, they're pretty much nearly the same," Hua Cheng replied with a small chuckle. "While they do appear a tad different looking than they did back then, I wouldn't doubt that they're them. They did swear to protect their prince with their lives back then." He paused, glancing away as a sad look passed through his eyes. "Though even they didn't live long after returning with you either."
Blinking, Xie Lian recalled how Hua Cheng had said Hua Xie had been killed by an attack from thieves and fatally wounded. He put a hand up to the other teen's cheek and tilted his head to look back at him. "Will you tell me what happened? All of it? From the beginning?"
"I…." He pulled his lips into a thin line as he looked at the other boy. He also noticed it was getting lighter out. "I will. But right now, I should get you back home before your mother wakes up and notices you're gone."
"Oh crap! You're right!" He quickly got up off of the red clad teen's lap and got to his feet. Hua Cheng stood back up before bringing his hand up to wipe away the remaining wetness of tears on the white clad teen's cheeks.
Grabbing the umbrella and flashlight, Hua Cheng held out his hand to the younger teen, who took it, before heading away from the cave and through the trees. They made their way as quickly as possible. Xie Lian's house came into view shortly.
Giving a glance around at the still sleepy neighbourhood, they quickly ran across the open field to Xie Lian's window. Hua Cheng gave a pause as he put a hand to the window and looked upwards to the second floor above. He'd sent a butterfly to watch her.
"Your mother's still asleep," he spoke up quietly before sliding the window open after handing the umbrella and flashlight to the other teen. The brown haired teen furrowed his brow slightly in confusion. "I sent a butterfly to keep watch."
"Oh like you did with Fu Yao and Nan Feng that night?"
Hua Cheng gave a small chuckle. "Yeah. I did."
"I knew you would."
"Is that why you said what you said and looked at me?" Xie Lian blushed a little and nodded. "I thought so. But I was a little confused why you looked at me when you said it. I wondered if you had figured it out but I guess I didn't want to ask in case you didn't actually know."
Slipping inside, Hua Cheng took the umbrella and flashlight before the white clad teen followed in, pulling off his shoes as Hua Cheng pulled off his boots. Xie Lian took his and put them in the closet to hide and looked down at his white clothes. There were a few dirt stains on it that made him give a sheepish look to the red clad teen.
"Don't worry about it," Hua Cheng smiled as he held out the other boy's pyjamas.
Getting changed, Xie Lian put the robes on a hanger and hung them back up for the time being. He'd have to wash them later when his mother wasn't around to ask where he'd gotten them from. Looking at Hua Cheng, the other teen had already set the umbrella back in its spot. He'd pulled out the money pouch that had his allowance he'd never used in Guǐ Shì. However, the other teen reached in his red robes and pulled out the book and fan he had gotten.
"I almost forgot about those," he spoke up with a blink as Hua Cheng held them out to him.
"I wouldn't have forgotten." He gave a smile as Xie Lian went to put them on his desk with the money pouch that Hua Cheng had set down for him.
Turning to the red clad boy, Xie Lian kissed him. The other wrapped his arms around him and kissed him back for a moment. He then broke the kiss, albeit reluctantly.
"You better get in bed. Your mother's awake."
"Crap!" he squeaked softly before going to lay down.
"But you shouldn't forget these," Hua Cheng pointed out as he reached up and touched the extensions to the younger teen's hair. He gave a small chuckle before quickly removing them and hid them in a desk drawer to remain out of sight.
Going back over to the window, he slipped on his boots again as brown eyes looked at him. "San Lang?"
"Just get some sleep, Gege. You had a long night. I'll be here later when your mother leaves." He came over and captured the younger boy's lips again. "I promise I'm not going to leave anywhere."
"Alright."
Watching the red clad teen climb back out the window and shut it before disappearing from sight, Xie Lian smiled to himself as he laid down. The exhaustion of being up all night finally hit him and he fell asleep quickly before his mother came down to check on him.
Well, that's the chapter. Xie Lian got to see Guǐ Shì. And finally tell San Lang he knows he's Hua Cheng. *grins* But that was quite a close call to almost getting stuck in Guǐ Shì.
Anyways, thanks again for being patient in me getting this chapter up and for reading it. I appreciate all comments, reviews, and critiques given! I'll update again soon!
~Bù - No. (Boo)
~Xié xie - Thank you. (She-yeh sheh)
~Duìbùqǐ - Sorry. (Dweh-boo-chi)