[MDZS] The Dragon and the Fox

A Trip to Town

Wei Ying was just a bouncing ball of energy. He literally would not sit still for a second. Lan Zhan had to keep him busy while trying to dress him neater. The two went to town with Wei Ying talking nonstop the entire way. Lan Zhan wondered where all the energy had derived from so suddenly.

As soon as they entered the town, Wei Ying began dragging Lan Zhan around to the different stalls. "Ooh! Lan Zhan! Buy this for me!" It was a black bamboo flute. He picked it up and held it, trying to feel it out. The stall owner smiled.

Stall owner: "Son, you've picked an excellent piece there. No one wants to buy it."

Wei Ying looked at the man with a confused look. "Why not? It's in excellent shape and seems to be crafted by an expert of some kind. Why wouldn't anyone buy it?"

The stall owner went quiet for a moment. After a bit, he replied, "Because it is a demonic flute which no one can control. The last one to own such a flute dropped dead the moment he tried playing it."

Wei Ying loved a good backstory. "It's fine. I will buy it. How much?"

Stall owner: "You can have it for nothing. I want to be rid of it as soon as possible."

Wei Ying thanked the man and smiled at Lan Zhan. They took off to find a tavern to eat at.

Lan Zhan: "May this one see the flute?" Wei Ying gladly allowed him to hold it. "Make certain to give it a name," he said, handing it back to Wei Ying.

Wei Ying: "Why give it a name? Is it a person?"

Lan Zhan: "It contains a spirit. Regardless if it is demonic or not, it needs to be treated with respect. Giving it a name is a sign of respect and acceptance."

Wei Ying nodded, understanding. He studied the flute closely. "It contains a spirit, so..." He thought for a good while before exclaiming, "I'll name it ChenQing!" All at once, the symbols for the name were carved onto the flute by the spirit residing inside of it. Wei Ying was awed by the sight. "Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Look!" He happily showed him the name on the flute. Lan Zhan hummed and pet Wei Ying between his ears. Wei Ying purred rather loudly.

A male in purple walked up to them. "So you were here the entire time, Wei Wuxian." Wei Ying jumped at the voice and hid behind Lan Zhan. "I've been tracking you for months now. I didn't think you would run to this guy to hide behind." The ring on the male's finger sparked and flashed purple lightning.

Lan Zhan stayed, unmoving. "Stay away from Wei Ying."

Jiang Cheng: "You think you can make me? I would love to see you try, Dragon!"

The entire tavern silenced and stared at the trio. Then whispers began to rotate throughout the building. No one had any idea the dragons still existed. Some of the people thought it was a show being put on for entertainment, but they were proven wrong when Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng glared at them. Everyone went back to their own businesses.

Jiang Cheng: "Follow me. I will listen to your side of the story."

Wei Ying: "That's the thing, Jiang Cheng. I don't remember much. Just a dark shadow. I blacked out. Next thing I know, I'm waking up, standing over your parents' bodies. You came running at me as though you were angry with me. I only ran off because you morphed into your wolf form and scared me near to death."

Jiang Cheng sighed. "I wasn't angry with you. I was upset because my parents died. I saw the shadow figure as well. Still. You didn't have to run away. I was trying to tell you something important, but you were in a daze. So, I morphed into my wolf form hoping to gain your attention. It worked, but I regret it now, since all I did was cause you to run."

Lan Zhan didn't care what explanation the other gave. He had scared his Wei Ying. Wait...his Wei Ying? Yes! Wei Ying was his and only his! No one else had a right to touch him, let alone a mere wolf!

Lan Zhan: "Leave. Now."

Jiang Cheng fumed. "What do you mean? I only wanted to speak with my servant!"

Servant? Lan Zhan looked at Wei Ying, who was looking down in shame. Wei Ying is their servant? When did that happen? Last I remember, he was a carefree child, running around the compound. Lan Zhan didn't care for the idea of Wei Ying being a servant to a lowly mutt. He glared at the other.

Lan Zhan: "Leave. Now," he repeated. Jiang Cheng huffed and walked out of the tavern. Lan Zhan turned to Wei Ying. The fox boy was sniffling, trying hard not to cry in public. Lan Zhan decided it was enough for the day and carried the poor fox to an inn. He paid for two rooms.

He carried the fox to his own room, setting him on the bed, only Wei Ying wouldn't release his hold. Lan Zhan used encouraging words to soothe and comfort the poor fox. Wei Ying eventually calmed enough to allow Lan Zhan to move away from him.

Lan Zhan: "Rest here for the night. Will head back tomorrow."

Wei Ying only nodded. Lan Zhan left Wei Ying. Wei Ying wanted to return to his hiding spot in the clearing of the woods where the brook ran through the center of it. He felt safe and comfortable there. He waited a while before blowing out the candle. When he was certain Lan Zhan was asleep, he hopped quickly and quietly out the window, landing softly on the ground below. He ran off.

He didn't make it to the tree line when he was tackled by something large and menacing. The growl which escaped it was filled with killing intent. He knew at once, it was Jiang Cheng. Wei Ying wanted to scream out for Lan Zhan to help him, but he found he couldn't speak. Jiang Cheng pinned him down. The next thing Wei Ying felt was something pricking the back of his neck. The next thing he saw was darkness.

Lan Zhan had been sleeping, but he felt a dread fall over him. He at once went to check on Wei Ying. He knocked quietly three times. Receiving no response, he opened the door to find Wei Ying's bed was still tidy and the room darkened and completely void of life. He saw the window was opened. The dread worsened and his heart raced faster, beating hard against his chest.

Not knowing what to do, he leapt through the window, landing softly on the ground below. His vision at night was excellent. He could see and smell which direction Wei Ying had headed in. He ran into the darkness of night, searching for the fox, hoping he was safe, and he would be there in time.