WangXian Forever 5

Chapter 102 Memories

Everything disappeared, leaving a white light enveloping the three of them. Bai Hua stood tall and elegant, watching them both.

"As I said, I must ask you a question, and it is a difficult one. Do you wish for me to restore her memories of me? You have been troubled because of this duality you sense, well, it can be fixed."

"How would you do that?" Wei Ying asked her, carefully.

"I just need to open her third eye. It is easy. And it will banish the double personality." Her deeper voice did nothing to soothe him.

"But at what cost?" Wei Ying asked her. "Can she still be a little girl for a while? She's only ten years old...and...and I don't want her to grow up too fast. She'll miss the best parts of being a kid, if she's not allowed to be one."

Bai Hua pinned him with her intense gaze.

"Then what do you suggest?"

"Is there a way for her to safely connect with Xiao Mao but not affect her mind? We need that to happen too."

"Let me see. But if it's possible and we can delay her integration, then when would you recommend?"

"I think eighteen. It is a good year." Wei Ying said after a while.

"Alright. Let me see what I can do about that."

They opened their eyes.

Li XiWang jumped up and continued her frenzied packing, mumbling to herself now and again.

Wei Ying didn't move.

He just watched her, feeling a bottomless sorrow at what had happened, both to her and her parents.

Lan Zhan pulled him into his arms, knowing what he needed most right then.

Wei Ying didn't speak, only absorbing the comfort his partner offered, like a sponge. Lan Zhan had seen everything he had and understood what he was feeling. The softest scent of sandalwood washed over him...

"Being a parent...it's hard, Lan Zhan." He whispered.

The arms around him tightened.

"I'm glad I'm not alone. Not just for that, but...for everything."

"Mn. Wei Ying is never alone. I am here."

Wei Ying kissed his cheek.

"Do you think we made the right decision?" Uncertainty clouded his words.

"Mn. She can be happy for longer, just as little rabbit."

"That's what I hoped for. And I know it was for such a short time, but I'm glad she was happy with her parents. She had such a beautiful smile, don't you think?" Wei Ying also smiled, remembering her face. "She was a lovely baby. I feel better about that now, that they obviously loved each other." He sighed deeply.

Lan Zhan waited patiently. Wei Ying would go through whatever he was feeling in his own time, and that alone went a long way towards healing him. Sometimes, all he needed was for Lan Zhan to listen to him, without judgement, without input.

Wei Ying was uncomplicated like that; he loved fully, and with his whole heart, tucking away the parts that hurt him so that no one would see. But now, he was willing to show those parts to Lan Zhan, and he felt incredibly grateful to this trusting man.

"It is time to go." Li XiWang stood in front of them. "And I have something to give you. When the time comes, you will know what to do." She ended enigmatically, holding out two things in her hands.

One was a curious looking box with a lock on it. The lacquered wood was painted a green colour, like the leaves of the early spring, and the intricate patterns were outlined with gold.

"What's this?" Wei Ying asked her.

She waved a hand and the lock opened. Wei Ying lifted the lid slowly. He looked at the richness of the soil within, and realised that it was the same as the one outside. He looked up to see silver white eyes studying him.

"The soil is special and warded. It allows anything to grow, as long as you sprinkle a little with whatever you're planting. And there's a surprise." But she did not elaborate, instead, she turned her attention to the other item.

It was a shard of the blackest stone he had ever seen, blacker than the onyx of Hui Gai's knife handle. Blacker than a starless night, blacker than velvet.

Wei Ying hesitated before touching it, feeling the power that thrummed through its form, warning him not to take it lightly. He looked at Li XiWang once more.

"Here, it is safe. This place is warded to protect against such items, but out there..." She glanced at the door, "you should refrain from touching it without a safety net. It holds unimaginable threat and resentment, but it is essential to your quest."

"What is it?"

"A key. It will open doors that should remain closed for eternity."

"Then why are you giving it to me?" Wei Ying snatched his hand back, putting it behind him.

"You will need this." Her eyes were full of sadness. "I spent my last days here, looking for this, and only when I found it, I received news that it was time for me to go. Do not nullify my efforts now."

"Very well." Wei Ying put it away in his own pouch. He suddenly thought of Uncle Qiren.

"Yes. Ask him."

Li XiWang nodded, her thoughts clearly not here and present.

Why? Wei Ying wondered. How was Uncle involved in this? Miles and miles away from Cloud Recesses?

"I just want to clear some things up, while we're here." He said instead.

"Ask me anything. I will do my best." There was a twinkle in her eyes.

For a second, Wei Ying was reminded of Li XiWang as she was normally, just an inquisitive, young girl full of joy and happiness.

"Bai Hua cured the seventh Dragon King two times, before they left here, right?"

"Correct."

"Then Bai Hua was killed, just outside." He ignored the crack in his voice.

"Hm."

Neither wanted to dwell on this.

"And then a few years later, you were reborn as Yinghua, or Li XiWang."

"Yes. That is true."

"And eight years ago, Zai Shu Xia left you with my grandmother."

"Hm."

"So do you know where the Dragon King is now? If it's been eight years since he was last seen, what happened to him? Is he even alive?"

"I was not able to find out. But, given the choice, I would like to believe that yes, he still remains."

"Alright. Then I want you to know, we will do our best to find him."

"Mn." Lan Zhan smiled at him, taking his hand then. "Together."

******

A/N

Just some words/names that hopefully Google has gotten correct:

Jian Ci : Sharp Thorn

Yezi : Leaf

Zhitiao: Twig

Yinghua: Cherry Blossom

Hexie : Harmony

Going to sleep for real, dear readers. Have a great day, if you're just starting it!

I wish you all peace and happiness, and a surprise, hopefully chocolate in one form or another!