WangXian Forever 7

Chapter 10 Wonder

Li XiWang and Shui swam with six aunts and her mother, following where they led. They passed by the boulders that separated the ocean from where they were, and swam out into the great ocean. Here, the water pressure was higher, and Li XiWang could sense they were travelling deeper out to sea.

The little girl kept checking on Shui but he seemed to be just fine.

He kept pointing out different types of fish, hooting at the ones that were brightly coloured, or unusually shaped ones. He tried to follow an octopus and scared it accidentally, frightening himself with the inky residue it left, making a bad face at the boy as it swam away.

Li XiWang grabbed his hand, calming him, and they swam behind the others.

Up ahead there was another cavern, which Daden Yaonu entered with Zai Shu Xia, the rest of them following behind.

The narrow entrance was quite dark but as they swam further in, it opened up into a huge cavity. The craggy and misshapen sides were lit up by the bioluminescent fish feeding off the algae growing on the stone. Instead of being dark like Li XiWang expected, pretty glowing lights in pink and green and blue greeted them, a beautiful sight contrasting against the dark stone.

This is just the beginning, niece. Further ahead is what we wish to show you. Daden Yaonu told Li XiWang through their mind connection.

There was a rock pool surrounded by starfish, plankton lighting the waters. Clams and jellyfish swam by as they passed. Everything was bathed in a blue light, lit from the iridescence around them. And then just around a bend, Daden Yaonu stopped suddenly.

She motioned for Shui and Li XiWang to come closer, for right in front of them, a midnight lotus bloomed white and pretty. It's centre was yellow, a little fuzzy with pollen, newly bloomed.

This flower only blooms once a year, and only for three nights. It is said, whoever has the good fortune to see it, is blessed by the Celestial Heavens. They will accomplish anything they put their minds to.

Daden Yaonu smiled kindly at the children, but she also brought Zai Shu Xia closer.

You are also like my child. It is the duty of the eldest brother and his wife to treat younger siblings as their children. You have not returned in ten years, so let this be a blessing for all your endeavors. Consider it a belated wedding gift. Feast your eyes on this magnificent sight, for it is said this flower grows ever rarer.

Zai Shu Xia bowed to the flower.

Come, we will return to the Palace now. We have a surprise for you, there.

Daden Yaonu led the way.

She swam through the many corridors and took them straight to the blue room, reserved for Tiaopi De Long. There was a large chest made out of driftwood decorated with shells. She opened it and pulled out a magnificent cape, made from pearls strung together with gold thread.

This is part of the wedding trousseau we had made for the Seventh Dragon King's bride. We all have one, and on special occasions, it is part of our royal costumes. This is part of your heritage now.

Daden Yaonu placed the cape around Zai Shu Xia's shoulders.

Down here, you will not feel the weight of these pearls, but should you try to wear it above water, just be careful. She warned.

Zai Shu Xia was not expecting such a warm welcome, and her eyes were wetter than normal.

She hugged the ladies who were with her, one by one.

It made Li XiWang very happy to see her mother being accepted like this. In the back of her mind, she had always worried about her parents, hence the delay in letting them know whom she wanted to stay with.

Her heart felt happy that her mother and father had another home waiting for them, no matter where they travelled to. And not only a home, but family who supported them. It eased her mind that even if she stayed in Cloud Recesses, her presence was not needed here, with them.

*******

Wei Ying and the others came and met them later. The whole Dragon family wanted to come with them to the beach, so they swam up alongside Suanni.

Suanni broke the surface of the waters, flying up into the deep blue sky. He rose up into the air with a roar that shook the heavens, landing on the beach in mere seconds.

Without warning, he shook himself, his fur already drenched in sea water that wet everything within radius.

There were squeals and hoots from the dragon babies, and the beach was awash with happy laughter.

Wei Ying rubbed him behind his ears, jumping off, and then giving everyone a hand to get off safely. Suanni began to growl-pur and couldn't resist licking both Wei Ying and Lan Zhan, seeing them as a joint unit now.

Seeing the huge creature showering the visitors on the beach gave the Seven dragon Kings ideas, and they went to the sea to bring back mouthfuls if water, beginning a game of water tag.

Li XiWang, seeing this decided to retaliate, using her skills to push up a water curtain that blocked their assault.

Zai Shu Xia ran up next to her and joined in, these two girls against the seven dragons, and then the wives joined in.

Hongse and her sisters, masters of manipulating the air, created a mini tornado to shake their balance off, but the dragons gave as good as they got, until everyone was lying on the beach, tired and drying out.

Li XiWang laughed and laughed, finally feeling as if this was where she could also belong.

She managed to catch the eyes of her fathers, and they too were watching with happiness.

Family could be fun too.

*****

A/N

Sneaking in a short chapter, as I seriously won't have time later.

Enjoy your weekend and eat lots of chocolate 🍫🍫🍫

See you later!

Charlie.