Broken Bones are Fixed With Love {Beefleaf//2xuan}

Black Water Sinking Denial

(3749 words)

-1 week ago, Black Water Manor-

"He's dying, you know," Hua Cheng's voice appeared out of the blue. The man himself emerged from the shadows. He Xuan could only watch as the other Ghost King trespassed on his territory, unable to do anything as his debt hung like the Sword of Damocles.

"Who are you talking about?"

"The only person you care for."

Shi Qingxuan. The name reverberated through He Xuan's very soul.

"He arrived at Puqi Shrine a week ago, and he's not looking good..." Hua Cheng continued casually, as though they were talking about the weather. He Xuan could only think of one thing at a time. First, he knows . Hua Cheng knew the infamous Black Water couldn't exact his revenge, and though the Wind Master was dying... it wasn't his own doing. Second, he's dying . Shi Qingxuan, the brother of his sworn enemy, his own fate-switched... was dying.

"Now, I'm not one to pry into your personal affairs, Black Water, but honestly what did you do to Lord Wind Master?" Hua Cheng somehow knew exactly what to say to get the most visceral reaction from him.

Despite his racing mind and the echoing silence, He Xuan remained composed. There was a slight shake in his hands that he couldn't get rid of, so he busied them adjusting his robes, "Is that all you came to tell me?"

"That... and one more thing: I may be a little busy for the next week, so if you happen to stop by Puqi Shrine... I might not notice," Hua Cheng turned on his heel, dice in hand, about to leave when he stopped and turned back around, "I'm still feeding the bonefish next month, right?"

He Xuan just barely resisted the urge to throw something at him, the other Ghost King laughing in his dark-toned voice. It would do nothing anyways. He was already gone.

Once he was sure the other's presence had left, He Xuan stumbled, leaning against the wall in Black Water Manor. The dark and dreary atmosphere suddenly felt stifling, a feeling He Xuan had never experienced before. Though he didn't need to, he took deep breaths in and out over and over again, steadying himself. Hua Cheng wouldn't lie to him, he knew that. Shi Qingxuan was truly dying at Puqi Shrine. The Red King, Master of Ghost City, was offering some sort of olive branch by freely giving such information. He Xuan could only wonder what scheme the other was plotting, what scheme he was clearly about to walk straight into.

Cursing both himself for behaving in such a way and Shi Wudu for having such a brother, He Xuan set out to find out what he could. Somehow, this matter felt like something he couldn't leave to spies, and so went himself. Disguised as one of the many civilians seeking blessings, He Xuan kept vigil over Shi Qingxuan's condition. He noted how close to death the other felt, as was the innate ability of someone who was already dead. He noted how he still seemed so lively, the center of attention in every situation. There were several times where those visiting would vie for his ear, just so they could tell their stories.

He noted how Shi Qingxuan seemed to make everyone pleased, and feel heard. He knew from personal experience from tagging along on the other's adventures that it wasn't this former Wind Master's intention, but merely his natural talent. He did not mean to, and if he did not please others, he didn't care... however, it was an added bonus that he did not fail to acknowledge. Although, this acknowledgement often consisted of speaking excitedly to He Xuan later, after the fact.

As he watched, He Xuan noted with each passing day that Shi Qingxuan was present to listen less and less. He noted how tired the other seemed, compared to his usually bubbly energy. For five days, He Xuan watched. Never once did Shi Qingxuan recognize him, though there were times they would lock gazes and something would flash in his eyes. The next day He Xuan would wear a different disguise.