Phoenix

Chapter 1 *Revised*

  * Will update as soon as I am able. I own nothing honestly especially the characters and places.

     On a moonless night, Wei Wuxian was forced to sneak into Cloud Recesses for the lectures. His group had forgotten their study invitation on the way up and sent him back to town for it. Only... When he finally returned to the clearing where he had left his group, there no one was there waiting for him.

          Getting in wasn't really a problem for him since he was born a Vampire/Phoenix hybrid. He could easily overpower human barriers. The question was if it was worth exposing that something was different about him. Being born this way was strange to most as he seemed completely human most of the time. He could be out in the sun all day yet see clearly in any darkness. His temperature was normal although he never got sick and his heart didn't beat like a human's (would or at all actually). The doctor at Lotus Pier was quite frightened when he first arrived there with no heartbeat or pulse to check. 

         His parents had died when he was only four years old. He had very few memories of them, save one that was crystal clear. It was the story of how his mother recognized that his dad was her soulmate, reassuring him that it would be as magical for him. Not that it mattered now, since like his father before him, he was now property of the Yummeng Jiang Clan.

          As long as his phoenix abilities were in the sect there was no fear of floods. He was sent out constantly to evaporate any water overflow. They would whip him for any small misbehavior to collect his tears for healing wounds and illnesses. It was unfortunate that he couldn't heal himself with them. He felt foolish with all the thinking he had been doing as of late on useless dreams and memories.

         Yet here he was for appearance's sake far away from home with his adoptive siblings in Gusu for lectures. (AKA: To keep Jiang Cheng out of trouble and take the blame for things himself, or else.) It was difficult to find a happy medium as both Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng thought of him as a brother. Their parents however had made it clear that he was a tool. Their children's sword and shield whenever necessary. He had to keep enough distance from them to not offend Madam Yu, but be close enough that Uncle Jiang was happy he was serving his purpose.

         The only reason his father had managed to leave his service to the Jiang Sect was his mother. Cangse Sanren had made a blood bath out of all those who had continually opposed giving her soulmate his freedom. Funny the things you learn while growing up after you are already stuck. So unless his mate was some random all-powerful bloodthirsty being he would never be free.

          Not that it truly mattered, as most mythical beings had been hunted down to near extinction. That was the result of his mother fighting for her soulmate's freedom. She was hated by both humans and supernatural beings alike. Humans became aware of how dangerous other beings could be when determined. Shifters were forced to go into hiding or be murdered just for existing.  Even his siblings didn't know what he was or who his parents were. They only knew his father had been a servant of the Jiangs a long time ago.

            Carefully, he climbed a wall in one of the barrier's weak points, glad he wouldn't have to break the barrier. He was holding the wine that he was hoping to share with his brother as a peace offering for losing their invitation. Never mind that he had never been entrusted the invitation by his brother since he was considered too irresponsible. This was a good time to try and mend their relationship without Madam Yu's constant interference. 

           She always seemed to be around when they started to get along. Making sure to tell Jiang Cheng how Wei Wuxian thought he was better was a constant way to push them apart. Honestly, Wei Wuxian missed his little brother and their conversations about everything. They never happened anymore. These days he was closer to Nie Huasang than to his siblings and it hurt. As far as Jiang Cheng was now concerned the only thing Wei Wuxian knew how to do was shame their sect. His lovely Shi-jie was not allowed near him as he was not her blood relative. Madam Yu had started rumors about him being interested in Jiang Yanli in a romantic capacity. It was hogwash and Shi-jie didn't care about the rumors but he would never do anything to hurt her. Her reputation was already bad with that peacock constantly smearing her name.

      The jars clinked together gently as he made it to the roof. It was moments like these that he was glad he had to wear black instead of being allowed to wear Yummeng Jiang colors. The black robes blended with the surrounding darkness perfectly.

       Wei Wuxian settled on the roof making sure the jars were safe beside him. Closing his eyes he concentrated on locating his brother's energy signature. He was immediately distracted by a strong icy energy less than five feet away. Opening his silver eyes in that direction, his breath hitched; silver met glaring gold in the face of the most beautiful person he had ever seen. He felt his undead heart beat rapidly at the sight before him. 

      This was the first time his heart had ever beaten. Now more than ever he knew how unlucky he really was. There was no way the Jiang sect would let him be with someone from the Lan clan, let alone a man. That would mean Wei Wuxian would have to join the Lan since his standing was less than a disciple. Madam Yu would never let it happen she hated him too much to allow him happiness.

        Trying to keep the bitter taste off his tongue, he made a decision. He would try to enjoy these few months by his soulmate's side. So that at least when they parted Wei Wuxian would have some sweet moments to remember him by. Never had he dared hope to find his mate in his situation. It seemed life had a cruel sense of humor after all. Giving him a taste of what things with his soulmate could be like before ripping it away. A human, no matter how noble their lineage, would never be able to free him. He would take what he could before parting for good.