Chapter 12

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The journey felt neither long nor short - the time was merely passing, unrestrained by the confines of regularity and measured only by the ebbing of life within his hands. Guided only by the faint silhouette of a haggard Wen Ning, the group flew onwards. This was not how Lan Zhan had envisioned his next visit to the burial mounds: he had been hoping to accompany Wei Ying and A-Yuan back from the celebrations and stay a while among the healing liberality and community of the Wens. Instead, he was hurtling back in search of the singular person who could save his fast-deteriorating, foolishly considerate, tragically fated love. 

The atmosphere was hopeless and flat, as though a dampener had been placed around the live wires within his heart, and even A-Yuan had relented to the despotic silence. If not for his own precious load, he longed to swoop over and press kisses to the mottled red face of the child in an attempt to offer even a whisper of comfort. How strange to think just this afternoon, that same child had seemed so happy, pure and bubbly? A child which now trembled unconsciously, mind ravaged with scarring betrayal and confliction accentuated by an infantile grasp on society. A cruel metaphor. A world so shifted without movement.

Eventually, the familiar shape of the burial mounds crested over the horizon and Lan Zhan's desperation resurfaced. Not much further to go.

"Wei Ying you must hold on just a little longer. Just this once. This will be the last time I will ever witness you suffer like this: in future I will stand with you as a dependable shield. So you must hold on Wei Ying!" He whispered.

They crossed over Yiling, past the suburbs they flew, the thick, magical barrier stagnant in the air ahead reeking of power. They proceeded towards the safety of the settlement with haste. In front of him, Wen Ning and A-Yuan flew through the barrier with ease however Lan Zhan was viciously thrown through the air, repelled by the enchantment. Luckily, his steely grip held Wei Ying in place but he was shocked, then worried, then crushingly saddened. Wei Ying had shut the barriers to him. He hadn't even trusted Lan Zhan with the lives of his people. 

Perhaps, his blind love had tricked him into perceiving a closer relationship than reality. His injured heart somehow managed to hurt more. He couldn't dwell on the issue though. Wei Ying needed to get through that barrier somehow and as much as it aggrieved him, he couldn't be the one to take him through. 

Wen Ning had already disappeared from sight but Lan Zhan knew he would return after depositing the child with another. Sure enough, the man soon returned and pried his master from the icy grip of the Lan. He said some things before leaving but everything went way above his head. He was unable to process anything. So he just sat. Sat on the cold, hard floor and stared into the distance, praying for good news to sanctify him.

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Author's Note:

Sorry this is very short (and not properly proof read), it is very late and I just wanted to get something written. Apologies for the very long wait, in all honestly, I just couldn't find the time and will to continue this story but hopefully, I will get back into it. Thank you for the comments. 

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⏰ Last updated: Feb 19, 2023 ⏰

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