Rosa: A Wangxian Reincarnation Story

Recruiting

Xue Yang called a meeting. It took him quite some time to garner a list of his recruits and send out firm and pointed invitations. He laughed when every one of them RSVP'd. Sending some of Guy's decaying fingers, which had held up nicely in his freezer, in sealed FedEx boxes along with frozen gel packs, had helped.

The real surprise had been Meng Yao. He fought long and hard, moving twice before replying after 3 invitations. Xue Yang had underestimated the little fellow's stubborn determination not to seek revenge on his old crush. A final threat to Yao's new man of  interest was heeded. Strange. The dimpled boy of yesteryear had changed, but one thing in the end, the one thing that had destroyed him in the Temple, would be the cause of XiChen's death in this lifetime. Love was a sticky thing to wallow in. It made the former Chief Cultivator weak once more, despite his born-again determination to live a simple and quiet life this time with a bew love. Such a pleasure, shaking up yet another's simple and orderly world, especially one earned from more than a millennia of torment in Hell and years as a Reaper. To destroy the one thing Yao had worked ceaselessly for was sublime!

Yang would sic the wimp on ChuChu. And Nie Huaisang. After all, he would never give Yao the honor of killing Lan XiChen. XiChen was his. Xue Yang had marked him as thoroughly as he had marked Yenay, They were his by right of possession. It would be poetic justice for Yao however; to have him kill another beloved of The Unclean Realm's former leader. Nie Huaisang was the only member of the Nie Clan that Yao had ever cared for and he had been betrayed by him in the end.

Wen Chao could have his way with Wei Ying. The slimy toad hated the Yiling Patriarch with a burning passion, simply because he had everything Wen Chao did not. Wei Ying had been gifted with looks and brains. He could have charmed the pants off of anyone he wanted to but saved himself for the incomparable Lan Zhan. The toad was green with envy, and he wanted his hands around Wei Ying's throat. He might even get a little frisky with that pretty, little Lotus. Wen Chao never gave a damn...if it had a pulse, he would fuck it.

Su She, on the other hand, wanted to run Lan Zhan through. Plain and simple. His hatred for all things Lan was focused on Lan Zhan. Every lifetime since that day when Lan Zhan had sliced off Meng Yao's arm, the pathetic wannabe had practiced his swordsmanship to meet his one precious chance. And even Yang was mildly surprised at his improvement. Amazing what motivates the sub-standard at times.

He had his minions. Now he hunked down. Time was his friend. He would abide, let his prey's anxiety rise as he sat secure, waiting for his helpers to appear and begin their own training.

He had given all his old cohorts one month, to show, or die.

Scott picked up his phone when it rang. He was excited since he had just reopened his office and had cameras and a panic button installed at his Alain's insistence. All was approved by his protective spouse, so now he could count on getting some sense of normalcy back.

"Scott Williams Regressions. Scott speaking."

The voice sounded worn and hopeless. Exhausted and lost. What he said chilled Scott to his marrow.

"I need to see you. I need to find a family patriarch. You may have a way to help me."

Wei Ying froze at the word.

Patriarch.

"I believe you have the wrong number." At the same time, he pushed the panic button.

"I hope not. It is imperative I speak with you. It is a matter of my life. Possibly much more. Please, I know you are the only one I can call with this problem from my past. Please..."

By this time Lan Zhan had entered and was listening on speaker. His hand was strong and comforting on Ying's shoulder.

"Please...I was once an animated corpse, and I bowed at your feet. Only you and three others were there. It was before I caused a fire..."

"I understand. That was an ugly end for a lifetime." He watched Lan Zhan text Lan XiChen and within moments he had joined them.

"It was nothing more than deserved. I... wish to live my first normal life but there are pressures I am feeling. May I see you? Or another colleague you could recommend?"

Wei Ying looked at the others. Lan XiChen motioned to the phone and Lan Zhan nodded, whispering, "Set the appointment. Full security surrounding the building."

"Your name please?"

"Maxwell Young."

"Maxwell. I have two associates that are visiting for a conference. May they join us? They specialize in regressions like you. May they attend? In fact, one is here with me now and wishes to speak with you."

There was a strangled silence, then, "Yes."

"Hello, Maxwell. I am Xavier. I have known Scott for what seems like eons. I would like to hear your story."

There was a smothered sob at the other end.

"Oh gods, it's been so long."

"I know. I know it seems like an eternity when you are seeking help. And we may be able to. If not, we would need to terminate our association and you would be back at the beginning of your search. Understood?"

The voice sounded a little stronger. "I understand. I hope my consultation will meet your criteria. What time?"

"It sounds urgent. Do you have time now?"

"As soon as I can walk down the mall.

"Are you needing assistance?"

"No. I am sure I am well enough to get there by myself. I am absolutely alone but no assistance is necessary."

"Good to hear. Come along."

Security, stationed daily along the mall was alerted and the three sat and waited. There was a soft knock at the door and a small figure, swamped by an oversized hoody and baggy jeans stood there. Lan Zhan grabbed an arm and pulled him in. Without speaking a word the figure was frisked to within an inch of his life. When Lan Zhan was through, he turned and they all gasped.

Meng Yao looked the same. Small, slender as a reed. Huge dark eyes, pale skin, and those dimples. The only difference was he did not smile, and the dimples did not deepen. He looked absolutely terrified.

He bowed to the ground again, as he did the last time, they had seen him.

"Please stand-up Meng Yao. Take a chair," said Wei Ying. "You do not grovel here. You were forced to do that before. Not here."

Suddenly, the door burst open, and an enraged Ming rushed into the room, her sword in her hand. It was laid at his neck and, every inch the General she once was, she hissed, "Let him stay there. This monster, whose mother killed me, stealing me from my children! This traitor, who tried to have us slaughtered at the Night Hunting Lodge! Give me one good reason not to slice his head off right fucking now!!!"

Lan XiChen's voice, calm and smooth as honey, laced equally with pride and venom, spoke.

"Meng Yao. May I reintroduce my wife, Lady Lan? Or perhaps I should say, General Hu Ming Loi!

Darling, please move your sword away an inch or two. We don't need you nicking his jugular before we ask him a few questions, do we?"