Rosa: A Wangxian Reincarnation Story

Old Enemies

When Meng Yao opened his eyes after resting he found himself looking at Nie Huaisang. Huaisang's eyes were narrow with suppressed anger; his hands shook with it. There was an implacability and strength Yao had not seen before. Here was a man, so underestimated in the past, whose real strength was showing through to Yao for the first time in their history together. It was terrifying. It was what he had reaped when he had driven Mingue to insanity, and he was finally facing this former sworn brother. His heart was thudding in his chest.

"You filthy bastard. You killed him and now you have kept him from me. For how long? How damned long have you kept him apart from me? Three lifetimes? Four?'"

:"Three. And it was his decision to return without memories. How would I know how to find you? I am new at this. I have spent more time in hell than any of you. I emerged and was not allowed access to you until I could prove my sincerity."

"Why were you chosen as his caregiver? Why?"

"I chose it because I could not find you at all in those first two lifetimes after hell. So I protected him. I kept him safe each time, always wondering if he was being pursued by Xue Yang, or others with revenge on their minds, who might discover him. I had too much to pay back to him and others. After all, it was I who ordered Xue Yang to abducted Lan XiChen and caused the horrors that befell him. I, and I alone caused the deaths of everyone during the Wen war, innocent lives lost to shore up a position of power. I set Wei Ying up deliberately as I sought my desire and revenge. I, with other Sect Leaders, also demanded the punishment requested for Lan Zhan, which in turn precipitated the downspin for Qinyang. I suggested Spy Master Lan Mingli's bargain that unleashed Lan Qiren on Yenay. All for power. All for greed.

All for my own self-protection. I now have a duty to protect Nie Mingue and all of you in whatever way I can."

"So my brother is a bargaining chip for your salvation? Is that it?" Nie Huiasang took a step closer, eyes glittering dangerously.

"Not at all. You will need me alive only as long as it takes for Mingue to agree to return with you and regains his memories. Then you can take me to the woods and slice me to ribbons with your fan, after he uses Baxia on my neck. I will do nothing to stop you."

"Deal," the younger man spat out. He turned and Lan Zhan emerged from the shadows. "I leave it to you to see he keeps his word. Understood?"

Lan Zhan nodded and watched silently as the door closed behind Nie Huaisang,

Meng Yao sighed. "Who else in next in line?"

"No one at the moment."

"Let them know I am at their disposal."

"I hope that Wei Ying will not ask to see you. He...he... carries too much weight from that time. The hatred. The scorn and shunning, the unearned guilt. It should have been yours to endure." Lan Zhan's voice broke for a moment, and he strove to regain his composure.

"You love him as much as ever."

"More than can be imagined. He still tries to forgive the unforgivable. I hope he decides to stay away from you. But he will approach you if he feels it is right; I have never been able to keep him from lost causes. 

You may join us for lunch. You are not a prisoner here. Xue Yang already knows where we are. if you told him about this place, it would be old news to him. Preparations are almost complete for our new safe house. Please list things we will need for Mingue at the new place. A vetted Doctor will join us there to attend to his, and our needs when Xue Yang attacks in the future. The new  compound is not easy to find, and you will be safe there."

As he turned to leave, Meng Yao stopped him.

"Thank you. For giving me a chance. You will never regret allowing me this bit of trust." He saw Lan Zhan's back stiffen,

"We are giving you this chance for Nie Mingue's sake. There is too much to be surmounted right now, to forgive and forget. Please come eat."

"I thank you, but I ate before I came. I am not hungry at the moment. Just tired."

"As you wish"

******************** 

The tension in the kithchen and familyroom was thick as honey on a cold day. Nie Huaisang was standing rigidly by a window, gazing down at the Vinegar Hill Mall. Chu Chu was by his side, holding his hand.

Qinyang was cutting large vegetarian subs into single servings and French onion soup, was simmering on the stove, waiting for the toasted bread and cheese. Yenay tossed a salad. They both looked grim.

Wei Ying sat quietly, absently twirling his flute between his fingers. Lan Zhan sat next to him and gazed at his face. His husband whispered .

"He has not changed. I wonder why he looks the same."

Lan Zhan pondered the statement. "I think he always wants Mingue to know him on some level, even if he reincarnates without memories."

Wei Ying nodded slowly. " I can understand that. You always, well almost always, retain your memories and seek me out. It is a strange pattern we four share. The only pattern, I hope, but a distinct one, none-the-less. Will he come out soon?"

"He says he ate earlier, but I think he is reluctant to enter the lion's den. We can be intimidating. Where is Lan XiChen?"

"In the meditation room. He is very conflicted right now. Ming is with him."

"Good."

"Do you trust him?"

Lan Zhan laughed, a sound like a sword blade slashing the air. "Yao? I believe he is sincere. But do I trust him? He has never once earned it from me. I have to say no. He has always been weak. Is he still? I do not know. I do trust Empathy though. And it tells me he is truthful right now."

Lan XiChen and Ming returned in time for lunch. The Sect Leader looked pale but composed and Lan Zhan sighed in relief. Having Ming back was a godsend. She steadied his brother, and it was a load off of Lan Zhan's shoulders. Lunch was peppered with questions about the Empathy session and everyone was in agreement...Mingue must be brought to the complex as soon as possible. And Meng Yao had to treated with caution. His glib tongue had fooled them all too easily in the past. He needed to prove himself to each and every one of them and that could take an eternity. Thier's was a force forged from bitter experience and it would be hard to accept this man, if ever. Either way, their own allegiance was rock solid.

As Lan XiChen and Ming started to clear the table, Lan Zhan saw Wei Ying pile several sandwiches on a plate. He placed them, and a bowl of soup on a tray with a cup of tea. Lan Zhan stepped forward as Ying began to head for the guest room.

"You are going in to him?"

"That's the plan, if you sorta get out of my way."

"I do not trust him yet, Wei Ying. I don't want him to..."

"Hurt me...I know my love." His silver eyes twinkled. "But I am a grown man. I can handle him myself."

'I am aware but..."

"And this tray is getting heavy. Please open the door for me. I promise, you can batter it down later if I scream for help. In fact, beat it down anytime. That would be so hot, I might jump you right in front of him!"

"Impossible. Cheeky. Brat." His eyes narrowed in promise

"Show me later,  but open the blasted door before the soup hits the floor.  Please?"

"