Ghost

The Healer

It's been a month since Wei Ying and Lan Zhan have been going to the safe place. They named it Yun Zhong de Tiantang (Heaven in the Clouds). Spending time there seemed to make them stronger and happier.

This morning, Lan Xichen walked into the Jingshi with a guest. Lan Zhan is surprised since no one comes there other than the healers. Lan Xichen steps closer to Lan Zhan while the guest hangs back in the doorway. "Wangji, this man is a healer from a clan far away. He has answered my plea for help with your wounds. If you allow, he would like to examine you and see if he can help." Lan Zhan is curious but also wary. He doesn't like strangers, but he looks at A-Yuan, who is quietly watching him and slowly nods. His eyes never leave the stranger. Slowly, the stranger stepped into the Jingshi and closer to Lan Zhan. A-Yuan also steps closer to Lan Zhan and slips his tiny hand into the giant hand of his father.

The healer is making mental notes of all this. He bows to Lan Zhan and A-Yan and looks at both of them. "My name is Sun Hua, and I'm a healer from the Lotus Clan. I'm happy to meet you both. Father and son I presume. Both look at each other rather than the healer and nod. Lan Xichen appreciates how the healer includes the child and feels this man will be good for them.

Lan Zhan asked, "Why are you called the Lotus Clan?

Sun Hua says, "We are the protectors and cultivators of the Lotus flowers. "Do you like Lotus flowers?"

"No, I Love Lotus flowers. The scent of my lover." Lan Zhan thinks. But to the healer, he only nods his head. Then, A-Yuan squeezes Lan Zhan's hand. He looks at A-Yuan, who only whispers one word, "Baba." Lan Zhan whispers back, "Yes, Baba." The healer notices the exchange but says nothing as he senses this is a private moment. He then clears his throat and says With your permission, if I may, I would like to examine you and then discuss my findings with you all. Lan Xichen picks up A-Yuan and places him on his lap while the healer does his work. He is methodical but gentle. Lan Zhan doesn't make a sound and tries hard not to show distress. The healer is finally done and asks for tea for everyone. It seemed everyone was holding their breath until he was done. It would do everyone some good.

Sun Hua smiles gently, the kind of smile that reaches the eyes. He looked at them and said, "I am very confident I can heal you. The treatment will take some time, but you will be pleased with the results. I will develop the plan tonight and let you know more tomorrow. Is that acceptable to everyone?"

Lan Xichen cried while holding A-Yuan and could only nod his head yes. He cannot believe his little brother will be healed. He knew this man would be suitable for them.

The healer looks at Lan Zhan more carefully. Other than his apparent injuries, this young man has gone through a lot in his young life. He sees a young man who is wary and silent—showing no emotions on his beautiful and haunted face. He senses that trust does not come easy and must be earned. He also sees quiet strength and intelligence coming from him. As a healer, he knows he must earn the patient's trust to treat them. He thinks with Lan Zhan, he must earn his trust before he treats him.

So, with gentle eyes and a smile, he asks, "Shall I tell you a little about my home? Are you too tired?" Lan Zhan slowly nods his head no. He asked Lan Xichen to place A-Yuan on the bed with him. So that they can share this moment, which is a father-and-son moment, he kisses the top of A-Yuan's head and settles himself and the child more comfortably. Lan Xichen also moves his chair closer. He doesn't want to miss anything.

Sun Hua clears his throat and begins, " For centuries, our Clan has been chosen to care for the many Lotus ponds. We protect and cultivate them. We make medicines oils and use the scent of the Lotus to help with our healing practices. In our Clan, the cultivators and healers are almost interchangeable, as one cannot do without the other.

We have many colors: yellow, white, pink and purple, all very beautiful. But our most sacred Lotus are the Red and Blue Lotus flowers. The healer noticed that Lan Zhan and A-Yuan were listening and watching him more intently.

Little A-Yuan looked at Lan Zhan and said, "I wish I could see them, Father." Lan Zhan kisses the top of his head and tries to hold him tighter. The healer reached into his oversized sleeves and pulled out a small container. He gave it to A-Yuan to open it. Inside were the dry remains of the Red and Blue Lotus flowers. They were stunning, even dried. The Blue was so blue it was almost purple, and the red was the deepest crimson color they had ever seen. Lan Zhan asked quietly why the Red and Blue were sacred.

The healer smiled. "It's what they represent that makes them more precious to us. Shall I go on, or are you too tired?" Lan Zhan and A-Yuan shake their heads no as a unit. They are already thinking alike.

Sun Hua smiles at this and begins to speak again. "The Blue is extremely rare. Hard to find and hard to grow. The Blue means purity, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment. It is the symbol of victory of the spirit over the senses. As well as intelligence and wisdom of knowledge."

"The Red represents passionate love and sensuality. It signifies love, care, affection, and all romantic feelings. Have you ever wondered why the colors of a wedding are red? The Lotus flower, no matter what the color, is very symbolic. Imagine being born in mud and rising every day clean and bright. This is the very essence man should try to achieve. To rise from the chaos and strive to reach perfect spirituality and understanding.

Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen nod in understanding, while A-Yuan looks at them both and nods. He really doesn't understand anything but wants to be like his father and uncle again. But his mind did understand his father wore blue and his baba wore red. Somehow, that feels right. His little eyes are closing against his will. Sun Hua notices.

Sun Hua says, "I will tell you more later, but sleep is in order for everyone now. Tomorrow will come soon." He bows to everyone and says goodnight.

Lan Xichen helps Lan Zhan and A-yuan prepare for bed. He is thankful that Sun Hua has come to help his little brother. He hopes to see Wangji walk one day and no longer use the bed except for sleep.

Lan Zhan's last thought before sleep was of him and Wei Ying dressed in red and proclaiming to the world they were in love and would be life partners forever...