A Means to an End (WangXian)

The Wheel of Samsara

Wei Wuxian searched the entire Cloud Recesses. He never really knew where Nie Huaisang went when they were not in lectures or spending time with each other. However, he did know that Nie Huaisang has always loved nature, particularly birds. So after searching all the common areas of the Cloud Recesses, he then went into the forest to search instead.

Only after about an hour of searching did Wei Wuxian finally find Nie Huaisang.

"Huaisang," he called.

Nie Huaisang, who was painting a bird onto a fan, looked up and saw his friend.

"Wei-xiong! I didn't expect to see you out here," he said. He put his paint brush and fan down before standing up and stepping closer to Wei Wuxian.

"It was you," he said.

Nie Huaisang tilted his head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"How did you do it? Was it a talisman? A ritual?" Wei Wuxian continued listing off all the ideas he could think of that might be able to achieve time traveling.

"Wei-xiong, I-I don't know what you are talking about. How did I do what?" Slight panic over took Nie Huaisang. He didn't know where this conversation was going, and Wei Wuxian looked as if he was about to lose his mind.

"Time traveling! How did you do it? Why did you do it? Why did you bring back my memories?" Wei Wuxian's voice grew louder. All of the overwhelming emotions he had felt for weeks were coming to the surface.

Nie Huaisang paled, and he took a step back from Wei Wuxian. "T-Time traveling? I-I don't know anything! Wei-xiong, are you alright? Should I get someone?"

"Don't play dumb! You are one of the smartest people I know!" he points at him. "If there was anyone that could figure out a way to reverse time, it would be you! Of course! Why didn't I piece it together before! It all makes sense now! You have been acting a little strange since coming back." Wei Wuxian began to pace back and forth. "You've been subtly dropping hints, you sent the letter to Chifeng-zun, you sent me in the direction of Zewu-jun. Since coming back, it has always been you!" He pointed his finger at him.

"Wei-xiong, please! I-I don't know what you are talking about!" Nie Huaisang grew desperate. He reached out to grab Wei Wuxian, but he took a step back.

"Why did you do it?! Why did you bring me back to life!?" he yelled. "Why couldn't you let me die in peace?! Do you have a grudge against me? Did I do something to you?"

Nie Huaisang looked on the verge of a panic attack. "Wei-xiong, no, that's not-"

"So you admit it!" Wei Wuxian cut him off.

Nie Huaisang hugged himself. "N-No, I don't know anything!"

"Nie Huaisang, please!" Wei Wuxian begged.

He couldn't hold it in any more. Nie Huaisang saw the desperation in his eyes. It pained him to see his best friend like this.

He cracked. "I-I, Y-Yes, it was me." he answered. "I did the incantation that brought us back."

Wei Wuxian went quiet. He stared incredulously at Nie Huaisang.

He started to shake his head and backed away from Nie Huaisang. The Nie thought he was about to dart away, and he walked quickly towards him, but Wei Wuxian only leaned against a tree for support. Nie Huaisang could see his body trembling. His eyes were wide and wild, like a deer caught in a hunter's trap. "Wei-xiong, I'm sorry."

"Why didn't you tell me?" his voice cracked.

"I-I was worried about how you would react. I-I didn't know how to tell you," he stuttered.