Death By The Full Moon (Jiang Yanli x Jin Zixuan One Shot)

Final

Disclaimer: I do not own Mo Dao Zu Shi or any of its characters. All copyright belongs to their rightful owners. 

I am once again on my XuanLi agenda because I love them. 

The last thing that Jin Zixuan expected when his cousin dropped dead was to be greeted by the most beautiful creature. The stake was sticking out of Jin Zixun's chest with fresh blood. His attacker let out a shrill scream and ran off into the night.

From the shadows, a figure manifested seemingly out of thin air and approached them. She was fierce in a long robe and cloak of black and purple. Intricate swirling designs rose from the hem and twisted around her waist like a fog kissing the fabric. Her gaze raised to meet his.

Perhaps, it was the shock. Perhaps, it was the way Jin Zixuan's heart skipped a beat. Perhaps, it was because the figure reached out with a long scythe and snatched what he knew to be his cousin's soul, an angry blue ball of fire that she tucked into her sleeves.

"Fuck, that's hot."

He slapped his hands across his mouth, but the damage had been done. The words had already left his throat. The figure paused and fully looked him up and down, an amused smirk gracing her lips, and Jin Zixuan audibly swallowed.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. The woman approached and held out her hand. The other politely held her weapon behind her back.

"That isn't the worst thing I've heard as a Grim Reaper," she says, and Jin Zixuan's knees wobbled. A Grim Reaper who sounded like an angel; she was unreal. "My name is Jiang Yanli from the royal family of the Jiang Reapers. Most people see me and run. They fear me rather than thinking... Well, most don't think seeing me steal a person's soul in front of them, especially a family member, is hot. A bit peculiar, aren't you, Jin Zixuan?"

The man in gold gasped as he shook her hand. "You know who I am?" Jiang Yanli hummed.

"I know everyone," she stated. "It comes with knowing which souls I'm to collect each day. I've seen you a few times, but I believe this is the first you've noticed me." Jin Zixuan thought back to the recent months. His father had passed away. His grandmother next. And one of his aunts had also died. Jiang Yanli had appeared mere moments after the other guy shot Jin Zixun through the head. Had she also been there for each of the other deaths, too?

Jiang Yanli nodded, almost as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. Jin Zixuan flushed at missing someone so beautiful.

He gathered all his confidence and said, "I want to know you. When can I see you again?" Jiang Yanli's expression faltered.

"You want to know me?"

"Please?" Jin Zixuan's hope was almost too innocent. Jiang Yanli hesitated for a moment, but finally, she answered.

"Visit Yunmeng on the next full moon. I'll find you there." Before Jin Zixuan could say another word, she vanished.

Jin Zixun's funeral was a lonely one. Not many favored him in the first place, and those that did show up had only out of propriety. Jin Zixuan attended as the current leader of his family. Although some feelings, be it resentment or true grief, were much too fresh in the family, Jin Zixuan announced that he was handing over delegations to his half-brother, Jin Guangyao. His excuse of needing a break was enough for most of them, minus Jin Guangyao himself. His half-brother suspected something was at play, but chose not to pry. He trusted Jin Zixuan not to end up dead next.

Within the next day, he was on his way from Lanling to Yunmeng. A letter was tucked inside his bag, a gift from his mother. Evidently, his mother had been good friends with the reigning family in one of the major river towns. Upon hearing he would be visiting, his mother had been ecstatic and immediately gave him a letter of introduction and gave his care to the family.

This town was flourishing with life. He had to steel himself not to stop at every stall to get trinkets or treats, focusing on reaching the place called Lotus Pier. The people directed him to a dock. He was eased into a sense of peace as one of the boatmen guided him down the river.

The soothing waves rocked him, and by the time he was roused, he noticed a small entourage waiting for him. He hastily made his way over.

A bold woman eyed him up and down. "You must be Jin Zixuan. Your mother has told me quite a bit about you. The last time I was over, I remember you being a wee babe. My name is Yu Ziyuan, but you may call me Madam Yu. This is my husband Jiang Fengmian. My son and our ward you will meet later. And behind me is—"

"Yanli," Jin Zixuan breathed as a lovely woman appeared from behind her mother. She was as silent as a cloud and as breathtaking as the moon. Madam Yu had to do a double take.

"Ah, yes. That's correct. This is my daughter Jiang Yanli. She will be giving you a tour," Madam Yu concluded. Jin Zixuan couldn't stop himself from lighting up with a smile.

"Thank you very much, Madam Yu. I appreciate both you and your family for your hospitality," he beamed. Madam Yu's feathers ruffled at his honeyed words.

"You have a good head on your shoulders. It will carry you well here. Now, come. Yanli will bring you back in time for lunch." With that, he dragged her husband away who gave a warm smile.

Jiang Yanli hid a laugh behind her sleeve. Rather than he'd seen her last, she now wore plain robes of light pinks and purples that sported lotus flowers matching her surroundings. However, the look in her eyes was still strong and familiar.

Almost enough to steal his own breath.

"Hi," he said. "I missed you." Yanli huffed and shook her head.

"I look forward to getting to know you, Zixuan."