Wuji: A Promise Kept

67

Purgatory. A place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating (Atone) their sins before going to heaven. My sins...I have far too many. I killed so many people, some of which that are near and dear to my heart. If I was lost in purgatory forever, I would not complain, I deserve to be here.

"The only sin you have is your death," a man said behind me.

I turned around and there stood a man in red. A handsome youth of eighteen to nineteen years. The childish aura of his form is one of calmness, although there is still a wild playfulness to him. He has skin as white as snow and wears maple-red clothes along with exquisite, silver vambraces. He has a deep, gentle voice that is pleasant to the ears. He had a tattoo on his left forearm, but i could not make out what it says, the writing was hard to read. He even had an eye patch on his right eye.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I am one of the four calamities, Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Cheng. In this section of purgatory, it is my domain. I have looked into your history and you have a good sense of justice about you. So as I said, the only sin you have is your death. Death by suicide is considered a sin."

"If you looked into my past then you should know about all the people in my life who died was because of me," I said.

"It was not your fault. Even my husband can attest to that," Hua Cheng said.

"Husband?" I asked.

Hua Cheng smiled, "Heavenly martial god, Xie Lian," he answered.

"Your husband is a god?" I asked.

"Not only a god, but the current emperor of heaven. He would like to meet you," Hua Cheng said.

"Okay," I said. The next thing I know, he teleports us to a place that looks like a big mansion. It was beautiful here, "if you're a ghost king, does that mean I am a ghost?"

"Yes," Hua Cheng said, "and I can help you with getting your life back. It may not be the same ever again but it is up to you. It will help you achieve your goals in finding the real criminals who framed you."

"Framed me?" I asked.

"I am sure you have a lot of questions, and they will be answered," Hua Cheng said, "in time."

***

Wei Wuxian's eyes opened and the morning sun was peaking through the edges of the curtains. He remembered that everyone was resting in an inn after traveling for a long time. The group was in New Xianle and being here, had Wei Wuxian getting more memories back. That dream was one of them.

Lan Wangji was sitting at the table not far from the bed. He had a bath prepared for Wuxian for when he woke up, and he had breakfast ordered. He was surprised to see Wuxian a bit shaken from his slumber, "Wei Ying, are you alright, Love?" He asked.

"Ah?" Wuxian asked and looked at him, "oh, yeah, just a dream is all."

Wangji set his book aside that he was reading until Wuxian woke and went over to him, "tell me?" He asked.

"I think some of my memory is coming back," Wuxian said, "the dream, it was when I first...died. I was lost in Purgatory and I met a man. His name was Hua Cheng. He is the ghost king that I think we are to meet after we reach Baoshan's."

"Lost in purgatory?" Wangji asked him with a look of confusion.

"A place for sinners to atone," Wuxian replied, "where I ended up was Hua Cheng's domain. He said the only sin I had was suicide. Before I was resurrected, he was going to help me. I don't remember what happened after he told me he'd help."

"Mnn," Wangji nodded, "I'm sure it will come back to you...but can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Wuxian said.

"Being lost in purgatory, is that why I couldn't reach you with Inquiry?" He asked.

"Possibly," Wuxian said, "it is a place where lost souls go. I think I was there for a while, even after I met Hua Cheng."

"Did you suffer?" Wangji asked.

"I...don't remember," Wuxian replied, "but it has long since passed. I will be alright. Now that I am awake, I am getting hungry."

Wangji smiled, "I have a bath prepared for you and breakfast is coming soon. It should be here by the time you finish your bath."

"Can you carry me?" Wuxian asked holding out his arms.

Wangji let out a soft chuckle before he stood up and picked Wuxian up into his arms. Wuxian wrapped his arms around Wangji's neck and gently kissed him. Wangji then carried Wuxian to the bath and set him in the tub. Before stepping out, he kissed Wuxian again as Wuxian wasn't done getting his morning kisses, and who is Wangji to say no to that?

After Wuxian took his bath and the two had breakfast, the pair met up with everyone else downstairs. They had plans for the disciples to explore the city today and Haishi was going to go with Wuxian and Wangji. She was actually looking forward to seeing such a beautiful city. As the three explored the streets, Wangji and Wuxian walked side by side with little Haishi in the middle holding each of their hands.

While they passed some venders, ended up buying Haishi a couple toys to play with while they continued their travels. As Wuxian explored, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. When they reached a fountain in the center of the city, Wuxian looked around to see if anyone looked like they were acting suspicious. He then caught a glimpse of someone in bright red robes. Once he looked back at that particular spot, it was like he was just seeing things.

"Wei Ying, are you okay?" Wangji asked.

"Yes, I just thought I saw something," Wuxian said, "turns out, it was just a dog."

"I am glad you got over your fear of them," Wangji said.

"Me too," Wuxian said, "but let's not push it."

"Of course," Wangji said.

"Baba, look at the silver butterfly!" Haishi pointed out.

Wuxian managed to see this little butterfly. It was a bit translucent and shiny. It had a sense of grace to it yet Wuxian could feel its energy from the distance from it. It was a lot. He knew it wasn't just some ordinary butterfly. He was meant to see it but he didn't know why. He had a good sense of Deja Vu flood through him when seeing the little creature. He just couldn't remember where he last saw one.