Returns To Innocent

Chapter 19: Shadows of Healing

The evening descended gently over Cloud Recesses, casting long shadows across the halls and filling the serene compound with a quiet peace. Lan Zhan sat beside Wei Wuxian on a low veranda, watching the stars slowly prick the sky, their faint light mirroring his fragile hope. Though his heart had been heavy for so long, there was a new sense of calm within him, the first seeds of healing taking root.

Wei Wuxian gently nudged him, breaking the quiet. "Lan Zhan, you know, stars are a bit like memories. They don’t fade all at once, and sometimes they even come back brighter. But they’re always there to guide us when we’re lost." He looked at Lan Zhan with a playful glint in his eyes. "Even in the dark, they won’t let you forget what you hold dear."

Lan Zhan tilted his head, considering Wei Wuxian’s words, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Wei Ying always has a way of finding light where others cannot."

Wei Wuxian shrugged, trying to play off the sentiment with his usual levity. "Well, someone has to make sure you don’t mope around all day. After all, it’s the duties of a great cultivator like myself."

Lan Zhan raised a brow, giving him a skeptical look that was softened by the childlike sparkle in his eyes. He was still the dignified Lan Wangji, yet under the curse’s weight, he was freer, more open, and often followed his emotions with an unguarded honesty Wei Wuxian loved seeing.

"Wei Ying, does this mean…" Lan Zhan trailed off, his cheeks tinged with the faintest blush. He glanced down, gathering courage. "Does this mean we will look for more light together?"

Wei Wuxian's heart clenched at Lan Zhan’s vulnerability. He knew the curse was still there, but he also knew that Lan Zhan was healing, piece by piece. He smiled warmly. "Together, Lan Zhan. We’ll get through this, and I’ll be by your side every step of the way."

They sat in companionable silence, and then Lan Zhan, seemingly inspired by his newfound bravery, tugged at Wei Wuxian’s sleeve. "Tomorrow, can we go to Caiyi Town again?"

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened, feigning shock. "Lan Zhan, are you proposing another night adventure? What would Uncle Qiren say? We’re still on probation from last time."

Lan Zhan’s lips pressed together in a determined line. "I am serious. There are things I wish to see, memories I wish to find."

Understanding dawned in Wei Wuxian’s gaze. He nodded, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Alright, Lan Zhan. We’ll go. Tomorrow night, we’ll search for what you need."

---

The next evening, Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan quietly slipped out of Cloud Recesses, their footsteps muffled as they made their way toward Caiyi Town. The streets were bustling, lanterns casting a warm glow that bathed the roads in an inviting light. Lan Zhan held onto Wei Wuxian’s hand tightly, his eyes darting around as though absorbing every detail.

They visited the small shops, where Wei Wuxian insisted on buying Lan Zhan small trinkets. He even tried to teach Lan Zhan how to haggle, which resulted in several awkward encounters and amused laughter. Wei Wuxian leaned down, his face alight with mischief as he spoke to Lan Zhan, "Alright, now, repeat after me: ‘It’s a bit pricey, don’t you think?’ Say it with confidence, Lan Zhan."

Lan Zhan furrowed his brows, clearly uncomfortable but determined. He turned to the vendor, his face stoic. "It… it’s a bit… pricey, don’t you think?"

The vendor chuckled at the young master’s uncharacteristic attempt, amused but utterly unconvinced. Lan Zhan looked up at Wei Wuxian, his face a mixture of confusion and slight embarrassment.

Wei Wuxian burst into laughter, wrapping an arm around Lan Zhan’s shoulders. "Ah, that was perfect! You’re a natural, Lan Zhan!"

Lan Zhan rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. As they wandered through the town, his laughter grew more open, blending with the bustling sounds around them.

But as the night wore on, something unusual caught Wei Wuxian’s attention. There was a dark-robed figure trailing them, staying just out of reach but always close enough to be noticed. Wei Wuxian tensed, his gaze narrowing as he pulled Lan Zhan closer.

"Stay close to me," he murmured, his playful tone replaced with a deadly seriousness.

Lan Zhan glanced up, instantly sensing the shift in Wei Wuxian’s demeanor. He took Wei Wuxian’s hand, his small fingers squeezing in silent reassurance. "Wei Ying…"

Wei Wuxian didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the figure. With Lan Zhan at his side, he discreetly guided them toward a quieter alley. Once there, he whispered, "Let’s lose them. Follow me."

They weaved through the alleys, slipping through tight corners and narrow streets, but the figure remained persistently close. Finally, Wei Wuxian halted, turning to confront the stranger. His hand hovered over Chenqing, his posture protective.

"Why are you following us?" he demanded, his voice low and sharp.

The figure stepped forward, removing his hood to reveal an unfamiliar face marked with deep-set eyes and a strange insignia across his forehead. "I come with a message for the cursed one," the man intoned, his voice cold and measured. "The answer lies within the memory he fears to confront. Only through remembrance will the curse be broken."

Wei Wuxian glanced at Lan Zhan, whose face had paled. Lan Zhan’s hand tightened around Wei Wuxian’s as he took in the man’s words, the message echoing in his mind.

The man continued, his eyes focused intently on Lan Zhan. "If he seeks freedom, he must find his own truth, even if it lies buried in pain."

With that, the figure turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving them alone in the silent alley. Wei Wuxian’s gaze softened as he turned to Lan Zhan, concern lacing his expression.

"Lan Zhan, are you alright?"

Lan Zhan’s gaze was distant, his breathing unsteady. The weight of the man’s words hung heavily on him. "Wei Ying… I’m not sure if I’m ready for what lies within my memories. But I don’t want this curse anymore. I want to remember. I want to find the truth."

Wei Wuxian placed a hand on Lan Zhan’s shoulder, his expression serious but full of resolve. "Then we’ll face it together, Lan Zhan. Whatever memories you need to confront, I’ll be with you every step of the way. You’re not alone."

---

That night, they returned to Cloud Recesses, their minds heavy with thoughts of the mysterious message. Lan Zhan was quiet, his face pensive as he lay beside Wei Wuxian, staring up at the ceiling.

Wei Wuxian reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Lan Zhan’s forehead. "Whatever lies in your past, Lan Zhan, remember that you’re stronger than any curse."

Lan Zhan turned to look at him, his eyes softening. He reached for Wei Wuxian’s hand, entwining their fingers together. "Wei Ying… thank you. I don’t know if I would have come this far without you."

Wei Wuxian smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. "You would have, Lan Zhan. You’re stronger than you know."

They lay in silence, the weight of their journey ahead pressing down on them, but Wei Wuxian’s hand never left Lan Zhan’s. Together, they faced the shadows of the past, ready to uncover the memories that held the key to Lan Zhan’s freedom.