In Darkness

Jie Jie

AN: Why only three days? So they can conveniently arrive in time to pay their respects to BQ's family. Plus, the idea of BQ constantly surprising MY is sort-of cute. That he'd think he underestimated her again only to realize he hadn't... whelp. 

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The Ghost Realm, 200 years ago (after A-li's birth)

"This child-" Bai Mei Rong's voice is raw as she holds her daughter in her arms, only to recognize her as her younger sister. Keeping her arms around her shoulders to hold her up, she keeps her eyes away from the scratches and cuts on Zhe Yan's hands.

They had sent twelve of their best men to accompany him to get the divine fungal grass, all of them returned. Only, four would likely never be able to work again in any capacity due to their injuries. Luckily, Zhe Yan was created by the Heavenly Father himself -- somehow, the four beasts guarding the grass recognized him long enough for him to escape the claws of death without losing a wing.

"We'll guard the entrance," Zhe Yan stands. 

Bai Mei Rong wants nothing more than for him to stay while she transfers half of her essence to her daughter, after all, this was the first time since Feng Jiu was born that they were all together again.

As her son and his lover leave her, she glances back down at Bai Qian, "Mei-mei, Jie Jie won't let you suffer..."

Her eyes will be cured once her energy stabilizes. Her entire body is brimming cold energy. Her mei-mei was born with it, but this girl hadn't been.

The third day, of the third month... A distant voice reminds her quietly, as if roused from a long, peaceful slumber. Pulling her closer protectively, she looks down at her daughter for a moment longer before starting her work.

She won't know that they've intervened. She'll do whatever she must to protect her. If her not knowing can keep her safe, then that will be just fine.*

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Kunlun Mountain, Present Day

"Shifu, you're alright!"

Hearing his disciples cry almost the moment he lands with Bai Qian from their cloud jumping, Mo Yuan lets go of his grip on her waist, allowing her to slip off to her quarters and change into something more presentable (her gown had dried, but there was still a thin layer of residue from the saltwater). Turning to his disciples, he offers them all a placating smile, "I apologize, we've worried you all."

"Are you really alright, Shifu? That knife was laced with..."

"I'm well aware," Mo Yuan answers back calmly, "But I've healed for the most part. Si Yin has a family emergency that we need to attend to. Once we've dealt with it, I will send for all of you to return to the Nine Heavens with us."

o~O~o

Bai Qian's hands tremble as she fixes the sleeve of her lavender outer robes, sparing half a moment to distract herself with the red flowers embroidered into the light silk in order to force herself into a semblance of calm.

Rules, rules, too many rules...

She wants to run straight to Xiao Jiu and ensure that she's safe, given the extra information her seventh brother shared with her... yet she's forced to wait on High God Mo Yuan. With Bai Feng Jiu likely en route to Mount Junji, she might not even have the chance to comfort her beloved niece by the time they arrive.