Red Phantom

Chapter 4

I was inside talking to Wen Ning and thinking about Zhu. After she fell into a coma a lot has happened. I rescued the remaining members of the Wen Family. Not just that I was now living in the Burial Mounds with them, as a public enemy. I knew Zhu would be upset with me for leaving, but I also knew if she was awake and knew what was happing she'd be the only one to make me stay. Hopefully she'll stay away from me now though once she wakes up it'll be safe that way. I looked over at Wen Ning smiling sadly. "I hope you wake up soon, everyone misses you, especially your sister." I spoke staring at the boy laying in front of me. It's been a month and he still hasn't come to his senses. I was brought out of my thoughts when Madam Wen came rushing inside screeching, "Master Wei, Master Wei." I got up quickly going to her. "What is it Madam Wen?" I asked concern lacing my voice. "Ah-Yuan, we can't find him." She spoke desperately. "When did you see him last?" I questioned while grabbing Chenqing. "Right before we all heard a screaming coming from the mountain." She spoke quickly. "Has anyone gone looking for him?" I questioned staring at her. "We have, but I fear he got curious and went towards whatever that scream was." She spoke distress dripping from her voice. I simply nodded my head before heading out of the Temple. As I started down the mountain I noticed Ah-Yuan running towards me. I stopped where I was, just watching him run to me with a talisman in his little hands. "Ah-Yuan!" I yelled to him kneeling down. "Where did you go?" I questioned as he ran into my arms. "I heard a scream and ran to it. I thought it was Auntie Qing, but it was a girl." He spoke cutely looking up at me. "Did this girl say anything to you?" I questioned suspiciously eyeing him. "She said you'd know what to do with this." He said handing me the talisman he was gently holding. I took it carefully examining it. This is what Zhu and I used to signal each other when we lived here together. I looked at Ah-Yuan before quickly getting up. "Go to Madam Wen!" I yelled before dashing down the mountain. If this really is Zhu she's hurt. I kept running faster, heart pounding in my chest, and blood rushing through my body. I have to find her, I have too. As I drew closer to the entrance I saw Zhu. She was propped up against a rock almost lifeless. I quickened my pace a final time, sliding down on the ground in front of her. I scrambled to her side, putting my finger under her nose to see she's barely breathing. I stood up, scooping her into my arms and start running up the mountain. I glanced down at her as I ran, taking in how she looked, through sad eyes. I should send a message to Xichen when I get back so he knows Zhu is safe. I glance up quickly only to see Ah-Yuan standing in front of me. "Ah-Yuan have Madam Wen get some water and a cloth please." I spoke as we made it to the top. Ah-Yuan ran off too Madam Wen while I took Zhu inside laying her carefully in my bed. I sat behind her, checking her breathing. Why is it so faint still? Lost in thought of what to do, Madam Wen came in with the water sitting it down in front of me. "Master Wei do you want me to go find Wen Qing?" She questioned. I simply nodded before grabbing the cloth from the water, and washing Zhus face. Zhu you must wake up, you can't go back into a coma. Once I finish washing her face,I sit her up taking her weapons off her back and laying them on the ground next to the bed. Then I go off to the side to write a letter to Xichen.

～Letter～

Lan Xichen, I found Zhu at the entrance of Burial Mounds. Her breathing is really faint, and of now not getting any better. I'll keep looking after her with Wen Qing until she's strong enough to return to you, in Gusu. I just wanted you to know she's safe here, even if she's not doing well again. I won't let any other harm come to her. Once she's strong enough I'll let you know so you can be expecting her return.
-Wei Wuxian

After I finished the letter I heard a noise behind me. Spinning around quickly I saw Zhu wrapped in a black fog shaking, with clenched fist and tears streaming from her eyes. I pulled out Chenqing and started playing it, hopefully it'll help calm her down. I kept playing but stopped once I noticed it was only getting worse. I put Chenqing back in my belt on my waist, and slowly approached Zhu. What is this black fog around her? I put my hand out towards the fog only for it to attack me. I jumped back holding my bleeding hand. What the hell is that around her? I'm pulled out of my thoughts when Wen Qing came running in. "Madam Wen said you had an emergency." She said while looking at Zhu. "Is she the emergency? Or is it something to do with Wen Ning?" She questioned pointing at Zhu. "She's the emergency but you can't get close to her, I couldn't even get rid of whats around her, the fog attacked me." I stated staring at Zhu then letting my eye wonder to where Wen Ning laid. "Well what are we going to do?" Wen Qing asked concern laced her voice. Before I could speak Zhu let out a blood curdling scream. We both turned and looked at her. "Wen Qing get out and keep everyone back." She simply nodded before running outside. I cautiously walked over to Zhu reaching out to hold her down. The fog attacked my arms, but I kept trying only to keep being attached. Finally Zhu stopped screaming and the fog was gone. "Zhu?" I called her name as I approached her. "Wuxian?" I heard her mumble. I smiled slightly and went to her side. "Yeah it's me Zhu, are you okay?" "Yeah I'm fine. What happened to you though?" She asked looking at my arms and hands. "Nothing I'm fine don't worry about it," I said smiling at her. "It attacked you didn't it." She stated while looking down. "Zhu it's fine I'll have the docotor clean my wounds. Anyways when did you wake up?" I said simply well looking her over. "I woke up today and imediately came here to see you, and make sure that you're okay." She spoke looking down at her hands. "You should've stayed with the Lan's Zhu they can protect you, I can't." I stated sternly. "Lan Wangji will be sent to find me, I know he will be. That means you'll get to see him again when you go into town next. Just let me stay here for three days and then take me to town, from there I'll leave okay?" She quickly spoke with pleading eyes staring up at me. "Fine three days but after that you must go back, you can't stay here or else you'll become an enemy of the public, like we all have." I stated getting up and walking away from her. "Where are you going?" She questioned while trying to get up. "To get the doctor and you something to eat, now stay there." I said while walking out of the room.