500 years of solitude [8/?]
Title: 500 years of solitude [8/?]
Author: clubotaku
Pairing: Kris/Luhan with minor Sehun/Luhan, Lay/Luhan
Characters: EXO-M with mentions of Hangeng, Victoria and others
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Historical Au!
Summary: After 500 years of collecting hearts, a fox spirit will be able to go to Heaven
Previous chapters:
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/17349.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/17488.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/18586.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/19031.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/19759.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/20113.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/20244.html
A/N: Kris is back and I can't decide whether I hate Luhan's new hair. In some pictures he looked washed out but in others he looks like your typical bishounen with imaginary sparkles and roses. On to the chapter! There's something wrong with the format so apologies for the weird paragraphs and places where there should be spaces. Been trying to edit but the changes don't get saved...
花间一壶酒，独酌无相亲
I take my wine jug out among the flowers to drink alone, without friends
举杯邀明月，对影成三人
I raise my cup to entice the moon. That, and my shadow, makes us three
月既不解饮，影徒随我身
But the moon doesn't drink, and my shadow silently follows
暂伴月将影，行乐须及春
I will travel with moon and shadow, happy to the end of spring
Li Bai 李白- Drinking alone under the moon月下独酌
Somehow, Chen has procured another bottle of red lizard wine and is continuing to pour more in Wufan’s cup, cheering each time he downs it then downing his own cup. Sehun’s lip is beginning to curl as he observes his friend staggering back to his seat, and the way Yixing has somehow ended up with his head in Luhan’s lap.
“I think you should eat,” says Xiumin, “Too much wine and no food is not good for you.”
“I’m fine!”
“Says the man trying to take his jacket off in autumn,” says Luhan, “Eat something before you throw up on the fire.”
“I’m fine and so is Master Wufan!”
The man in question wonders how he suddenly became ‘Master’ but doesn’t bother to ask. The ramblings of a drunk man are worthless. Xiumin returns from their designated tent, a small hemp bag in hand. From within he draws out mantou, handing one to each of them.
“It’s hard.”
“Like your head!”
“Ge, Chen is being a piece of cow dung!”
“Just use the fire to warm them up, I made them fresh this morning!” says Xiumin, exasperated.
He points at Wufan who has already stuck his on the end of an arrow and is currently dangling it above the fire. Sehun stares at the arrow.
“That’s not clean.”
Wufan makes no move to show he’s heard, rotating the arrow so the whole of the bun is warmed. When he has deemed it ready he plucks the bun off, a small trickle of steam wafting into the air before he takes a large bite, sliding down to lie on his side. Sehun makes a sound of annoyance and leans back against Luhan’s shoulder.
“Well… I guess it’s better than using twigs or our hands,” says Luhan, “And Xiumin’s buns are the best!”
“Yeah they are,” says Chen around a mouthful of mantou. Yixing grunts in agreement, waiting for his bun to warm up as he remains horizontal on the floor. Luhan fiddles with his hair absentmindedly, his other hand resting on Sehun’s thigh.
“If you’re all happy, I shall start,” says Xiumin, happy that Chen is too pre-occupied to force anyone into premature alcoholism. A glance at Wufan who gives the slightest of nods. Afterwards Xiumin wonders why he felt the need to get permission from the man and accounts it towards respect (and maybe fear).
“A long time ago during the fabled Three Kingdoms period there was a young boy called Meng Zong. His father had died and his mother was poorly, the two of them struggling to survive. One winter his mother fell deeply ill, desiring bamboo shoots to make a medicinal broth but in that weather, with the thick snow and ice covering the ground it was impossible to find the shoots, which only sprout in warm weather. Meng Zong searched, using his hands to dig for shoots, trying to find them so his mother wouldn’t be disappointed and could get better. In the forest he dug until his fingers were numb with cold and torn from trying to break the ice. However no matter how much he tried, all that was to be found were frozen leaves and snowflakes.
Tears fell from his eyes like a river, down into the snow, below the emerald stalks but he kept the hope alive in his heart, determined to help his mother. Suddenly he tripped over a small lump and uncovering it found bamboo shoots! Gathering all he ran home, brewing the broth that soon cured his mother’s illness. The neighbours heard of his unfailing filial piety that inspired Heaven and Earth to respond and grant him the bamboo shoots, declaring it a miracle as bamboo shoots in winter were impossible to find before. Now they could get bamboo all year round and the spot where he first found the sprouts was called “Meng Zong’s bamboo grove” and as we now collect bamboo shoots in winter we must remember his outstanding example of filial piety and respect, and reflect on our conduct as sons and daughters of our parents.”
Yixing smiled, “I’ve always like Tales from the 24 Paragons of Filial Piety.”
“That wasn’t what I was expecting you to tell,” says Luhan, teasing, “I thought you’d tell a ghost story to help Chen connect to the other world.”
“I connect just fine on my own thanks!”
“Filial piety is always important,” Wufan says softly, “There is a reason it exists.”
“Where is your family?” asks Xiumin curiously, “I heard from Hangeng-ge you came from the South.”
“They’re in Guangdong province,” says Wufan, sadly offering no further information.
Listening, Luhan realizes just how little he knows about his archery teacher. All they discuss is archery, of how Luhan could improve himself or the correct techniques. Wufan rarely strays from the topic apart from a few choice comments on Sehun and on Luhan’s skill or lack of.
“Any siblings?”
“None.”
“Have you ever wished for siblings? Don’t you feel lonely by yourself?”
Luhan doesn’t know why he cares so much but the need to know more about Wufan picks at him.
“No, I’m perfectly fine by myself. I’ve been travelling and hunting alone for a long time; I have no need of company in the wild.”
“You really don’t feel lonely?”
Wufan drags his thumb back and forth against the feathered arrow end, his eyes red in the flames.
“No.”
“Haven’t you ever wished for company?”
The air seems to still and Xiumin shivers despite the lack of wind. Luhan has that determined look in his eye, the one he gets when he knows what he wants and is about to set off and get it. Wufan is a mask of indifference but his body tenses ever so slightly, his cheekbones stark in the light, shadows falling beneath and around his neck. Chen is quiet, even drunk he can feel the tension between the two. Sehun looks like he wants to say something but his mouth never forms the words. Finally, Yixing pokes Luhan’s waist, the older boy yelping and falling backwards in surprise, which in turn sends Sehun tumbling down with him.
“Ok my turn!” says Chen, “I have a great tale about some cheeky fairy maidens and a scholar.”
Sehun pours himself another drink.
Six bottles of wine and one empty hemp sack later, Xiumin has dragged Chen off to bed and Sehun and Luhan are carrying a sleeping Yixing between them.
“Aren’t you going to help?” asks Sehun angrily, pulling Yixing’s hand away from his face.
Wufan snorts.
“You two look like you’re doing fine. Consider this strength training.”
The younger boy shoots daggers out the corner of his eyes as Luhan encourages him to keep moving forward, giving Wufan a disparaging look. The tall man sighs and strides over to pull back the tent flap, Luhan smiling sunnily as they enter. Chen is already snoring on his cot, blanket tucked over him while Xiumin splashes water on his face from a nearby basin. Luhan lowers Yixing onto his cot and the other boy reaches out in sleep to grab Luhan’s arm, nuzzling it. Xiumin pulls Sehun away before he says something rude, telling him to wash up and sleep. Luhan watches Yixing mumble something, obviously dreaming as he pulls him closer.
“You need to sleep too, and not in here.”
Wufan’s voice seems to echo in the large tent even though he hasn’t moved from his place at the entrance. Sighing, Luhan releases his arm from his friend’s grasp and bids goodnight to the others, Sehun already snug in his fur blanket and Xiumin trying to stifle Chen’s snores with a pillow.
Luhan walks behind him, taking in the broad shoulders and long legs that seem to cover the ground in little time at all, his own footsteps hurried as he tries to keep up. At last Wufan stops, Luhan almost crashing into him, and turns around to hold him by the shoulders, staring straight into his eyes. His heart seems to stop for a second as Wufan leans in, his mouth coming closer. No, no, we’re both men, he wouldn’t… Would he?
Wufan is oblivious to the inner turmoil inside his head and he seems to move too slow, much too slow as he lowers his face towards Luhan who is torn between closing his eyes and screaming blue murder.
Wufan’s lips come close, warm breath ghosting across Luhan’s own and he closes his eyes, hands frozen at his side.
“This isn’t your tent.”
What? Luhan jerks back, out of Wufan’s grip, Wufan, who is standing there with a self-satisfied look on his handsome face. He realizes that he has followed him blindly, Luhan’s own tent behind him. In the distance he can hear Sehun yelling something at Chen but the noise is a mere buzz compared to the rush in his ears and the heat threatening to overtake his face.
“Goodnight!”
He tries to look as unaffected as the other, tries not to run and to just walk back to his small tent and ends up stumbling over one of the wooden posts holding it down. A low chuckle, almost like a growl travels the space between them and the sound reverberates all the way to his toes, Luhan sprinting the last few steps to pull the tent flap down, a thin barrier between them. I’m going crazy. It must be the wine… I should sleep.
The tent seems so small, so stifling. Luhan stares at the vast blankness above him, at the dark brown cloth. The candle beside him flickers one last time, silently dying. His friends are silent in their tent apart from the occasional snore. He’s not sure how much time has passed but he guesses it’s been an hour judging by the candle. Hangeng has always been the more meticulous brother whereas Luhan never really cared for mathematics and measurement, he’s always been about learning through experience. He strains his ears but there is no sound from the tent opposite his. Not even the wind blows tonight. Slowly he counts the number of snores (he’s pretty sure it’s Chen) and when that bores him, he begins to count the seconds between each snore. Next he tries to pick out the number of stitches in the opening of the tent, eyes straining in the dark to see. A light draws close and he holds his breath as a shadowy figure tramps past-a sentry on night duty. As the footsteps fade, Luhan resumes counting, this time he counts the number of innuendos Chen has made this month. Eventually he loses count and settles for using his fingers to measure the length of his pillow. When that’s over he uses his toes, swiveling around in the narrow cot. There’s a warmth missing from his side despite his body almost filling the cot; Yixing’s familiar presence, the constant invasion of his personal space (or rather his bed). No… Luhan bites his lip, fingers curling around the thick sheets, I must not miss such things. Men don’t need to share a bed with other men… A thought pops into his mind, defiant, but I am not a man yet so why does it matter?
Without thinking he feels his lips, fingers following the memory and he shakes his head, buries it into the pillow. This is wrong. All the teachings he has studied, been drilled in, say the perfect, harmonious relationship is between a man and woman, in order to create a family unit. Luhan is attracted to girls; he’s found a few noble daughters pretty. He’s never been close enough to learn enough about them but their slim figures and mysterious eyes, hidden behind fans or sheltered in passing carriages have caught his attention. However… With his friends and his brother keeping him occupied, girls have never been a priority. In the future though… His parents have probably lined a few up ready for after his ceremony. Hangeng has been to a few meetings but his brother has always managed to put marriage off somehow and now with the beast running around it’s almost certain marriage will wait. It’s a little late for both of them-Hangeng should be married and Luhan should be engaged. Oh well, at least Song Qian is happy. Or is she? She’s never met her husband other than what the matchmaker has told her and all of them know matchmakers often lie. Marrying someone you barely know seems so depressing although his parents seem to have worked out. Luhan knows though, knows that the nights when his father comes back late it’s not always because of meetings… Unless it’s a meeting at a red lantern house. Hangeng doesn’t approve; they have both seen the defeated look on their mother’s face as she sits sewing alone in their chambers. She has fulfilled her duty though as a wife: looking after the household, being a good daughter-in-law and most importantly, producing male heirs.
For Luhan, Hangeng and Sehun, an arranged marriage is inevitable. For commoners like Xiumin, Chen and Yixing, there is more freedom in who they choose to marry. If any girl would be kind enough to marry Chenchen… Luhan giggles at the thought. A rustle; a tent flap moves. Luhan holds his breath, eyes turning to stare at the opening of his tent, as if he could see through the material. There is a slight change in the air but the feeling passes as soon as it came but Luhan is already up, pulling on his boots and grabbing his thick coat. The sentries are at the other end of the barracks but he is still cautious as he tries to move as fast as he can, half tiptoeing, half speed-walking. Passing by his friend’s tent, he jumps as Chen shouts in his sleep, muttering something about pandas. Luhan moves forward slowly, unsure if the others have woken up but there is no other sound and he scurries forward, winding his way through the tents. A horse whinnies nearby and he stubs his foot on a tent pole, wincing at the pain. The fence is easy enough to jump over, Luhan cursing silently as a part of his coat is caught, bits of fur and cloth sticking to the wood.
He crouches, tucking his hands beneath his armpits as the wind whistles through the grass, keeps his body low. Wufan’s back is to him, the taller man still as he gazes into the distance. Luhan waits, watches. What could he possibly be looking at? Luhan can barely see as it is, with only the moon and the faint light from the barracks guiding him. He steps forward, a twig snapping beneath and mentally he groans. When he looks back up, Wufan is gone. What the…
“You’re so noisy.”
Luhan screams but the sound barely leaves his mouth as a hand covers it, the other steadying him as he pitches back, flailing. Wufan shakes his head.
“Your stalking skills are terrible. Abysmal at best; your scent was blowing all over the place.”
“My scent?” Luhan says, but his voice is muffled beneath Wufan’s palm.
“I heard you clomping like a water buffalo through the barracks-you should be more aware of your surroundings so you don’t get so scared by sudden noises.”
“I wasn’t scared!” He tries to say, the tip of his tongue accidentally brushing Wufan’s hand. Luhan tastes salt; shuts his mouth. Wufan’s hand jerks backward, but his face is unruffled.
“Go back to sleep. We can work on your hunting and stalking skills another day, when you can actually see.”
“Why are you awake?”
“Why aren’t you going back to your tent?”
“Can’t you sleep?”
“Stop asking questions. Go back to sleep. Make sure you get the right tent though.”
Luhan’s sure the night hides his flush or at least he really hopes it does. Wufan’s night vision can’t be that good.
“I was having trouble sleeping too,” he says at last, stares at the grass.
Wufan sighs, closing his eyes.
“I can function on less sleep that you, I wasn’t having trouble sleeping.”
“Liar! Everyone needs at least eight hours of sleep!”
“Not everyone is a sloth.”
Unable to think of a good retort, Luhan settles for sitting down instead, Wufan standing beside him. When the young noble makes no sign of moving, Wufan gives up, too tired to continue arguing with the boy and unwilling to carry him back. Luhan grins as the other sits down wordlessly, pointedly ignoring him. Above them the sky is clear, a myriad constellations twinkling above as the moon shines. Eyes scanning the sky, Luhan gasps, finger pointing at one constellation in particular.
“Cassiopeia!”
An eye flickers to watch the excited smile form on his face, Luhan almost bouncing where he sits.
“The five heroes lying within the Black Tortoise of the North, the White Tiger of the West, and the Purple Forbidden Enclosure!”
Wufan says nothing, choosing instead to follow where he points.
“Ge told me this story when I was younger; it’s my favourite! The friendship between the five heroes is inspirational!”
“I see.”
The response, however minimal, encourages him to continue.
“A long time ago, when the country was wrought with war, three men appeared on the battlefield when all seemed lost for the kingdom of Ba. They each fought with the strength of a hundred men, cutting a wide swathe through the enemy kingdom of Qi until they reached the ring of trapped Ba soldiers. Together with two courageous soldiers of Ba, they drove the Qi back until the leader was killed and Ba was victorious.
During the battle, the generals of Ba were also slain and for their valour, the two soldiers were promoted to generals. The three men were offered rewards, titles and gold, but the turned them down with their only request a roof over their heads and food. The two new generals were grateful for their assistance, and offered them rooms in their palatial homes which the men accepted. They became sworn-brothers, drinking to commemorate their pledge beneath the Hawthorne tree.
The two generals were called Yun Hao and Chang Min and were childhood friends. The three men, rumoured to come from a land across the sea were called You Tian, Jun Xiu and Zai Zhong. All five men were strong and handsome, and many offers of marriage were made but none accepted. Of the five, Zai Zhong was the most beautiful and often compared to a page boy of Heaven, so lovely were his looks. Whilst Jun Xiu and Chang Min possessed youthful faces; You Tian a kind and friendly face; Yun Hao and Zai Zhong were the most striking and before long, the closest. The kingdom was abound with tales of their friendship and devotion; of each man’s heroic deeds in battle. Chang Min was the strategist, Yun Hao the fearsome leader. You Tian, though weak in terms of weapons skill, was always able to infiltrate the enemy and bring back information. Jun Xiu was able to outrun even the fastest horse, and able to dodge a thousand arrows with ease, so agile was he. Zai Zhong was said to be able to freeze a man, so that he would lose possession of his body as he gazed upon his beauty, Zai Zhong’s face the last thing he would see before death.
They proved their merit through numerous battles, both beloved by the people and feared by their enemies. However, there were enemies within the kingdom they failed to see and one night, after they had all drunk a fight broke out between Chang Min and You Tian. A traitor had fed Chang Min with false tales about You Tian, and in his drunken state his judgment was cloudy and he accused You Tian of many things. Hurt, You Tian argued back but the fight turned physical. Distracted, they were slow to react to the ambush being set up by the traitor, who led the Qi into their camp. Chang Min and You Tian fell beneath an enemy sword; You Tian trying to save Chang Min even as he died.
Furious, the remaining three fought like mad men, Yun Hao trying to rally their confused and unprepared troops. Jun Xiu was separated from them during this time, trying to keep the enemy away from their friend’s bodies but as the night wore on and dawn broke, he lay dead between his brothers. The Ba troops were almost wiped out, the tents smoldering ruins that stank of burnt flesh and their support troops too far away to reach them in time. Exhausted, Yun Hao and Zai Zhong continued to hold off the Qi with the remaining men but one by one the soldiers fell.
When it was the two of them left, standing back to back, Yun Hao bid his sworn-brother farewell. Zai Zhong clasped his hand, swearing to be together in the afterlife and at this point it seemed Heaven took pity on them, casting a light on them, giving them strength when it seemed lost. Survivors say blue flames erupted from the ground, pulling the Qi down with them and tearing their bodies to pieces, their screams so long and tortured the ground still echoes of them now. When it was over, Yun Hao lay slumped against Zai Zhong, mortally wounded. As Yun Hao breathed his last it is said Zai Zhong’s tears moved Heaven again, so that Yun Hao’s body was taken up and cast among the stars, along with Chang Min, Jun Xiu and You Tian. Zai Zhong’s body glowed and he vanished, nowhere to be seen until a 5th star appeared in the sky. The five sworn-brothers were finally reunited, immortal at last as the constellation Cassiopeia.”
Luhan finishes with a pleased clap, eyes closed in satisfaction. He turns to look at Wufan, Wufan who is gazing at the sky with some
unpleasant mix of emotions.
“Do you want to hear another version of that?” asks Wufan, an edge to his voice.
Luhan nods, though he’s sure Wufan would have told regardless.
“The appearance of the three men is the same in this version; they saved the two soldiers of Ba from the Qi forces. The three men were from Joseon - not the land across the sea - and it was true, they had the strength of a hundred men, superior speed, stealth, senses. Their bodies were superior to mere mortals; their looks individually alluring for reasons nobody understood. Jun Xiu was forever youthful, angelic; You Tian was the plainest of the three yet still attractive with his friendly smile; Zai Zhong the most beautiful man at the time, all fine edges and dark eyes. Cities fell at his feet, his charm working its’ way through anyone’s heart, into their minds.
The five were close, so close they could tell when another was in trouble or in pain. Chang Min, Jun Xiu and You Tian were as close as Yun Hao and Zai Zhong, but Zai Zhong loved Yun Hao, defying all society’s rules and expectations.”
Luhan gasps, eyes wide. Wufan continues as if he hasn’t heard him.
“Of course he didn’t declare this to the world, for they would have been separated, or people would have tried and though Zai Zhong would be unaffected and unbothered, the reputations of his friends and more importantly, Yun Hao would be ruined. So Zai Zhong kept it a secret, another secret to add to his growing list. Yun Hao probably knew but did not want to say in case he ruined their friendship; how could he not? They were always together and Zai Zhong was totally loyal to him, almost a wife for all the things he did for Yun Hao. With his looks he could have passed for a woman easily.
The last night all five were together, it is true, they had drunk. Chang Min had heard terrible rumours, had started to suspect and piece everything together, and it was he who proposed the idea of drinking before the battle. Fox fairies you see, are weak to alcohol although they may build up a tolerance as they age but Chang Min had proposed drinking so suddenly, that there was no chance to switch the alcohol as refusing would be even more suspicious as the five drank together often-though not so much usually before battle. Zai Zhong, suspecting something was wrong tried to put off Chang Min from drinking but the younger man was insistent, pouring the wine himself and giving each a cup. As they emptied bottle after bottle and Chang Min’s confidence grew and You Tian’s self-control faded, Chang Min accused You Tian of being a demon. Angry and hurt, You Tian protested and their arguing increased, despite the other three attempting to calm them down. Chang Min accidentally hit Jun Xiu and You Tian threw the first punch. The fight worsened, Zai Zhong and Jun Xiu trying to separate them whilst Yun Hao told the men outside to leave them.
Drunk and enraged, You Tian lost control and his tails came out, hair turning colour and eyes glowing as he snarled at Chang Min. At Jun Xiu’s scream You Tian regained control, pausing before he struck down his friend but as he paused, Chang Min’s sword cut through him. As the stood staring at each other, You Tian in shock and Chang Min frozen, watching him recede back into his human form the sounds of battle broke out around them. Qi soldiers burst through the tent-the Ba soldiers away as Yun Hao had commanded and unable to break through the heavy Qi lines. His hand still around his sword, watching the blood drip out of You Tian, Chang Min fell. You Tian pulled the sword out from his stomach, striking down the man who struck Chang Min but even as he lay dying, Chang Min cursed him for his betrayal, for hiding his true self and deceiving him and Yun Hao. He called out Jun Xiu and Zai Zhong’s names, called them monsters, naming their past deeds. Despite this, despite being accused of things he had done and things he hadn’t done, You Tian fought over his body, somehow not choosing to heal himself. Perhaps it was his idea of forgiveness from Chang Min, of dying like a human to prove his own humanity.
Jun Xiu knew You Tian was dying and felt Chang Min die, heard his last ragged, cursing words and fought like a madman, refusing to change into his fox form even though his human form grew weaker as time passed, the fight in him dying as he stood before his two dead friends, guarding their bodies; Zai Zhong and Yun Hao nowhere to be seen in the melee. When Zai Zhong found his body later, covered in slashes, Jun Xiu’s tears had left clear lines on his bloody face and his hands were stretched between Chang Min and You Tian, bridging the gap between them.
Surrounded, wounded and still shocked by the earlier fight and revelations, Yun Hao couldn’t bring himself to look at Zai Zhong, even though the latter hadn’t left his side throughout the night. A million questions were in his mind but it all made sense; the trio’s heightened senses and strength, their skill at hunting, the way You Tian could disguise himself in enemy territory and make it back unscathed every time despite his fame. Jun Xiu’s speed and Zai Zhong’s unearthly looks; the increasing amount of dead cattle. The missing hearts. Zai Zhong’s back to him, Yun Hao bid him goodbye, for even if he lived he did not want to see him after, not until the shock wore off. The feeling Zai Zhong was a monster, a demon who ate hearts. Someone who had managed to slip under his defenses and become his sworn-brother, someone so close to him and with whom he had shared secrets, only to discover he’d been hiding a secret far worse in return. The horrible feeling of being lied to for all this time.
In his mind, through the chaos, some tenderness must have remained; some faith in their bond. A sword meant for Zai Zhong was taken by Yun Hao instead, and at the smell of his blood, seeing the fateful blow Zai Zhong let the blood lust and rage take over. His body glowed yellow, his claws forming as seven tails lashed out, whipping and beating at the Qi. His hair shone gold, so bright it was blinding. Claws curling, he summoned balls of fox fire to burn at their enemies, reveling in their screams, inhaling the smell of burning flesh. Zai Zhong controlled it, controlled the flames, their intensity. Measured the time it took for each man of Qi to burn, drew out their screams. When the sound finally stopped and rings of ash and bone lined the ground around them, the sight of Yun Hao’s disappointed face brought him back, away from the thoughts of revenge and all-consuming anger. His last words heard only by Zai Zhong, Yun Hao died in his arms, smiling. Zai Zhong’s cries were drowned by the rain, perhaps Heaven taking pity on his grief at having lost the only people he cared about. Zai Zhong begged and pleaded with Heaven, swearing never to harm anyone again or lose control, to never eat another heart if Heaven would take pity on his brothers. The Jade Emperor heard his cries and was moved by his pledge, and so the bodies of the four were taken up and cast into the sky, their souls free in Heaven to watch Zai Zhong, waiting for him to join them. Zai Zhong wandered the earth for years, keeping his pledge, never eating another heart and helping people in need until the day he left it all behind and joined them in Heaven.”
Wufan’s voice is emotionless, though his eyes are bitter, glaring at the stars, at the constellation. Luhan reaches out a hand slowly, hesitantly and Wufan’s eyes close, his back sliding down so he’s lying in the grass. Luhan doesn’t touch him, hand hovering above Wufan’s shoulder. In the silence, Wufan’s breathing is all he hears so he too lies down, looks at the sky.
“I think Yun Hao forgave him at the end, that’s why he was smiling.”
Wufan grunts. In the moonlight, his hair seems silver.
“The five were bonded, why else would You Tian and Jun Xiu be so heartbroken even though Chang Min said hurtful things, even though he knew the truth? Why else would Zai Zhong lose control?”
“Plenty of hearts to go around; plenty of soldiers easy to kill.”
Luhan rolls his eyes.
“Yes but they were obviously devoted and even you mentioned how loyal Zai Zhong was! Filial piety, devotion, loyalty, all these things are taught to use just like in the story Xiumin told earlier! 24 parables of Filial Piety! Zai Zhong also repented and went around doing good deeds, just as Madame White Snake did good deeds to repent for her past sins.”
The low chuckle startles him and Luhan looks at Wufan who is giving him an amused smile, lips curved and teeth bared.
“You’re such an optimist.”
Luhan pouts.
“And you’re such a pessimist! And obviously you haven’t studied enough not to learn from this story, whether your tale is the correct version… Although I think Hangeng-ge’s is better.”
“Of course.”
“I don’t always think Hangeng-ge is right though!” Luhan feels the need to say, as if showing he’s not a little boy idolizing his brother.
Wufan turns so he’s lying on his side, one hand coming up to prop his head, the other playing with the grass between them.
“Tomorrow you better train harder then, and one day you will surpass your brother. Listen to everything I say and follow my instructions.”
Luhan nods seriously at Wufan’s grave tone. Although he knows the lack of sleep will probably kill him in the morning, he promises to train even harder, especially now he’s seen his improvement with the bow. Time is passing quickly. Wufan leans closer, still propped up on one hand and in this time, Luhan finds he himself has moved closer, so that Wufan needs only move his head to whisper in his ear.
“And during your test, when you see a dangerous animal, kill it. No hesitations. You won’t miss.”
Luhan is sure Wufan can hear his heart pounding.
A/N: It's been a while since the last chapter so hopefully this lives up to expectations and gives a little more insight into Wufan (and Wufan & Luhan)! Thank you to everyone who commented on the last chapter :)
The story of Cassiopeia has obviously been tweaked for story purposes ;) But the facts about where it lies in Chinese astronomy are true: the turtle, tiger, Forbidden Purple Enclosure etc.
Author: clubotaku
Pairing: Kris/Luhan with minor Sehun/Luhan, Lay/Luhan
Characters: EXO-M with mentions of Hangeng, Victoria and others
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Historical Au!
Summary: After 500 years of collecting hearts, a fox spirit will be able to go to Heaven
Previous chapters:
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/17349.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/17488.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/18586.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/19031.html
http://clubotaku.livejournal.com/19759.html
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A/N: Kris is back and I can't decide whether I hate Luhan's new hair. In some pictures he looked washed out but in others he looks like your typical bishounen with imaginary sparkles and roses. On to the chapter! There's something wrong with the format so apologies for the weird paragraphs and places where there should be spaces. Been trying to edit but the changes don't get saved...
花间一壶酒，独酌无相亲
I take my wine jug out among the flowers to drink alone, without friends
举杯邀明月，对影成三人
I raise my cup to entice the moon. That, and my shadow, makes us three
月既不解饮，影徒随我身
But the moon doesn't drink, and my shadow silently follows
暂伴月将影，行乐须及春
I will travel with moon and shadow, happy to the end of spring
Li Bai 李白- Drinking alone under the moon月下独酌
Somehow, Chen has procured another bottle of red lizard wine and is continuing to pour more in Wufan’s cup, cheering each time he downs it then downing his own cup. Sehun’s lip is beginning to curl as he observes his friend staggering back to his seat, and the way Yixing has somehow ended up with his head in Luhan’s lap.
“I think you should eat,” says Xiumin, “Too much wine and no food is not good for you.”
“I’m fine!”
“Says the man trying to take his jacket off in autumn,” says Luhan, “Eat something before you throw up on the fire.”
“I’m fine and so is Master Wufan!”
The man in question wonders how he suddenly became ‘Master’ but doesn’t bother to ask. The ramblings of a drunk man are worthless. Xiumin returns from their designated tent, a small hemp bag in hand. From within he draws out mantou, handing one to each of them.
“It’s hard.”
“Like your head!”
“Ge, Chen is being a piece of cow dung!”
“Just use the fire to warm them up, I made them fresh this morning!” says Xiumin, exasperated.
He points at Wufan who has already stuck his on the end of an arrow and is currently dangling it above the fire. Sehun stares at the arrow.
“That’s not clean.”
Wufan makes no move to show he’s heard, rotating the arrow so the whole of the bun is warmed. When he has deemed it ready he plucks the bun off, a small trickle of steam wafting into the air before he takes a large bite, sliding down to lie on his side. Sehun makes a sound of annoyance and leans back against Luhan’s shoulder.
“Well… I guess it’s better than using twigs or our hands,” says Luhan, “And Xiumin’s buns are the best!”
“Yeah they are,” says Chen around a mouthful of mantou. Yixing grunts in agreement, waiting for his bun to warm up as he remains horizontal on the floor. Luhan fiddles with his hair absentmindedly, his other hand resting on Sehun’s thigh.
“If you’re all happy, I shall start,” says Xiumin, happy that Chen is too pre-occupied to force anyone into premature alcoholism. A glance at Wufan who gives the slightest of nods. Afterwards Xiumin wonders why he felt the need to get permission from the man and accounts it towards respect (and maybe fear).
“A long time ago during the fabled Three Kingdoms period there was a young boy called Meng Zong. His father had died and his mother was poorly, the two of them struggling to survive. One winter his mother fell deeply ill, desiring bamboo shoots to make a medicinal broth but in that weather, with the thick snow and ice covering the ground it was impossible to find the shoots, which only sprout in warm weather. Meng Zong searched, using his hands to dig for shoots, trying to find them so his mother wouldn’t be disappointed and could get better. In the forest he dug until his fingers were numb with cold and torn from trying to break the ice. However no matter how much he tried, all that was to be found were frozen leaves and snowflakes.
Tears fell from his eyes like a river, down into the snow, below the emerald stalks but he kept the hope alive in his heart, determined to help his mother. Suddenly he tripped over a small lump and uncovering it found bamboo shoots! Gathering all he ran home, brewing the broth that soon cured his mother’s illness. The neighbours heard of his unfailing filial piety that inspired Heaven and Earth to respond and grant him the bamboo shoots, declaring it a miracle as bamboo shoots in winter were impossible to find before. Now they could get bamboo all year round and the spot where he first found the sprouts was called “Meng Zong’s bamboo grove” and as we now collect bamboo shoots in winter we must remember his outstanding example of filial piety and respect, and reflect on our conduct as sons and daughters of our parents.”
Yixing smiled, “I’ve always like Tales from the 24 Paragons of Filial Piety.”
“That wasn’t what I was expecting you to tell,” says Luhan, teasing, “I thought you’d tell a ghost story to help Chen connect to the other world.”
“I connect just fine on my own thanks!”
“Filial piety is always important,” Wufan says softly, “There is a reason it exists.”
“Where is your family?” asks Xiumin curiously, “I heard from Hangeng-ge you came from the South.”
“They’re in Guangdong province,” says Wufan, sadly offering no further information.
Listening, Luhan realizes just how little he knows about his archery teacher. All they discuss is archery, of how Luhan could improve himself or the correct techniques. Wufan rarely strays from the topic apart from a few choice comments on Sehun and on Luhan’s skill or lack of.
“Any siblings?”
“None.”
“Have you ever wished for siblings? Don’t you feel lonely by yourself?”
Luhan doesn’t know why he cares so much but the need to know more about Wufan picks at him.
“No, I’m perfectly fine by myself. I’ve been travelling and hunting alone for a long time; I have no need of company in the wild.”
“You really don’t feel lonely?”
Wufan drags his thumb back and forth against the feathered arrow end, his eyes red in the flames.
“No.”
“Haven’t you ever wished for company?”
The air seems to still and Xiumin shivers despite the lack of wind. Luhan has that determined look in his eye, the one he gets when he knows what he wants and is about to set off and get it. Wufan is a mask of indifference but his body tenses ever so slightly, his cheekbones stark in the light, shadows falling beneath and around his neck. Chen is quiet, even drunk he can feel the tension between the two. Sehun looks like he wants to say something but his mouth never forms the words. Finally, Yixing pokes Luhan’s waist, the older boy yelping and falling backwards in surprise, which in turn sends Sehun tumbling down with him.
“Ok my turn!” says Chen, “I have a great tale about some cheeky fairy maidens and a scholar.”
Sehun pours himself another drink.
Six bottles of wine and one empty hemp sack later, Xiumin has dragged Chen off to bed and Sehun and Luhan are carrying a sleeping Yixing between them.
“Aren’t you going to help?” asks Sehun angrily, pulling Yixing’s hand away from his face.
Wufan snorts.
“You two look like you’re doing fine. Consider this strength training.”
The younger boy shoots daggers out the corner of his eyes as Luhan encourages him to keep moving forward, giving Wufan a disparaging look. The tall man sighs and strides over to pull back the tent flap, Luhan smiling sunnily as they enter. Chen is already snoring on his cot, blanket tucked over him while Xiumin splashes water on his face from a nearby basin. Luhan lowers Yixing onto his cot and the other boy reaches out in sleep to grab Luhan’s arm, nuzzling it. Xiumin pulls Sehun away before he says something rude, telling him to wash up and sleep. Luhan watches Yixing mumble something, obviously dreaming as he pulls him closer.
“You need to sleep too, and not in here.”
Wufan’s voice seems to echo in the large tent even though he hasn’t moved from his place at the entrance. Sighing, Luhan releases his arm from his friend’s grasp and bids goodnight to the others, Sehun already snug in his fur blanket and Xiumin trying to stifle Chen’s snores with a pillow.
Luhan walks behind him, taking in the broad shoulders and long legs that seem to cover the ground in little time at all, his own footsteps hurried as he tries to keep up. At last Wufan stops, Luhan almost crashing into him, and turns around to hold him by the shoulders, staring straight into his eyes. His heart seems to stop for a second as Wufan leans in, his mouth coming closer. No, no, we’re both men, he wouldn’t… Would he?
Wufan is oblivious to the inner turmoil inside his head and he seems to move too slow, much too slow as he lowers his face towards Luhan who is torn between closing his eyes and screaming blue murder.
Wufan’s lips come close, warm breath ghosting across Luhan’s own and he closes his eyes, hands frozen at his side.
“This isn’t your tent.”
What? Luhan jerks back, out of Wufan’s grip, Wufan, who is standing there with a self-satisfied look on his handsome face. He realizes that he has followed him blindly, Luhan’s own tent behind him. In the distance he can hear Sehun yelling something at Chen but the noise is a mere buzz compared to the rush in his ears and the heat threatening to overtake his face.
“Goodnight!”
He tries to look as unaffected as the other, tries not to run and to just walk back to his small tent and ends up stumbling over one of the wooden posts holding it down. A low chuckle, almost like a growl travels the space between them and the sound reverberates all the way to his toes, Luhan sprinting the last few steps to pull the tent flap down, a thin barrier between them. I’m going crazy. It must be the wine… I should sleep.
The tent seems so small, so stifling. Luhan stares at the vast blankness above him, at the dark brown cloth. The candle beside him flickers one last time, silently dying. His friends are silent in their tent apart from the occasional snore. He’s not sure how much time has passed but he guesses it’s been an hour judging by the candle. Hangeng has always been the more meticulous brother whereas Luhan never really cared for mathematics and measurement, he’s always been about learning through experience. He strains his ears but there is no sound from the tent opposite his. Not even the wind blows tonight. Slowly he counts the number of snores (he’s pretty sure it’s Chen) and when that bores him, he begins to count the seconds between each snore. Next he tries to pick out the number of stitches in the opening of the tent, eyes straining in the dark to see. A light draws close and he holds his breath as a shadowy figure tramps past-a sentry on night duty. As the footsteps fade, Luhan resumes counting, this time he counts the number of innuendos Chen has made this month. Eventually he loses count and settles for using his fingers to measure the length of his pillow. When that’s over he uses his toes, swiveling around in the narrow cot. There’s a warmth missing from his side despite his body almost filling the cot; Yixing’s familiar presence, the constant invasion of his personal space (or rather his bed). No… Luhan bites his lip, fingers curling around the thick sheets, I must not miss such things. Men don’t need to share a bed with other men… A thought pops into his mind, defiant, but I am not a man yet so why does it matter?
Without thinking he feels his lips, fingers following the memory and he shakes his head, buries it into the pillow. This is wrong. All the teachings he has studied, been drilled in, say the perfect, harmonious relationship is between a man and woman, in order to create a family unit. Luhan is attracted to girls; he’s found a few noble daughters pretty. He’s never been close enough to learn enough about them but their slim figures and mysterious eyes, hidden behind fans or sheltered in passing carriages have caught his attention. However… With his friends and his brother keeping him occupied, girls have never been a priority. In the future though… His parents have probably lined a few up ready for after his ceremony. Hangeng has been to a few meetings but his brother has always managed to put marriage off somehow and now with the beast running around it’s almost certain marriage will wait. It’s a little late for both of them-Hangeng should be married and Luhan should be engaged. Oh well, at least Song Qian is happy. Or is she? She’s never met her husband other than what the matchmaker has told her and all of them know matchmakers often lie. Marrying someone you barely know seems so depressing although his parents seem to have worked out. Luhan knows though, knows that the nights when his father comes back late it’s not always because of meetings… Unless it’s a meeting at a red lantern house. Hangeng doesn’t approve; they have both seen the defeated look on their mother’s face as she sits sewing alone in their chambers. She has fulfilled her duty though as a wife: looking after the household, being a good daughter-in-law and most importantly, producing male heirs.
For Luhan, Hangeng and Sehun, an arranged marriage is inevitable. For commoners like Xiumin, Chen and Yixing, there is more freedom in who they choose to marry. If any girl would be kind enough to marry Chenchen… Luhan giggles at the thought. A rustle; a tent flap moves. Luhan holds his breath, eyes turning to stare at the opening of his tent, as if he could see through the material. There is a slight change in the air but the feeling passes as soon as it came but Luhan is already up, pulling on his boots and grabbing his thick coat. The sentries are at the other end of the barracks but he is still cautious as he tries to move as fast as he can, half tiptoeing, half speed-walking. Passing by his friend’s tent, he jumps as Chen shouts in his sleep, muttering something about pandas. Luhan moves forward slowly, unsure if the others have woken up but there is no other sound and he scurries forward, winding his way through the tents. A horse whinnies nearby and he stubs his foot on a tent pole, wincing at the pain. The fence is easy enough to jump over, Luhan cursing silently as a part of his coat is caught, bits of fur and cloth sticking to the wood.
He crouches, tucking his hands beneath his armpits as the wind whistles through the grass, keeps his body low. Wufan’s back is to him, the taller man still as he gazes into the distance. Luhan waits, watches. What could he possibly be looking at? Luhan can barely see as it is, with only the moon and the faint light from the barracks guiding him. He steps forward, a twig snapping beneath and mentally he groans. When he looks back up, Wufan is gone. What the…
“You’re so noisy.”
Luhan screams but the sound barely leaves his mouth as a hand covers it, the other steadying him as he pitches back, flailing. Wufan shakes his head.
“Your stalking skills are terrible. Abysmal at best; your scent was blowing all over the place.”
“My scent?” Luhan says, but his voice is muffled beneath Wufan’s palm.
“I heard you clomping like a water buffalo through the barracks-you should be more aware of your surroundings so you don’t get so scared by sudden noises.”
“I wasn’t scared!” He tries to say, the tip of his tongue accidentally brushing Wufan’s hand. Luhan tastes salt; shuts his mouth. Wufan’s hand jerks backward, but his face is unruffled.
“Go back to sleep. We can work on your hunting and stalking skills another day, when you can actually see.”
“Why are you awake?”
“Why aren’t you going back to your tent?”
“Can’t you sleep?”
“Stop asking questions. Go back to sleep. Make sure you get the right tent though.”
Luhan’s sure the night hides his flush or at least he really hopes it does. Wufan’s night vision can’t be that good.
“I was having trouble sleeping too,” he says at last, stares at the grass.
Wufan sighs, closing his eyes.
“I can function on less sleep that you, I wasn’t having trouble sleeping.”
“Liar! Everyone needs at least eight hours of sleep!”
“Not everyone is a sloth.”
Unable to think of a good retort, Luhan settles for sitting down instead, Wufan standing beside him. When the young noble makes no sign of moving, Wufan gives up, too tired to continue arguing with the boy and unwilling to carry him back. Luhan grins as the other sits down wordlessly, pointedly ignoring him. Above them the sky is clear, a myriad constellations twinkling above as the moon shines. Eyes scanning the sky, Luhan gasps, finger pointing at one constellation in particular.
“Cassiopeia!”
An eye flickers to watch the excited smile form on his face, Luhan almost bouncing where he sits.
“The five heroes lying within the Black Tortoise of the North, the White Tiger of the West, and the Purple Forbidden Enclosure!”
Wufan says nothing, choosing instead to follow where he points.
“Ge told me this story when I was younger; it’s my favourite! The friendship between the five heroes is inspirational!”
“I see.”
The response, however minimal, encourages him to continue.
“A long time ago, when the country was wrought with war, three men appeared on the battlefield when all seemed lost for the kingdom of Ba. They each fought with the strength of a hundred men, cutting a wide swathe through the enemy kingdom of Qi until they reached the ring of trapped Ba soldiers. Together with two courageous soldiers of Ba, they drove the Qi back until the leader was killed and Ba was victorious.
During the battle, the generals of Ba were also slain and for their valour, the two soldiers were promoted to generals. The three men were offered rewards, titles and gold, but the turned them down with their only request a roof over their heads and food. The two new generals were grateful for their assistance, and offered them rooms in their palatial homes which the men accepted. They became sworn-brothers, drinking to commemorate their pledge beneath the Hawthorne tree.
The two generals were called Yun Hao and Chang Min and were childhood friends. The three men, rumoured to come from a land across the sea were called You Tian, Jun Xiu and Zai Zhong. All five men were strong and handsome, and many offers of marriage were made but none accepted. Of the five, Zai Zhong was the most beautiful and often compared to a page boy of Heaven, so lovely were his looks. Whilst Jun Xiu and Chang Min possessed youthful faces; You Tian a kind and friendly face; Yun Hao and Zai Zhong were the most striking and before long, the closest. The kingdom was abound with tales of their friendship and devotion; of each man’s heroic deeds in battle. Chang Min was the strategist, Yun Hao the fearsome leader. You Tian, though weak in terms of weapons skill, was always able to infiltrate the enemy and bring back information. Jun Xiu was able to outrun even the fastest horse, and able to dodge a thousand arrows with ease, so agile was he. Zai Zhong was said to be able to freeze a man, so that he would lose possession of his body as he gazed upon his beauty, Zai Zhong’s face the last thing he would see before death.
They proved their merit through numerous battles, both beloved by the people and feared by their enemies. However, there were enemies within the kingdom they failed to see and one night, after they had all drunk a fight broke out between Chang Min and You Tian. A traitor had fed Chang Min with false tales about You Tian, and in his drunken state his judgment was cloudy and he accused You Tian of many things. Hurt, You Tian argued back but the fight turned physical. Distracted, they were slow to react to the ambush being set up by the traitor, who led the Qi into their camp. Chang Min and You Tian fell beneath an enemy sword; You Tian trying to save Chang Min even as he died.
Furious, the remaining three fought like mad men, Yun Hao trying to rally their confused and unprepared troops. Jun Xiu was separated from them during this time, trying to keep the enemy away from their friend’s bodies but as the night wore on and dawn broke, he lay dead between his brothers. The Ba troops were almost wiped out, the tents smoldering ruins that stank of burnt flesh and their support troops too far away to reach them in time. Exhausted, Yun Hao and Zai Zhong continued to hold off the Qi with the remaining men but one by one the soldiers fell.
When it was the two of them left, standing back to back, Yun Hao bid his sworn-brother farewell. Zai Zhong clasped his hand, swearing to be together in the afterlife and at this point it seemed Heaven took pity on them, casting a light on them, giving them strength when it seemed lost. Survivors say blue flames erupted from the ground, pulling the Qi down with them and tearing their bodies to pieces, their screams so long and tortured the ground still echoes of them now. When it was over, Yun Hao lay slumped against Zai Zhong, mortally wounded. As Yun Hao breathed his last it is said Zai Zhong’s tears moved Heaven again, so that Yun Hao’s body was taken up and cast among the stars, along with Chang Min, Jun Xiu and You Tian. Zai Zhong’s body glowed and he vanished, nowhere to be seen until a 5th star appeared in the sky. The five sworn-brothers were finally reunited, immortal at last as the constellation Cassiopeia.”
Luhan finishes with a pleased clap, eyes closed in satisfaction. He turns to look at Wufan, Wufan who is gazing at the sky with some
unpleasant mix of emotions.
“Do you want to hear another version of that?” asks Wufan, an edge to his voice.
Luhan nods, though he’s sure Wufan would have told regardless.
“The appearance of the three men is the same in this version; they saved the two soldiers of Ba from the Qi forces. The three men were from Joseon - not the land across the sea - and it was true, they had the strength of a hundred men, superior speed, stealth, senses. Their bodies were superior to mere mortals; their looks individually alluring for reasons nobody understood. Jun Xiu was forever youthful, angelic; You Tian was the plainest of the three yet still attractive with his friendly smile; Zai Zhong the most beautiful man at the time, all fine edges and dark eyes. Cities fell at his feet, his charm working its’ way through anyone’s heart, into their minds.
The five were close, so close they could tell when another was in trouble or in pain. Chang Min, Jun Xiu and You Tian were as close as Yun Hao and Zai Zhong, but Zai Zhong loved Yun Hao, defying all society’s rules and expectations.”
Luhan gasps, eyes wide. Wufan continues as if he hasn’t heard him.
“Of course he didn’t declare this to the world, for they would have been separated, or people would have tried and though Zai Zhong would be unaffected and unbothered, the reputations of his friends and more importantly, Yun Hao would be ruined. So Zai Zhong kept it a secret, another secret to add to his growing list. Yun Hao probably knew but did not want to say in case he ruined their friendship; how could he not? They were always together and Zai Zhong was totally loyal to him, almost a wife for all the things he did for Yun Hao. With his looks he could have passed for a woman easily.
The last night all five were together, it is true, they had drunk. Chang Min had heard terrible rumours, had started to suspect and piece everything together, and it was he who proposed the idea of drinking before the battle. Fox fairies you see, are weak to alcohol although they may build up a tolerance as they age but Chang Min had proposed drinking so suddenly, that there was no chance to switch the alcohol as refusing would be even more suspicious as the five drank together often-though not so much usually before battle. Zai Zhong, suspecting something was wrong tried to put off Chang Min from drinking but the younger man was insistent, pouring the wine himself and giving each a cup. As they emptied bottle after bottle and Chang Min’s confidence grew and You Tian’s self-control faded, Chang Min accused You Tian of being a demon. Angry and hurt, You Tian protested and their arguing increased, despite the other three attempting to calm them down. Chang Min accidentally hit Jun Xiu and You Tian threw the first punch. The fight worsened, Zai Zhong and Jun Xiu trying to separate them whilst Yun Hao told the men outside to leave them.
Drunk and enraged, You Tian lost control and his tails came out, hair turning colour and eyes glowing as he snarled at Chang Min. At Jun Xiu’s scream You Tian regained control, pausing before he struck down his friend but as he paused, Chang Min’s sword cut through him. As the stood staring at each other, You Tian in shock and Chang Min frozen, watching him recede back into his human form the sounds of battle broke out around them. Qi soldiers burst through the tent-the Ba soldiers away as Yun Hao had commanded and unable to break through the heavy Qi lines. His hand still around his sword, watching the blood drip out of You Tian, Chang Min fell. You Tian pulled the sword out from his stomach, striking down the man who struck Chang Min but even as he lay dying, Chang Min cursed him for his betrayal, for hiding his true self and deceiving him and Yun Hao. He called out Jun Xiu and Zai Zhong’s names, called them monsters, naming their past deeds. Despite this, despite being accused of things he had done and things he hadn’t done, You Tian fought over his body, somehow not choosing to heal himself. Perhaps it was his idea of forgiveness from Chang Min, of dying like a human to prove his own humanity.
Jun Xiu knew You Tian was dying and felt Chang Min die, heard his last ragged, cursing words and fought like a madman, refusing to change into his fox form even though his human form grew weaker as time passed, the fight in him dying as he stood before his two dead friends, guarding their bodies; Zai Zhong and Yun Hao nowhere to be seen in the melee. When Zai Zhong found his body later, covered in slashes, Jun Xiu’s tears had left clear lines on his bloody face and his hands were stretched between Chang Min and You Tian, bridging the gap between them.
Surrounded, wounded and still shocked by the earlier fight and revelations, Yun Hao couldn’t bring himself to look at Zai Zhong, even though the latter hadn’t left his side throughout the night. A million questions were in his mind but it all made sense; the trio’s heightened senses and strength, their skill at hunting, the way You Tian could disguise himself in enemy territory and make it back unscathed every time despite his fame. Jun Xiu’s speed and Zai Zhong’s unearthly looks; the increasing amount of dead cattle. The missing hearts. Zai Zhong’s back to him, Yun Hao bid him goodbye, for even if he lived he did not want to see him after, not until the shock wore off. The feeling Zai Zhong was a monster, a demon who ate hearts. Someone who had managed to slip under his defenses and become his sworn-brother, someone so close to him and with whom he had shared secrets, only to discover he’d been hiding a secret far worse in return. The horrible feeling of being lied to for all this time.
In his mind, through the chaos, some tenderness must have remained; some faith in their bond. A sword meant for Zai Zhong was taken by Yun Hao instead, and at the smell of his blood, seeing the fateful blow Zai Zhong let the blood lust and rage take over. His body glowed yellow, his claws forming as seven tails lashed out, whipping and beating at the Qi. His hair shone gold, so bright it was blinding. Claws curling, he summoned balls of fox fire to burn at their enemies, reveling in their screams, inhaling the smell of burning flesh. Zai Zhong controlled it, controlled the flames, their intensity. Measured the time it took for each man of Qi to burn, drew out their screams. When the sound finally stopped and rings of ash and bone lined the ground around them, the sight of Yun Hao’s disappointed face brought him back, away from the thoughts of revenge and all-consuming anger. His last words heard only by Zai Zhong, Yun Hao died in his arms, smiling. Zai Zhong’s cries were drowned by the rain, perhaps Heaven taking pity on his grief at having lost the only people he cared about. Zai Zhong begged and pleaded with Heaven, swearing never to harm anyone again or lose control, to never eat another heart if Heaven would take pity on his brothers. The Jade Emperor heard his cries and was moved by his pledge, and so the bodies of the four were taken up and cast into the sky, their souls free in Heaven to watch Zai Zhong, waiting for him to join them. Zai Zhong wandered the earth for years, keeping his pledge, never eating another heart and helping people in need until the day he left it all behind and joined them in Heaven.”
Wufan’s voice is emotionless, though his eyes are bitter, glaring at the stars, at the constellation. Luhan reaches out a hand slowly, hesitantly and Wufan’s eyes close, his back sliding down so he’s lying in the grass. Luhan doesn’t touch him, hand hovering above Wufan’s shoulder. In the silence, Wufan’s breathing is all he hears so he too lies down, looks at the sky.
“I think Yun Hao forgave him at the end, that’s why he was smiling.”
Wufan grunts. In the moonlight, his hair seems silver.
“The five were bonded, why else would You Tian and Jun Xiu be so heartbroken even though Chang Min said hurtful things, even though he knew the truth? Why else would Zai Zhong lose control?”
“Plenty of hearts to go around; plenty of soldiers easy to kill.”
Luhan rolls his eyes.
“Yes but they were obviously devoted and even you mentioned how loyal Zai Zhong was! Filial piety, devotion, loyalty, all these things are taught to use just like in the story Xiumin told earlier! 24 parables of Filial Piety! Zai Zhong also repented and went around doing good deeds, just as Madame White Snake did good deeds to repent for her past sins.”
The low chuckle startles him and Luhan looks at Wufan who is giving him an amused smile, lips curved and teeth bared.
“You’re such an optimist.”
Luhan pouts.
“And you’re such a pessimist! And obviously you haven’t studied enough not to learn from this story, whether your tale is the correct version… Although I think Hangeng-ge’s is better.”
“Of course.”
“I don’t always think Hangeng-ge is right though!” Luhan feels the need to say, as if showing he’s not a little boy idolizing his brother.
Wufan turns so he’s lying on his side, one hand coming up to prop his head, the other playing with the grass between them.
“Tomorrow you better train harder then, and one day you will surpass your brother. Listen to everything I say and follow my instructions.”
Luhan nods seriously at Wufan’s grave tone. Although he knows the lack of sleep will probably kill him in the morning, he promises to train even harder, especially now he’s seen his improvement with the bow. Time is passing quickly. Wufan leans closer, still propped up on one hand and in this time, Luhan finds he himself has moved closer, so that Wufan needs only move his head to whisper in his ear.
“And during your test, when you see a dangerous animal, kill it. No hesitations. You won’t miss.”
Luhan is sure Wufan can hear his heart pounding.
A/N: It's been a while since the last chapter so hopefully this lives up to expectations and gives a little more insight into Wufan (and Wufan & Luhan)! Thank you to everyone who commented on the last chapter :)
The story of Cassiopeia has obviously been tweaked for story purposes ;) But the facts about where it lies in Chinese astronomy are true: the turtle, tiger, Forbidden Purple Enclosure etc.