Chapter Text
In a time of gods and ghost, fate and cultivation the love of a brother made him fight to break the chains damning his brother. He cared too deeply to let him suffer what he was destined for. With the power of heaven he changed his brothers fate, redirecting in onto a different target. But in the end he only bought some time. The misfortune caught up in the end. The one whose fate was stolen taking revenge for had been done. The once beloved god fell, stripped of his immortality he followed the path of all humans, joining the circle of reincarnation once more. But even then his original fate remained. When he was finally reborn it was to a new world, changed by time. People no longer believed in neither gods nor ghosts. The old ways had withered and with it the beings dwindled, fading like their stories into obscurity. With no one to read his fate, with no brother to challenge destiny, with no one changing the course of his life it followed the design that was always meant to be. Hardship followed but even in all of this there were still beings that remained. Spirits too tethered to this world, by belief, by love … by regret.
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He Xuan was … tired. That was probably the best word for it. It had been centuries now and some days he wasn’t sure what he was still doing here. He told himself that his debt still wasn’t paid. The bastard kept reminding him that it would take a hundred more lifetimes to pay back but they both knew that that was more pretence than anything else. The debt didn’t matter anymore to any of them. There was no goal to work towards to after all. At this point the ghost was just going through the motions. He wondered if it was all worth it to keep going but hollow coldness in his chest and the memories aching in the back of his mind reminded him that he still wasn’t done atoning.
Maybe that was all there was for him now.
…
Today really wasn’t a good day. Usually he could keep the thoughts away better, distracting himself or working on whatever new project Hua Cheng had started to keep himself entertained. Gambling halls, fashion, food. By now there probably wasn’t anything he hadn’t tried yet since his fancy changed every few decades, maybe a century if it was really amusing. He Xuan mostly just tagged along, not knowing what else to do.
He should pull himself together before he returned. If he came back like this Xie Lian would immediately hone in on his troubles. He avoided upsetting the other if he could help it. Not only because Hua Cheng got hissy and annoying and even more sadistic whenever his husband was even in slight discomfort but because He Xuan himself cared for once crown prince. One couldn’t spend centuries in each other’s company without some fondness growing. Xie Lian was a kind soul, forgiving and shining brightly in a world that was forgetting them. So it was no wonder that a friendship had bloomed. Even though Xie Lian, ever the accepting and curious god that he was, seemed to take their ever changing world better than the ghost they still could commiserate about the things lost to time. Hua Cheng of course didn’t care for anything except his gods happiness who in turn was more than willing to indulge any and all of his husbands whims and was satisfied having him by his side.
With a sigh He Xuan pulled himself out of his musings. He stared down at the dark water rushing under the bridge. It wasn’t his domain anymore, not like it had once been, but there was still a certain draw. Something comforting. Even though the artificial canals were taking over more and more and slowly taking away even this last piece of his past.
Since he continued to be unsuccessful in taking his mind elsewhere the ghost king decided to just surrender to his fate for the evening. He turned to walk towards the restaurant, feet dragging as if his body was resisting the fuzzing that would surely come the moment he arrived at the restaurant. For a moment he thought about just cancelling the meeting with Hua Cheng and Xie Lian but he dropped the idea almost as fast as he had gotten it. They needed to talk about the new promotion Hua Cheng wanted to run for his modelling agency. It was important. It was business and shouldn’t suffer just because He Xuan was feeling a little wistful.
It wouldn’t matter if this whole thing falls through. Wouldn’t matter like none of the companies had mattered in the long run.
It was just an excuse to make his resisting body go there. To keep his mind occupied so he wouldn’t have to be alone with his thoughts and the regret. If it didn’t work they would just do something else in another part of the world. He reached in to bag in his hand, grabbing the last chicken slice and eating them before he balled it up to throw into the trashcan at the end of the bridge. It tasted like ash. Just like everything had in the last few centuries.
Absentmindedly he patted the pocket of his jacket, fingers searching the familiar shape of his wallet. For a moment his grip tightened, like a man holding onto a raft in the middle of a storm. He shook his head to get rid of the feeling. The sparks in the air, tension like he hadn’t known for eons. All too painfully known but fate and faith had left the world. There was nothing speaking of the movements of the future yet it still felt like the cogs of the realm moving, slow and unavoidable. Like something was being set into motion. Even the wind suddenly brushing past him felt charged.
He really must be losing his mind.
Hua Cheng would just be scoffing and tell him to his face that there wasn’t much to lose. Xie Lian would look at him with that compassionate, caring gaze of his, telling him that he wasn’t alone, not telling him that all would be fine. They both would know it to be a lie. Maybe he would offer He Xuan his shoulder, a safe space to break down. He was probably due for one by now anyways. With a sigh he quickened his steps. No sense in putting it off further.
Stepping off the bridge the devastation level ghost stumbled when suddenly someone ran into him.
“What the-“, he cursed his distraction under his breath. At least Crimson Rain hadn’t seen that or he would never let him forget it.
“Sorry sorry.” The one that had pushed into him was a dirty little thing, hunched over, the long hair wild and unkempt. They pulled their old jacket tighter around themselves, the filling peeking through the multiple holes. But He Xuan couldn’t make out more than that as the person didn’t break their run even as they apologized and already disappeared down the street. Light on their feet they were gone as the wind before he could make any sense of what was bothering him. A sudden sharp, cold breeze brushed past him.
What a strange encounter. He Xuan wasn’t even sure why it stayed on his mind but he should try and push it aside. If he met with Hua Cheng this out of it the other ghost would hone in on his weakness like a shark on blood.
After a short walk He Xuan finally reached the restaurant, the glow from the large windows illuminated the path in front of him. Warmth washed over him when he stepped through the door and his shoulders relaxed as the heated air washed over him. He didn’t even need to ask to be shown to their table. Regardless of if he owned the place or not Hua Cheng had an air of authority and arrogance that made people either flock to or avoid him. His imposing aura, even while he was just sitting, drew the attention of people without them knowing why. When Hua Cheng was in a room everything shifted around him like the tides around a jagged cliff. Imposing, impossible to miss and damningly aware of it the Ghost King used this to his advantage whenever he pleased. With this invisible beacon of power it was no wonder He Xuan found him at first glance. Where ever he was, was the centre. Everything revolving and moving around him with the people unaware that they were even doing it or maybe they were. Maybe some primal part subconsciously understood that they were in the presence of something more.
If Hua Cheng was the centre of every space he occupied, demanding room like he had a natural right to it, then Hua Cheng’s center was the man besides him. His body always angled towards his companion, attention shifting but always ready to snap back at the slightest inclination that it was wanted. Xie Lian seemed on the outside like a quiet presence, at least at first. One could wonder how such opposites had found each other. But Xe Huan had spent so much time with the pair that he was well aware how compatible they were, how much they complemented each other. The former prince could demand attention as easily as breathing if he chose so. But his times as royalty, wielding power and authority were over and he had no need for the attention and reverence that once were so natural to him. He only needed his husband, his attention, his care, his love. That much had become obvious to Xe Huan while he had watched them settle into their tender companionship.
“Took you long enough Blackwater.”, Hua Cheng smirked, dissatisfaction at having been made wait clear from the glint in his eye. “I was about to turn the dinner into a date for Danxia. On your tab obviously.”
“San Lang.”, Xie Lian scolded his husband but the effect was diminished by the fond tone of his voice. Not that He Xuan had really expected the immortal to defend him against his husband in earnest. For whatever reason the brunet found Crimson Rain’s antics endearing and threats like that has lost their impact. At this point more debt didn’t even had any meaning anymore. He Xuan could have already paid all of it off and the sadistic devil would probably not even tell him. He would still stay anyways. For better or worse these two where all that were left.
“This one apologizes Gege. Your San Lang was just so impatient to finish this dinner and return back to our home. We still wanted to do … something there after all.”, the sweet, pliant tone really didn’t suit his rotten character in He Xuan’s opinion but Xie Lian went soft almost immediately. Then he flushed as his husband’s words registered.
“Behave San Lang.”, flustered the once prince put a hand against Hua Cheng’s cheek to make stop speaking. A satisfied grin appeared on his face and Hua Cheng leaned his face into his husband’s hand cupping it.
“En, this one will be very good for Gege. May this lowly San Lang request a reward if he satisfies his highness?” Xie Lian’s hands fluttered like young bird just learning to fly. Were he to still wear his cultivation robes with longs sleeves they would surely have thrown off the decoration on the table in one fell swoop. Alas He Xuan only had to catch the flower arrangement when the man’s hands almost knocked it over. He did his best to blend out whatever else they were saying. Instead he grabbed one of the bread sticks and took a bite. It went down to his stomach like stone but still better than to suffer the indignity of having to listen those two. How could they still act like young lovers only just discovering their attraction for one another? It had been so many years.
“We have to plan for your next fashion line San Lang.” Clearing his throat Xie Lian was seemingly desperate to turn the conversation back to the actual topic. Hua Cheng looked pleased and for now at least pulled back and leaned against his chair. He Xuan just rolled his eyes at all of it. Trying to make them stop would be a fruitless endeavour. They had been behaving like this even before finally getting their heads together and had only gotten worse as time passed.
Once they had ordered they finally got to the reason for the meeting. The where’s, the when’s, the who’s. Since Hua Cheng’s latest fancy was being a designer he needed to organize fashion shows as everything he did had to be ridiculously extra. At least in He Xuan’s opinion. He also had the creeping suspicion that the reason for his dabbling in fashion was so that he had an excuse to dress up his god since he used him as muse and model.
“One of our usual models got pregnant.”, He Xuan threw in while they discussed the plan for the show and popped another bite of fish into his mouth. Predictably Xie Lian clasped his hands together in delight. His eyes shined with happiness that seemed to make his whole face glow.
“Oh how wonderful. I hope she is doing well. We have to sent her something San Lang. She will surely appreciate the support.”
“Of course. Whatever Gege thinks is best. I’m sure the help will be welcomed.” It better be or Hua Cheng would be very displease. He Xuan could already feel the headache coming since he would be the one having to clean up any messes. But he mostly hired people with brains and they knew better than to displease their employer. Also they all loved Xie Lian so there probably wouldn’t be much of any trouble. The once prince had an aura that drew the people in, made them feel safe and welcome.
“But …”, Xie Lian trailed off a small frown marring his smooth skin. “Then we don’t have enough people for the show, will we?”
“I will just have to find someone for the time being.” He Xuan shrugged his shoulders. That was after all his job in their latest enterprise. Managing and organizing the models first job he had taken on and it was a good way to spent the he didn’t knew what else to do with. A downside of his status as a ghost. He could go into hibernation to skip a few decades but at some point it always started to worry Xie Lian.
It also felt like he was taking the easy way out.
“Are you sure you will manage? I know San Lang can be bit particular about who he wants.”
“Gege worries too much. It’s his job, isn’t it? That one should be able to at least do this much.” He Xuan let out a suffering sigh at the tone and choice of words. Hua Cheng really always had to be contrary and antagonistic. If he were to get worked up about it every time Blackwater wouldn’t know a day of peace. That didn’t mean it wasn’t annoying but he kept his composure, not willing to give the other Ghost King the reaction he wanted.
“San Lang.”, Xie Lian scolded with made the other just shrugged his shoulders but he fell silent.
“You needn’t worry. It will be manageable.”, he assured the prince. Mentally He Xuan was running through the agencies he could call. There were a few that owed him. It was just a question of finding the right one.
“I’m glad to hear. Still, if something comes up, please come to me.” The offer sounded as sincere as the ghost knew it was. He Xuan nodded and they finished their meal without further antagonizing from Crimson Rain Sought Flower.
Once everyone was done the Supreme opposite of him gave He Xuan a pointed look that made him huff in exasperated annoyance. Of course he would be expected to pay. Well at least it would be something to work against the accumulating debt. However big that was by now. But as he reached into his jacket to fish out his wallet he froze, dread pooling in his stomach like an icy mountain lake. The familiar shape wasn’t there. Just fabric where his money - his memento - was supposed to be. It had to be there. It couldn’t just vanish. Clouds were drawing close over his thought, fogging his mind. His blood was rising with his rage, ice cold and wild, almost frantic. It was the same fanatic desire that had led him to becoming a ghost. His whole body was burning with it. Fighting for control his hands were shaking.
“No.”, his voice was breathy, chocked on too many emotions to name.
The memory of the encounter from earlier came back to him. Some unkempt, dirty, a street kid. He had been robbed someone had dared to steal what was most precious to him. The red haze clouded everything around him. Drowning out any thoughts as surely as the sun drowned the stars in the sky.
They would pay for this sacrilege.
His rage was so potent that the ghost king momentarily lost control over his energy. Surging through him his spiritual energy lashed out, freezing the air in the lungs of the people around them. The whole restaurant felt the shift. It was as if the shadows itself had come alive, slithering through the walls and over the floor. The lights flickered, dimming and sputtering with the waves rolling off of He Xuan. It was just like storm suddenly breaking at sea, uncontrollable and without mercy.
“He Xuan … Blackwater calm yourself.” The voice was soft at first, comforting, but took on a more commanding tone when it was ignored. Xie Lian had grown under Hua Chengs persistent care and wasn’t shying away to use his authority anymore. Centuries of devotion and slow encouragement had truly healed the wounds his hardships had carved into the god.
“Your Highness” He Xuans voice was sharp and short, barely contained but he wasn’t foolish enough to scream at the other. He wasn’t keen on that disaster. A hand reached out for him, grabbing his wrist and sending short burst of spiritual energy through him. It helped to calm the heart demons to ground himself against the torment of emotions. If he didn’t get himself under control again there would be a bloodbath. Already terrified whispers were hanging in the air. Even unaware of what was going on the people present felt that something was wrong, dangerous.
With another forceful exhale He Xuan regained himself again. Xie Lian was tensed but relaxed almost as soon as they made eye contact. Even without words he understood that the immediate threat was dealt with but underlying that was still the worry. He knew that something must have been very wrong for Black Water Sinking Ships to lose himself as much as he had.
“It is gone. Stolen. I-“ He couldn’t find the words for he wanted to do nor what he felt. His mind too much in disarray. But somehow Xie Lian understood what he was trying to say. Maybe it was the agony and anger his voice or the desperate tilt of his eyes.
A compassionate gasp escaped him. He could certainly understand this kind of reaction under the given circumstances. His heart ached for his friend. What a horrible misfortune.
“Despair not. Hope is not yet lost.” Like a flower reaching for the sun He Xuan seemed to grow at those words. The certainty of them letting him belief. Oh how Xie Lian had feared people putting their faith in him for so long. The terror of the unbearable burden of expectations.
He couldn’t bear to see his friend lose something so precious so he turned his attention towards his husband. San Lang tried to appear unbothered but it didn’t take long for him to cave under Xie Lian’s silent request. While the ex-prince still mulled over how to best word what he was asking for the ghost king’s shoulder already slumbered forward.
“No need to think so much Gege. Just ask outright and it shall be done.”
“Can you help San Lang? I don’t even want to imagine losing something of you.”
Hua Cheng was a bastard. He had no problem admitting that any time of the day. But he understood yearning, regret. The deep seated knowledge that you failed and couldn’t keep what was most precious to you safe. It was by He Xuan’s own hands that it was destroyed yet Hua Cheng couldn’t deny some kind of kinship. And Danxia had asked him so how could he refuse?
“I’ll sent my butterflies and let you know when they find something.”