Work Text:
One of Jin Ling's earliest memories was of Jiujiu carrying him as they walked near the river of Lotus Pier. It must have been during early summer, as Jin Ling could clearly remember the soft pink hues of the lotus flowers floating in the river, and the white blossoms that he tried to pick from the nearby trees from the safety of Jiujiu's arms.
One of Jin Ling's earliest memories was also of Jiujiu with tears streaming down his face as he was stroking Jin Ling's hair. Jin Ling was not sure where it happened or why Jiujiu was crying, but he remembered how Jiujiu was saying his name over and over again.
Jin Ling has no father and no mother. He knew back then that even as a sect heir, it was as if he was being severely punished for being someone incomplete, words cutting deep into his soul whenever the children in Koi Tower would remind him of this condemnation.
There were those early days when Jin Ling would tearily beg for Jiujiu to let him live in Lotus Pier. Jiujiu would only silently put his arms around Jin Ling and hold on to him tightly.
When the truth of the core was revealed, and Jin Ling saw how broken Jiujiu was by the revelation, Jin Ling made a vow.
For that person that has been the constant in his life, his Jiujiu that has lost so much and yet has sacrificed enormously of himself for those whom he loves.
Jin Ling will become strong. The strongest. He will restore Lanling Jin to its former glory, not for himself or his ancestry, but to protect Jiujiu from those that wish harm upon him. To deliver the wrath of the heavens upon those that have brought tears to Jiujiu's eyes.
Jin Ling would move heaven and earth for Jiujiu.
And he will.