Chapter Text
Wei sits motionless beneath the Ancient Tree of Merit, his legs tucked under himself, clenched fists pressed to his knees. Night has descended, wrapping everything in its inky black shroud. The world around him is still and hushed as if paying its last respects to the Great Mountain Sage.
For thousands of years, he's had the privilege to be at Kunlun's side, first traversing the human realm and then to guard the Houtu Seal. When the air was not clouded by Wei's curiosity, the pair of them could be found reclined against the roots of Ancient Tree of Merit, content to be in each other's company. But all at once, their days grew numbered.
It is all the more surprising when they come to an end by Wei’s own hand.
Wei releases a breath as he slowly turns over his left hand and opens it. Cradled in his palm is Kunlun's soul fire. The soul fire that fell down to the Profane Lands as a spark of flame might leap from a hearth. Down into the depths of darkness and chaos until it shattered and gave rise to the Ghost tribe. To Wei. It is the same soul fire that he spent fifty years gathering in hopes of receiving that again. More importantly, it is the very fire that led to Wei receiving Kunlun's sincere heart. Vicious delight curls in his chest at the thought. Kunlun was his . The flames dance and flicker, emitting a glow that caresses his face as if in agreement.
His eyes shift to his right hand, fingers unfurling to reveal nothing but a sense of loss. This hand that will never feel the sparkling joy of Kunlun's hand again. The same hand that had greedily shot forward and snatched Kunlun's spirit as easily as plucking a leaf from a tree. The spirit Wei now holds, suspended in anticipation.
There is naught left in the world that Wei holds with any regard. Only the soul fire and the godhood Kunlun bequeathed him. It would be so easy to fall into the yawning pit of anguish that now sits heavy at the core of him. Its edges, wider and vaster than his boundless hunger. It would be easy, too, to simply consume Kunlun's spirit and let it fuse with Wei, ensuring they could never be parted.
The thought is tempting, but unfulfilling. It is in Wei's nature to be selfish and greedy and want more, and more, and more. Wei will always crave Kunlun. What is one morsel to always having him within arm's reach?
Wei smiles gently at the soul fire as he rubs it against his cheek, reveling in the warmth of it. There’s a weak pulse that travels through him, as if Kunlun’s soul is reaching out to connect to the tendon that sits nestled within Wei. He closes eyes and follows that feeling, tracing the ghostly image imprinted on his cold heart. The sharp sweep of a brow; the chime of rare laughter, the kind not at Wei's expense; that small, pitying smile. A soft whine slips out from between his downturned lips. Wei's eyes itch, but there are no more tears to shed.
Soon, he tells himself; soon, he will take the path down to the Profane Lands and kowtow before his enemy and beg him to place Kunlun into the reincarnation cycle. Just the thought of showing weakness to Shennong is enough to make Wei bristle. Undoubtedly, it will come at a hefty price, but for Kunlun he would do any and all things.
For now, it's enough to spend this last night with Kunlun, for the dark devours hope, the cold imprisons memories, and Wei must endure.