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One of Hua Cheng’s fondest memories was getting caught in warm, strong arms after falling from the top of the wall surrounding Xianle. He remembered looking up at the gentle, caring expression of his savior. The seventeen year old prince…from the moment Hua Cheng saw his face, he swore that he would follow him to the very end.
Now, 800 years later, they were in the same position. Just the difference was Hua Cheng was holding the cold, lifeless body of his lover. No warmth remained between the two of them. Xie Lian’s blood dripped from his head, flowing over his jade skinned complexion as his eyes were closed. Hua Cheng held him in the same way that he had been held all those years ago.
His body felt familiar comfort with Xie Lian so close to him, like two pieces of a whole connecting, but this time it was different.
They said nothing shook Crimson Flower. That his demeanor was a mountain, not bending for any wind that headed his way. Yet, at this moment, he felt the same way as he did when he originally saw Xie Lian getting pierced with swords, a memory that would stay in his mind forever.
White No Face was defeated. He was gone. But so was his highness. So was the white lotus that led Hua Cheng through all his sorrows and pains.
His hands shook with rage and grief as tears fell from his eyes, falling on Xie Lian’s peaceful yet lifeless face. A face that practically filled his mind constantly. A part of Hua Cheng’s mind told him “He’s sleeping. His Highness is sleeping.” But he knew that was nothing but the lies of his own mind.
He failed.
He failed to protect the very thing he lived for.
His life held no meaning anymore, as he wasn’t here anymore.
Hua Cheng felt like he was going to go insane. He wanted to tear apart the world starting with ground before the skies and sea would follow. But…he couldn’t. His beloved wouldn’t have liked that…This was the world that Gege cared for. The world that Gege swore to protect. The world that held the people Gege swore to protect.
With shaky hands, Hua Cheng ran his hand through his beloved husband’s long, dark hair. He ignored the blood that stained his hand when he did so. Slowly, his hands went from Xie Lian’s hair to tracing his cheek, and cupping his cold cheek.
Hua Cheng kissed those cold, soft lips one last time, tears flowing down his face. His hand then moved down to the chain around Xie Lian’s neck as he held the ring attached to the chain.
He whispered quietly, “Gege…I’m sorry I failed to protect you…is it alright if I give up?.”
Hua Cheng put his forehead against Xie Lian’s. A thing that was done so many times, but he didn’t feel the warmth this time. He didn’t hear Xie Lian laugh, or smile, nothing. He just had a peaceful, unresponsive expression as blood dripped down his face like raindrops on a rainy day.
He smiled, closing his eyes as he whispered, “I’m coming, Gege. Not even death can tear us apart.”
His hand tightened on the ring in his hand, and it began to have cracks spread around it like vines.
After a moment, a sharp crack was heard as the ring shattered into millions of pieces.