Chapter Text
“Xie Lian?!” The loud voice echoed through the whole house. Xie Lian flinched together not having expected being addressed after having the entire day for himself. He let out a sigh and lowered the hat he was currently working on.
“Xie Lian!!!” the door to his room swung open and the madam of the house ran in with a bright smile and a white letter in her hand, “Look! Someone send you a letter!” She put it down in front of him and regarded him with a large grin, “It doesn't have a return address on it! Is that not exciting? I don't even know where it's from!”
Xie Lian regarded the letter with curiosity. He doesn't get mail often, actually ever. He doesn't really have any social contacts so the only letters he gets are the ones asking him to pay taxes. This one doesn't have the Puji governmental seal on it, however, which is already curious.
“Ah, I can't remember when you got a letter the last time. How exciting!” the madam shouts again. She was more energetic about a letter for Xie Lian then Xie Lian was for himself “Is it from a lover?” Xie Lian could hear some of his other coworkers giggle. He was a bit embarrassed but he wasn't hurt by their curiosity. He was a bit of a weirdo in the shop anyway, always working alone, not having any friends or a social life in any way. He knows people gossip about him quite a bit. He knows they mean no evil, they are just curious.
“Thank you, Madam,” he replies and takes the letter into his hand. He will open it as soon as he's alone.
The Madam waves him off, “Always so kind Xie Lian. No, no don't thank me! Actually, we are closing the shop for today. There’s a big parade to celebrate our brave soldiers! You should come!”
Xie Lian shook his head, “There is nothing to celebrate when it comes to war.”
Silence.
Ups. Well. Seems like he made everyone uncomfortable. The atmosphere was tense and the madam's smile slowly fell. Xie Lian had some kind of gift in bringing up the wrong subject at the wrong time.
“Oh hahaha,” the Madam laughed awkwardly trying to disperse the weird tension in the room, “Well, if you change your mind just tell us!” She walked out of his room, leaving the door open, “Let’s go! I will treat everyone for some drinks afterwards!” Xie Lian could hear cheering, laughter, chattering, the hurried footsteps of his coworkers getting ready until the house turned silent and the door was shut in the front.
A white cat jumped onto his table, settling down next to Xie Lian who was still working on decorating the hat. The cat let out a meow. “Are you hungry Ruoye?” Xie Lian asked his cat with a small smile. Ruoye instead patted the unopened letter which Xie Lian had put to the side while conversing.
“Oh that…'' he lets out a sigh and puts his hat down. He should probably open that letter. Xie Lian genuinely had no idea who would send him a letter or even what could be written in it. The paper is thick, so whoever sent it must have quite a bit of money to afford such high-quality paper.
Xie Lian reads the first line before throwing the letter onto the table with more force then he intended. Ruoye who was curled up in a tight ball jumps up in surprise and lets out a small hiss.
“I told them I wouldn't get involved. I told them. I made that 100% clear.” Xie Lian gets up too agitated to stay seated. Ruoye looks at him with concern and lets out a small meow and Xie Lian can't help himself but give Ruoye a small smile. “I’m sorry, I scared you, didn't I?” Xie Lian gently scratches the cat’s white ears before letting out a sigh. Ruoye lets out another meow that sounds like What happened?
And because Ruoye is his only and most trusted companion he starts telling the little cat what was happening, “It's the high wizard from Pujis magic council. He asked me to come to his palace.” Xie Lian lets out a sigh, “I already know what he wants to ask me.”
Help us win this war, Xie Lian!
If you don't help us now they'll come for Xian Le next
Xie Lian shook his head forcing the thoughts far away, “I should probably go reinforce my statement earlier then later… better not give them any ideas.” Xie Lian grabs his coat and bamboo hat and walks towards the exit that leads to the backstreet. Ruoye was walking behind him, like always. The two of them always got a few weird looks; Xie Lian with his a bit outdated very simple fashion of wearing white robes and a bamboo hat and a white cat following him around.
And yes, Xie Lian had to admit he was way out of fashion. But could someone really blame him? Time was going back faster than in his time, suddenly everyone had new clothes every year, and there was this fashion and that and this new technology and that new singer. Xie Lian tried, he really did. He tried to keep up with modern interest and trends but wow. It was hard. So here Xie Lian was with simple white robes. No extravagant shirts, no watches, no beard (the men nowadays loved to wear beards they styled in various ways.) So yes, he did stand out.
Xie Lian greeted everyone he saw with a small smile and quickly walked through the alleyways and side streets. He knows the main road was full of people celebrating the military parade and showing support to this country's soldiers but Xie Lian rather not join in such activities.
He knows already how it will end and he'll rather keep his peaceful life as a hatmaker in this little town.
The palace was on the other side of the town so Xie Lian had to walk at least an hour to get there since the trains and cars couldn't cross through the city anymore since the roads were blocked.
“Maybe I should have gone tomorrow Ruoye,” Xie Lian sighed looking around the packed streets. At least tomorrow the parade wouldn't be held and he could take the train towards the palace. But it was better to get the matter done with.
People were outside everywhere, walking around, talking in loud voices. Laughter, singing, cheering. A group of teenagers were blocking his way, talking loudly while pointing at something in the newspaper
“Did you hear? Yong’An attacked us again at the northern border. Those bastards deserve what's coming for them.”
Another man joined the conversation, “I heard it was an ambush. Yong’An people are truly ruthless, invading our cities like that. Civilians live there!”
“Excuse me.” Xie Lian smiled and tried to walk past them, “Can I just…?”
They took a step to the side but didn't acknowledge him instead continued talking heatedly. Xie Lian took Ruoye into his arms who pressed his head close against his chest and started to purr.
“I heard Yong’An uses demon magic!”
“Told you they are cowards! Maybe Hua Cheng is the one helping them. That bastard would do it!” Another girl shouted.
Xie Lian stopped in his tracks and turned around, “Excuse me? Who’s Hua Cheng?”
The group of teenagers were now looking at him, confusion and disbelief painting their faces, “You don't know Hua Cheng? Crimson Rain Sought Flower?”
“??? You must not be from here!”
“He's the most famous demon!!!”
Xie Lian rubbed his neck in embarrassment and gave them a smile. To be fair he had not kept up with politics or the magical world…not after everything that had happened.
Keeping up with humans was already hard enough, how was he also supposed to keep up with the magical world as well?
“I'm not really from around here.” Xie Lian explained. Which was… semi-true. he wasn’t born in Puji but he had lived here under various names for the last 30 years.
One of the girls spoke up, her voice was informative and kind, not judging him for being ill-informed, “Hua Cheng is a demon. He lives in a moving castle where he brings his victims in order to eat their hearts. Our magic council has been trying to ban him for years. He has always disrespected Puji and now even joined Yong’An to destroy Puji!”
Didn't you just say it's a rumor and not a fact?
Xie Lian made sure to have an open and interested expression on his face. And he was truly interested in this Hua Cheng. It didn't happen often that a demon became this powerful, usually the country's magic council would take care of any magical being with dark magic before becoming too powerful. How curious. However he didn't appreciate how the teenagers had just a moment ago been talking about possible rumors and then changed them into solid facts.
“Apparently, Hua Cheng was also the one that destroyed Xian Le 80 years ago.” one of the boys said.
Xie Lian froze for a second before getting himself under control again, “Does Hua Cheng wear a white mask?” he asked. His hands were slightly shaking and he pressed them against Ruoye in order for the children to not see. He hadn't wanted to ask that but if White-No-Face had given himself a new name and was back then...
“What? No! He wears an eyepatch and red clothes!”
Xie Lian shook his head, “Then he didn't destroy Xian Le.”
“How do you know?” one of the children asked.
Xie Lian smiled one last time before turning around, “You should read a history book. Everyone knows it was the prince's misjudgment that led to the downfall of Xian Le.” And with that, he walked away leaving the group of teenagers behind.
“Ah, that poor Hua Cheng. He's getting all the blame now, how unfortunate.” Xie Lian whispered to Ruoye.
Xie Lian quickened his pace. After having someone bring Xian Le up he wanted to get to the palace as soon as possible to make clear he wouldn't be involved in the war. He slipped into another side street, just parallel to the main parade when suddenly one of the soldiers stepped in front of him.
His luck really was unfortunate. He just wanted to get to the palace, not deal with all these people.
“Ahhh where is someone so lovely running to all alone?” The man in Puji’s soldier's uniform asked. He leaned against the wall of a house and blocked Xie Lian’s way. Xie Lian let out an internal sigh, really how inconvenient.
“Please let me through.” Xie Lian stated his tone not having a bit of an inviting tone to it.
“I know a nice cafe just around the corner. Care to join me?” the soldier gave him a smile. Xie Lian really hated situations like these. He knew he could defend himself and wasn't scared of the other man but he'd rather not use his magic or send Ruoye onto him. Ruoye had some sharp claws… Xie Lian knew first hand how much they hurt.
“I decline.” Xie Lian answered and took a step forward when he saw another soldier coming closer. Great.
“Oh whos this cutie? Is he here to celebrate us?” the new soldier gave out a fake laugh, “Thats too kind of him. And he's pretty too.”
“I said let me pass.” Xie Lian repeated his voice icy. Seriously, he was doing them a favor by not-
“Ah there you are. I'm sorry.” a deep voice came from behind Xie Lian and then someone put their arm around Xie Lian’s shoulder. Xie Lian flinched not expecting someone to touch him so suddenly.
“I've been looking everywhere for you.” The man said again and the two soldiers looked at the other man with fear in their eyes. Xie Lian quickly understood that the person that joined was trying to help him so he relaxed his shoulders a bit but didn't take down his guard. He wasn’t stupid.
“Who are you?” one of the soldiers asked with a challenge
The man let out a small laugh, “I'm with him, of course. Why don't you take a little walk?” And with that, the man raised his fingers, pointed towards the two soldiers, then to the side and the next second the two soldiers walked away complaints falling from their lips.
Demon magic
“I'm sorry for coming up to you like this. I just wanted to give you a hand,” the man said and Xie Lian finally looked up. It was a young man, maybe around 18 years old with long black braided hair, tied together by a red pearl, his skin was ghostly white but his eyes held a lot of warmth when he looked down at Xie Lian. He had a red blouse on and was overall quite handsome.
How unusual.
The man smirked, “I'll be your escort! Where were you heading to?”
“Oh? What?” Xie Lian hadn't expected that, “There really is no need for that. I was just heading to the palace of the magical council.”
Xie Lian really, really shouldn’t get involved with a demon. And it was undoublty clear this teenager was one. Xie Lian had felt it when the other had used a dark spell.
On the other hand… when had Xie Lian ever done something because other people expected it of him.
The teenagers eyebrows shot up in surprise, “The palace, ah?” Xie Lian nodded not sure what to make of that reaction though if this was a demon wizard he would vary around the magic council as well.
But then the teenager brightened up and tightened his hold on Xie Lian, “Let's go then! And don't worry I’m being followed but it's nothing I can't handle.” And with that, the boy interlinked their arms together and started walking. Xie Lian could tell quite quickly that they were being followed by something that was emitting dark energy and not even a minute went by before dark, slippery, gooey shapes came out of the walls following them. Xie Lian cast a glance behind him seeing them form into figures with long arms and legs leaving dark patches of slime behind.
“I'm sorry I got you involved,” the stranger says next to him and then started quickening his steps. Xie Lian follows and makes sure to hold tightly onto Ruoye. While he does still have some magic left that he can use, in case this situation turns terrible. He hasn't actually used magic in decades. And for some reason, Xie Lian really doesn't want to embarrass himself in front of this man.
The creatures behind them quickened up with new ones joining every second that went by. Xie Lian lets out a gasp of surprise when he sees that more are coming out from the walls in front of them and are running straight towards them. Xie Lian knows these things are dangerous, lackeys from some powerful demon, and Xie Lian really rather not be in the hands of a demon that creates such weird gooey, terrifying, half shaped humans.
Before Xie Lian can think of a spell to disperse these creatures, the hands around his waist and arm tighten, “Hold on tight.”
“Wh-?” But before he can express his confusion, thousands of butterflies appear underneath their feet and they both get lifted up, the two waves of creatures crash into one another beneath them leaving nothing but screams and a horrible smell behind.
Underneath their feet is a carpet of floating silvery butterflies that carry them higher and higher over the city. It's breathtakingly beautiful and Xie Lian can't help but be in awe of the powers of this man.
“This is…” Xie Lian begins but can't find the right words to express is amazement.
The boy next to him laughs, his laughter warm and friendly making Xie Lian feel welcomed and comfortable, “Don't worry! Just continue walking, they won't let your fall.” Xie Lian nods and looks around with amazement. His magic never allowed him to fly, he could only teleport himself from one place to the other or use one-person planes to fly (not that he often used those, technology back then wasn’t very reliable). But this... This was super cool.
“Do they not see us?” Xie Lian asks gesturing to the people still celebrating in the streets.
“No, I put a spell around us.” the boy answers. Xie Lian nods and continues walking on the butterfly carpet underneath him. He hopes he doesn’t hurt the butterflies, it would truly be a shame if he would cause them pain or damage.
“You're a natural,” the boy next to him says and smiles.
“It's fun!” Xie Lian replies and gives the other a bright smile. It was truly such beautiful magic. Xie Lian doubted for a second if this teenager was actually a demon. Could demons create such beautiful magic?
It didn't take long before the butterflies lowered them to a small side street near the gates of the palace. The stranger was still gently holding his hand and when they reached the ground he made sure that Xie Lian was able to jump off the carpet of butterflies without getting hurt.
“Here we are; palace of the magical council.” The teenager bows in front of Xie Lian, when he stood upright again his eyes were bright and looked at Xie Lian full of happiness. Xie Lian clutches his hand to his chest and cradles Ruoye close to him. “I hope you weren't afraid.” the boy asks with a smile.
Xie Lian shook his head, “No. I wasn't.”
The boy's smile grows brighter, “As expected from my Dianxia.” And with that, the red-clothed boy flew back into the air and disappeared in a puff with the thousand butterflies.
Xie Lian ran to the main street hoping to still get a glance of the intriguing stranger when he stopped in his steps.
Dianxia?
****
“Thank you for coming, Xie Lian,” The head wizard said when Xie Lian came into the palace. The magical council’s palace of the Kingdome Puji was not as extravagant as Xian Le’s palace used to be. However, it had more gold and riches than what Xie Lian had seen in decades.
Jun Wu, the highest wizard in their government's magic council had seated himself in front of Xie Lian and offered some tea which Xie Lian declined politely.
Ruoye was sitting in his lap staring at Jun Wu with glaring eyes and Xie Lian tried to calm down his cat with some cuddles, “I don't understand why you are summoning me.” Xie Lian begins wanting this conversation to be over as soon as possible, “I told you the day I settled that I wouldn't fight in another war again.”
Jun Wu drank a sip from his tea before setting down the cup with a clink. The room was silent, “I remember.” he began, “However, circumstances have changed. The war between Puji und Yong’An has become more brutal, more people have lost their lives. Yong’An does not fear taking to inhumane methods. Additionally, they have new weapons… weapons that can destroy whole cities.” Jun Wu led out a sigh, “You have fought in a war before and you're expertise and experience would be extremely valuable.”
Xie Lian! Xie Lian please help us. Why aren't you helping us??
My sister is still inside the building! Can you get her out?
What are these machines?
We know you won't let us down!
They all died! THEY ALL DIED!!!
Xie Lian’s hand shook and his throat felt tight but he didn't want Jun Wu to see how he was feeling, how affected he was.
Xie Lian shook his head, he couldn't, wouldn't join another war. Not again.
“I apologize for disappointing you but the only expertise I have is that war brings nothing but loss and pain. You should instead concentrate on stopping the war. In war there is never a victor, only loss.” Xie Lian bowed and then got up again. He had no business here.
Jun Wu was silent. Xie Lian knew he had disappointed the magician. He was grateful for Jun Wu and everything he had done for Xie Lian after his kingdom had been destroyed. Jun Wu had accepted him in this town, had allowed him to live peacefully, had given him a job and a place to live and had left him out of politics. He owed Jun Wu a lot and Xie Lian would do a lot to repay that debt but the one thing he won't do, is join another pointless war.
“You know,” Jun Wu begins, “They say White-No-Face is back.”
Xie Lian flinches upon hearing the name. It's one of his greatest nightmares, his greatest enemy, his greatest despair. The one thing that could still make him shudder and invade his nightmares.
“How do you know?” Xie Lian doesn’t turn around to face Jun Wu. He doesn't want anyone to see the terror on his face. He clenches his fists, trying to get in control of his emotions. Jun Wu was one of the few people that knew the whole story behind the first war. Xie Lian had to tell him, as a condition for staying in Puji, what had happened back then.
“Feng Xin saw him.”
Now Xie Lian has to turn around, “Feng Xin? He's fighting?” After everything that happened to us?
Jun Wu nods. “Yes, he said he won't let Yong’An become more powerful, destroy another kingdom.”
Xie Lian closes his eyes, “I see.”
Silence.
“Still I will not join you. I will take my leave now.” And Xie Lian was sure he would walk out now but Jun Wu’s voice once again sounded from behind him.
“Stay away from Hua Cheng.” Xie Lian turned around once more
“The demon with the moving castle?”
Jun Wu nodded, “He’s dangerous Xie Lian. I do not want to see you harmed. He is the most widely known and most feared demon to exist. Those who cross him usually do not find their way back home.” Jun Wu takes a pause, “He has no heart. He does not care for others, instead in order to stay alive he feeds on other people's hearts. The kinder the heart, the bigger his feast. And Xie Lian,” Jun Wu fixes him with his gaze, “You have a very kind heart.”
Xie Lian nods not wanting to continue the conversation. Ruoye jumps down from the chairs and quickly follows Xie Lian.
Xie Lian can feel Jun Wus gaze on him until he leaves the palace.
****
Xie Lian never thought that his whole life could change in a single day. Could change from having a mundane life as a hatter in a hat shop, living in the back of the store with a cat and go to him meeting the most feared demon of the country, to being invited to join a war to seeing White-No-Face again.
Ruoye hisses at the white figure and Xie Lian quickly grabs his cats and presses the little feline to his chest; he doesn't trust White-No-Face to not hurt a cat.
“We haven't seen each other in a while.” the voice is cold, emotionless, it's the same voice that has haunted him the last 80 years.
Xie Lian trembles and for some weird reason, he desperately holds onto the hope that White-No-Face doesn't recognize him, “Please leave. The shop is closed.” Xie Lian opens the door (which he for sure locked but was open again). Outside shadow figures were standing and Xie Lian knew these were White-No-Face subordinated. It was the same creature as earlier when he and that boy had been followed.
White-No-Face laughs, “Oh Xie Lian. Oh my, are you scared?” Xie Lian grips the doorknob in his hand and prays that this is just another nightmare of his, that this isn't real and that he will wake up in just a second.
He had gotten home quite late, the festivals had calmed down, everyone has gone home, the streets were dark and everywhere lights were shining with people continuing the celebrations at home. Xie Lian had checked on the hat shop before wanting to go to bed. He had locked the door and had been sweeping the floor when suddenly the bell over the shop jingled and a white figure stepped into the shop. Xie Lion's breath had caught in his chest when he saw those white robes and the mask.
He had first thought it was just a joke and asked the figure to leave calmly despite the anxiety sweeping through his whole body.
“Xie Lian, didn't we have lots of fun last time? Us two?” White-No-Face laughed and Xie Lian knew he wasn't waiting for an answer. “I thought we had fun.” White-No-Face clicks with his tongue before turning back to Xie Lian, “Instead of living in a palace... you live in this … well, sad little hat shop? This surely isn't a life for a royal.”
“I'm not royalty.” Xie Lian mutters.
“Oh, but you could be.” White-No-Face answers and Xie Lian knows where this conversation is going.
“Imagine becoming a hero again, a savior,” White-No-Face begins, “Imagine the people cheering for you, admiring you. Imagine getting your revenge on Yong’An. Imagine defending these people from Yong’An. Imagine how much more peaceful you would feel.”
“Did you orchestrate this new war? For revenge?” Xie Lian asks. He knows he shouldn't ask, shouldn’t start a relationship again with White-No-Face. He had been living peacefully for decades, purposely keeping himself out of the magical world, trying to erase all traces of his existence. Having him back so suddenly. It wasn't a coincidence. White-No-Face laughs, “Oh Xie Lian. You should know by now that I go wherever I can find you. Am I assisting the war? Who knows. Does it matter?”
Another step closer, “So what do you say?” Another step, Xie Lian took one back, “Join me and take revenge on Yong’An and let the people of Puji survive or stay here and watch another kingdom burn to the ground.”
Xie Lian felt sick, he could feel the bile come up his stomach, could feel his muscles tremble, his heartbeat increase, his chest tighten. He knows what White-No-Face is trying to do and he won’t play this game, not again.
“I won't join you.” Xie Lian says. How funny he had said that two times already today.
White-No-Face doesn't react for a long moment before nodding, “Very well then.” And then he spreads out his arms, his long white robes fluttering under his energy and flies towards Xie Lian who ducks as a reflex. Coldness creeps through his whole body when White-No-Face passes through him. He can feel his whole body freezing, going absolutely numb. His muscles burn . They burn and twist, his innards cramp and Xie Lian can’t breathe. He can’t breathe and he doesn’t know what happened.
“You won't be able to tell anyone of the spell.” A laugh and with that the door to the shop closes, leaving nothing but Xie Lian on the floor and a meowing Ruoye behind.
Xie Lian sat there for a while, letting the darkness give him the illusion of protection. He was terrified to find out what had happened to him, terrified to see what his greatest nightmare had done to him. He could feel his whole body, could feel how different it felt, how foreign.
Ruoye was licking his hands trying to comfort Xie Lian and Xie Lian slowly managed to find the courage to get up and walk towards the candle he knew he left on the table. With shaking hands he turned it on, illuminating the whole shop in a faint glow.
And with a heavy heart, he walked towards the mirror. Xie Lian knew what curses are, knew how they felt, knew what they did. So he also knew without a doubt that he had been cursed, the big question was just what.
His breath got stuck in his throat when he met his reflection.
No.
He knew that it could have been so much worse, he knew that horrible, disturbing curses existed in the world. Despite knowing that his curse was relatively mild, Xie Lian couldn't stop the tears flowing down his cheek when he saw his reflection. He couldn't help but feel something was taken from him, couldn't help but feel violated.
His reflection was that of a 90-year-old man.