"Wei Ying, is that you?"

"Oh, Lan Zhan, thank the universe. You can finally hear me." Wei Ying sobs.

Lan Zhan is shaken to his core. "Are you real, or am I dreaming? " Why can't I see you? "Where are you?"

"Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, I can only sense you, and I can't see you either. I don't know where I am. I don't even know if I'm dead or alive. I feel like something or someone is holding me back.

Lan Zhan's heart is breaking hearing this, but still unsure if it is genuinely Wei Ying or just a trick. "Is this Wei Ying?"

Sensing this, Wei Ying plays Wangxian on his flute—a song known only to the two of them. Lan Zhan is lost; he doesn't know what to think or do. He begins to cry and shake uncontrollably. His heart is beating fast, and his mind is in a whirlwind. He can't stop his feelings of loss and grief. His crying is like a flood that can't be stopped.

"Please, Lan Zhan, please don't cry anymore. I'm so sorry for the pain I've put you through. I'm sorry for leaving you and telling you to go away in the Burial Mound. You were right when you told me the Stygian Amulet would change me. I thought I was strong enough to control it. I wasn't. Because of that, I didn't hear anything you said; I only knew I didn't want you around me. Deep down, I didn't want to ruin your reputation, and I didn't want them to kill or hurt you. I didn't think I was worthy of you, so I wanted you to disappear."

Still sobbing, Lan Zhan said, "Why did you never realize I would do anything to protect and save you? I even told you I loved you, yet you still told me to go away and leave you alone. You broke my heart, Wei Ying."

Now it's Wei Ying's turn to cry: "I didn't know at that time you loved me, and until now, I never realized how much I love and miss you."

Lan Zhan said, "From the moment you entered my life at the Cloud Recess gates, I knew I couldn't imagine a life without you. You were like a chisel constantly hammering away at all that I was and all that I thought I knew."

Wei Ying giggles at this and says, "When I first saw you, you looked like an angel sent from the heavens. I knew I had met my equal when we fought on the rooftop. Initially, I aimed to annoy you because you looked so cold and aloof. You became my challenge to see how many rules I could get you to break. But eventually, It became much more. I needed to see you, to talk to you, to be around you all the time. It was a need that became an addiction. I didn't understand it, but I couldn't stop. In the end, I didn't want to stop it."

"At first, you did annoy me so much. I was so angry at you for bringing emotions and feelings I'd never felt before, and I didn't know how to deal with them. Then, without me knowing or understanding why, I couldn't face a day without seeing or talking to you. I needed you like the air I breathe. I couldn't understand it, and it scared me."

Wei Ying giggled softly. "We were so blind and too young to understand what was happening between us. We were falling in love with each other, but we couldn't put it into words. For myself, I never considered falling in love with another man. But now, as I look back at my younger self, I see lots of flirting with girls, but I never thought of loving or marrying any of them. I never wanted their attention or affection like I wanted yours. God, why did I never understand this."

Lan Zhan says, "To be fair, I was happy I was second born. I never thought of having to lead my clan or thought of being with someone. I certainly never wanted to marry anyone. It was a distasteful thought. But now with you (sighs), your silver sparkling eyes, smile that rivals the sun, giggles, and beautiful pink lips. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." I realized I never wanted to be separated from you. I was scared. A man loving another man was such a thing that was even possible. I thought about my clan; my uncle and brother would not accept it. I also thought you would reject me because you always talked about pretty girls."

Wei Ying, now laughing out loud, "I was also scared for many of the same reasons, but I also didn't know if you liked girls and whether or not I had a chance with you. I wish I knew then what I know now."

Heavily sighing, Lan Zhan says, "Me too, so much heartache could have been avoided. Too young to understand and no one to ask. But know this: I love you now and forever."

Wei Ying then speaks seriously to Lan Zhan, "I sense you are severely injured and in great pain. I'm so sorry, was I the reason you are like this? If I am, I truly am so very sorry. I never wanted to be the cause of anything hurtful to you."

Equally serious, Lan Zhan says I do not regret. You were right, and they were wrong. You were only trying to do the right thing. I would defend you with my life."

"But my love, you are so hurt and so broken. I want to hurt them as much as they hurt you",  says Wei Ying angrily.

Then you would be no different than them. I would do this repeatedly to make them understand you were never the enemy. My only desire now is to go wherever you are. I wish we knew where you are being kept and why you can't break free."

With Wei Ying's voice cracking, he says, "I have tried many spells and talismans, but so far nothing is working. I will keep trying to get back to you. I will never give up.

" When I become stronger, I will also help to bring you back, my love."

It's quiet for a moment. Both are deep in thought when Wei Ying finally says, "Lan Zhan, did you find A-Yuan? Is he alive and safe? Is he with you?

Lan Zhan now feels ashamed because he has forgotten all about the child. He cannot lie to Wei Ying and only tells him he is safe and being cared for. Wei Ying is relieved. "Thank you, Lan Zhan; take care of him until I can be with you, and we can raise him together."

Lan Zhan quietly says, "I will raise him as our son till your return. I Promise."

Wei Ying softly cries, "Oh Lan Zhan, I have made such a mess of things, and I can't seem to be able to fix anything."

Lan Zhan gently says, "Wei Ying, we both have done bad things. Maybe no one will understand or forgive us. But let's forgive each other and be there for each other. I believe our love will overcome all obstacles and be together again."

Wei Ying is sniffling, and then panic comes to his voice. "Lan Zhan, I'm being pulled away!! Something is forcing me back. My body is weak; I have no energy to fight it. Wait for me, my love, I will find a way to return!! I love you, take care of A -Yuan. Love...." Now, there is nothing but silence. Wei Ying is no longer with Lan Zhan.

It happened so fast that Lan Zhan didn't respond at first. The Cold Pond is deathly quiet.

Lan Zhan is beside himself; what did Wei Ying say? "He has to leave? Something is taking him away? No, not again. How will I bear this? Wei Ying, please come back!!

Lan Zhan gets no answer back; he is alone again. But now he has a purpose. He has to heal and become more vital to break the bonds that keep him from his love. He will keep his promise and raise A-Yuan as their son.

"Even if it takes a lifetime, I will wait. I will always wait for you." Slowly, tears ran down Lan Zhan's face. Please be accurate and not a trick in my mind. I pray you really will come back to me." If anyone had been there with Lan Zhan, they would have seen nothing because it appeared as if he was still in a coma. So, is Wei Ying honest or only in Lan Zhan's mind?.....

Slowly, tears ran down Lan Zhan's face. He tries to open his eyes, but even that tiny movement is excruciating, but he keeps trying.

"Thank God, Wangji, I thought you were leaving me!! "Sobs Lan Xichen.

In a cracked voice, Lan Zhan asked, "Where is A-Yuan?"

"Here, Wangji here. He is very ill and burning up with a fever. I fear he will die soon. I don't know how to help him. We've tried everything". Sobs Lan Xichen.

Lan Zhan says, " Lay him next to me." Looking at A-Yuan, "I promise, little one, I will protect you with my life. We will wait for Wei Ying together."

Slowly, A-Yuan's fever is coming down. He opens his eyes and says, "Rich Gege, where is Baba Wei Ying?"

"I don't know, little one, but we both must get well and be ready for when he returns. Alright?"

A-Yuan solemnly looks at Lan Zhan and nods his head. "Will you be my baba too?"

"I will be your father, and Wei Ying will still be your baba. Is that ok with you?"

A-Yuan nods again, snuggles closer to Lan Zhan and closes his eyes in sleep. Lan Xichen watched over the two of them. He knows caring for and protecting these two will be a long and heavy journey, but he will gladly do it. His brother is everything to him, and A-Yuan will be everything to Lan Zhan.