Day 7,139

Some warnings had no meaning. Or so we thought.

That was what Haoran understood when his days went unbothered as he continued to visit Ailun and his village by the hills. The atmosphere there was rather comforting, distracting him from the hustle and bustle of the castle. No one disrupted his lone time. None peek from the windows of his private studies. Haoran had traveled back and forth for the past few days to visit his new friend. Ailun taught him about their ways of life. Unlike the castle's busy life, theirs was carefree. Today would be a little special for Haoran since he was granted permission by his father to live with Ailun for the next two to three days, depending on which he preferred. To say he was thrilled would be an understatement.

"Haoran!" exclaimed Ailun when he saw Haoran stepping into the compound of his settlement. "So glad to have you here! Please come in. We made some fresh dumplings. Did you get the permission to stay over these couple of days?"

"Definitely. Or else, I would not be here. These are for you and your family," spoke Haoran, handing Ailun the bags. "Medicine, cookies, and fresh delicacies, including some long-term herbs. I hope it helps your mother and just in case of any other emergencies. Which I hope would not arrive at your doorsteps again."

Their waves of laughter burst through the doors as both the boys set the items in the dining room. Fresh flowers were placed in the middle of the table as decorations. Haoran could not help but admire the arrangements made. It was special, in a way. Somehow, Haoran swore he saw the tiny sparkles of dust as if there was a dome to protect the flowers from the outside world. It could be his imagination since Ailun's aunt told him that they were purchased freshly from the market daily. Shaking those thoughts away, Haoran followed Ailun to the bedroom at the edge of the home.

Ailun stepped in first, showing off the herbs Haoran had brought. Letting the mother and son bond for some time, Haoran took a peak out of the windows by the kitchen and waved at the other lady who seemed to be gardening. Seeds were placed into the soil carefully. Next to them, fresh tomatoes and tea were planted together. Haoran sat by the window, admiring the care and attention Ailun's aunt had placed in ensuring the plants grew healthily.

"Haoran!" Ailun yelled, continuing with giggles. "Come in."

Detaching himself from the beautiful sight, Haoran stepped into the bedroom. He bowed with respect upon seeing Ailun's mother. Compared to the past few days, she got better. Her skin color was getting brighter, and her cheeks were rosier. The color on her lips was getting darker. Even the scars on her neck and wrists were disappearing. It was a good sign. A wonderful sign that Ailun's wishes would soon come true. That his friend would be able to venture out to the markets and the world with his mother just like they did before. Haoran heard stories regarding their travels, times when they visited the opposite kingdoms to enjoy the beautiful places. He was informed that they went there to seek medical attention. Now, both Ailun and his mother can enjoy their adventures freely. As Ailun's mother sat up, he took a seat by the chair close to the bed.

"We owe you a lot, Haoran, and thank you for making my wounds better so that I can enjoy my days with my son," said Ailun's mother, ruffling her son's hair happily. "Let me treat you to some home-cooked and our traditional meals these few days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ailun while I prepare, you can bring him around our village. Why don't you go have fun with Ailun later, Haoran?"

"Thank you, Ms. I appreciate your offer. I am glad to hear that you are getting better," replied Haoran, watching Ailun, who had an excited and curious smile plastered on his lips. "I brought some herbs that could help your body replenish its energy. I hope it will be of great help."

"It definitely will, Haoran. Now, why don't you wait in the kitchen?"

Not replying to her, Haoran exited the room. It only seemed proper to leave when he was told to since he was in their territory. Haoran took a seat on the balcony by the window, allowing the mother and son more privacy. Watching his aunt harvesting the tea, Haoran almost jolted up from his seat when he saw a transparent figure sitting next to him. His eyes were covered with a dark blue cloth with bells sewn on it. Haoran straightened his back, loosening the muscles on his neck to turn in his direction, but a pungent scent choked his senses.

"Don't look at my side, Haoran," he whispered. "My people have strong senses. Some of them read minds and some can hear your thoughts. Listen, Haoran. You made a grave mistake by following him here."

What do you mean? Haoran questioned in his thoughts and brushed the top of his nose. I was only trying to help. If your people have those abilities, why are they living here in poverty?

"Poverty? Haoran. Haoran. There is really no way out for you," the man in blue-clothed bells spoke and turned his head, making the bells jingle. "Moving forward, you need to be careful with your words, what you inhale, exhale, and consume."

What happened to you? Haoran wondered, looking out at the birds perching themselves on the tree.

"It's our curse. Our fate and our burden are to keep everything among these hills, Haoran. Last warning for you. Run!"

A gush of wind slapped across his face, dragging him back to reality after he caught sight of the spirit's oesophagus covered with tapeworms.

For the past week, there had been speculations about the mysterious boy who appeared so willingly to offer help to them. As she pushed herself up from the bed and scooted over to make space for her son, she glanced at the packet of neatly packed herbs.

"He brought more for us?" asked Aihan, brushing the hair out of her son's face. "There is much that we have to repay him. Have you thought about what we could offer to him?"

"Hm~ I have not thought much about it, Mother, but as per our teachings, we must not owe someone in this life to move on to the next," Ailun expressed proudly, clasping his palms together. "Maybe one day, when he is in trouble, I will be able to be his fairy light."

Peaking out of the window, she spotted the young boy moving around easily towards the plantations, admiring those beautiful flowers. His back straightened like a general heading out for war, and his hair always seemed neatly groomed. As far as she knew, no villagers or hill citizens had straight and well-combed hair daily. It almost seemed like he was wrongly placed among the hills or markets. One could barely imagine him in the markets, searching high and low for high-quality herbs such as those he brought every three days. It was impossible.

"Mom, you sure you are feeling better? You seemed a little pale still. We could have you on bed rest, and Haoran can always come for breakfast, lunch, tea, or dinner anytime," Ailun spoke with confidence, cupping his palms on his mother's cheeks. "Your temperature got better. Perhaps we can have a nice chat together up in the treehouse with Haoran. It is the perfect place for recuperation."

If she had voiced her concerns about the newcomer, Ailun would definitely rebuke her. Her son had always been the odd one out among their committee. The people who lived among the hills called him an outcast because he was born with an inability to wield certain aspects of their culture. Watching the bright smile on Ailun's face, she could not bore the idea of denying him the luxury of having a close friend, even though this close friend - seemed more like a future threat. Aihan sucked the cold air around her, nodding at her son's words.

"I am better now, Lun'er. Why don't you go ahead and accompany Haoran? When your grandmother and I finish preparing the meals, we will call you," assured Aihan, ruffling her son's hair. "Go and have fun, my little peach. Once everything is ready, we will have a nice gathering with our savior."

After assuring her son that he could leave, Aihan chuckled as she watched Ailun hop out of the room happily. Cracking her stiff neck, she headed towards the mirror to lower her upper garments. Aihan hissed at the sight of the scars as she trailed her fingers on them. Surprisingly, ever since Haoran brought the herbs, the scars stopped hurting. The usual throbbing sensation disappeared, joined by the heavyweight that dissipated after seven days of continuous consumption of those herbs. She changed out of the sleeping garments, into proper attire before heading towards the window feeling the cool breeze that swept both the boys' laughter closer to her ears. Watching Haoran, Aihan waved when their eyes met as she went to the opposite shelf to pick up the tourmaline box and headed to the kitchen.

At the edge of the hills, there was a larger cave that led to an open-air pocket connected to a vast sea. For those who breached the place, their every step felt like a burning volcano as the soil recognized only individuals whose blood bled within it. The sea seemed transparent to the naked eye, but beneath it lies the history of the An family. A family who sacrificed their blood and flesh to protect their future generations. Every newborn in the An community will be required to drip a drop of their blood into the sea so that their ancestors and the land will bless them. Haoran still could not grasp the full idea of how it would work. Even that, he stood silently next to Ailun who continued explaining their culture and beliefs. Much to Haoran's surprise, he had to admit they seemed like a superstitious community.

"Since you saved my mother, who is a prominent figure in our community, I would like to grant you something," said Ailun as he leaned down to scoop the water from the sea as they listened to the seagulls who swoop by the edge of it.

"Ah! No bother! I did it with full sincerity, Ailun. You don't have to grant me anything. I mean it," Haoran mentioned, straightening his back to look at the beautiful scenery. "I am happy to see your mother healthy. She looked better than the first time I saw her. Colors are beginning to grow on her cheeks despite her colour being a little pale. It's a good sign. You told me your mother meant a lot to you, and I understand it deeply. I would do anything for my mother too."

"Speaking of which, when can I meet your family? Are they back from their travels yet?" Ailun questioned, standing up after he got a bottle of seawater. "Give me your hand. I want you to be free when you are here in my place. You saved my mother, and you do not want anything? I would feel bad. Please I insist."

Haoran watched Ailun pat down his robe, producing a crystal knife ordained in ancient holy writings. He could only understand one of the characters, the sun. He swallowed the lump in his throat, praying that Ailun would forget about his earlier question. Haoran intended to keep his personal life a secret. He would rather Ailun assumed he came from a wealthier family who lived further south in the cities, travelers from the opposite kingdom who traded rare herbs. At least, that was what Haoran fed the boy's mind. When Ailun extended his palms, Haoran raised his eyebrows.

"I meant it. You saving my mother meant a lot. Not just for me, but for our community. Our villagers. It is only an honorable thing for me to do," Ailun reached out, pulling Haoran's palms and making a slit in the middle causing the prince to wince. "Sorry. I promise it won't hurt anymore."

Soft melodic chants filled the air as Ailun tilted Haoran's palms, allowing the blood to drip into the bottle of seawater. He watched as the crystal knife sucked his blood, forming a fiery mark at the tip of its hilt. Upon meeting the blood, the water turned transparent, a surge of energy exploded through it, and the liquid melted the bottle, dropping into the sea. Water splattered out of the sea, landing on Haoran's feet as sparkles danced between them. The cut on his palms disappeared.

"It's done. Now, you can freely come and go in our territory. The lands will recognize you as one of us," explained Ailun as he let go of Haoran's palms and smiled.

"Then, how did I walk around the past few days? Or is my soul already doomed for burning in your volcano fire?" Haoran asked, massaging his palms, and turned around when he heard rustles from behind.

Ailun threw his arms around Haoran's neck, pulling him closer to him. "I am always around you, wasn't I? I am the host, so you are free to walk around our area as long as I am within your sight. I would not kill my saviour. Not in my principles. Now, you are free to explore everywhere."

Right near the trees, Haoran spotted the spirit with blue cloth with bells around his eyes sitting under it with a flute in his palms, waving towards the outsider.

Fires burn water, and blood burns boundaries. There is no way out, Prince Haoran. No way out. Not now, not ever. 

Word Count: 2,335 words 

Cumulative Word Count: 9,362 words