Summary:
Where Kaitlyn is in the cultivation world and chaos ensues.

Plus, finding a little boy in the streets with soul essence like her own.

Could it be she has discovered another relative?

(Basically, Kaitlyn finds Wei Ying in the streets before the Jiang leader and realises they are family. Next, she raises him and they can't seem to go a couple of months without getting dragged into some matter or other. She blames Wei Ying.)

~oOo~

Word Text:

Kaitlyn wasn't really much of a fan of ancient china, or really any era in which she couldn't swim or talk in public without being reprimanded and told about the conduct and virtues of a woman.

Really, it was all just a drag.

Not that it was going to stop her. She wouldn't be herself if she let every rule control her. If anything, maybe she'll be the beginnings of equality. Nothing says "Screw da Rules!" Then a strong female figure going against the masses. Tho, if it shifts into the witch direction, she'll probably need to then play the immortal or god card.

She hoped not, doing that always led to bigger headaches than it was worth.

As she walked down the streets of a village, no one took note of her, too busy with their own business and problems to care. But also because Kaitlyn has a notice-me-not spell enchanted on her hooded cloak.

The amounts of looks people sent her way got annoying over time so she did something about it.

With the spell in place, no one shall take notice unless she was talking to them. And for now, she just wished to find an inn for the night.

*Bark! Bark!*

*Crash~!*

There was a cry. Small and filled with fear and tears. It was there amongst the loud chatter and busy noises in the market. The cry was small, but it was there, it could be heard easily.

But no one did anything.

This is another part of why Kaitlyn didn't like the past centuries.

Without delay, Kaitlyn went in the direction of where the cries were heard, and along with those cries were the harsh and hungry barks of a dog.

A few stalls went past her before turning a corner and going through an alley. She found herself in a small clearing with a small and old stable. The whiteness of winter hid it well.

"Go away! *hic* leave A-Ying alone *hic, hic*"

The sight was heartbreaking. The small boy no older than 5-years was backed into a corner, curled into himself as a means of futile protection from the savage dog. But what really got her blood boiling was the man casually leaning against the wall drinking.

The owner.

While her spell kept people from directly noticing, animals were a different matter.

~(•~•)~

When the dog barked and growled at the defenceless human, it suddenly turned as it sensed the presence of another who wasn't its master. The animal prepared a threatening bark only to come short and choke on it with a whimpered. Tail between its legs, it fled.

Surprised by his dog's sudden cowardice, the drunkard, with a flushed face cursed about no good useless mutts and street rats before going his way. He shivered and brushed it off as just the cold, not realising the killing intent directed at him.

Only the whimpers of a child could be heard now with both dog and owner gone. The said boy cried to himself, cradling his arm which was bitten by the dog when he had reached for an old dirty bun left on the ground near the trash. The owner had heard the dog bark at him and saw the bun in hand. He thought the young boy stole it and let his dog have its fun. Even if he were to see how dirty the bun was, it wouldn't have made a difference, drunk or sober, he didn't care for a street rat.

Believing he was finally left alone, the boy cried softly to himself, not wanting to draw more dogs or mad people.

"Hello"

Wide fearful eyes snapped at the cloaked figure before him. He didn't hear and notice anyone coming. He drew himself back.

"There's no need to fear. I'm sorry if I scared you little one."

Still cautious of the stranger whose face was hidden, the boy bit his lip slightly.

Wei Ying, "W-who ar-re you? A-Ying di-didn't steal, A-Ying pr-promises!"

"No no, it's not that, please don't be upset. I'm just concerned for you, your hurt."

And to prove their point, A-Ying felt a pulse in his arm and whimpered.

"Hey now.." The stranger removed their hood and A-Ying waited until they were revealed, only to be stunned by the stranger's eyes.

They were of dark brown and if angled right, the light reflected looked gold and red. But it was not the colour that stunned him, with was the soft and gentle warmth in them, they were not mean, not pity or sorrowful. They were warm and kind, filled with gentle concern. Something in him stirred, whispering something the boy could not interpret and so ignored.

A-Ying gazed upon them in awe as they smiled softly.

"... It's ok, I won't hurt you, trust me."

With a slight nod of approval from A-Ying, the stranger moved slowly towards him, making sure all actions were seen and asked him for his arm which he gave. They praised him with gentle encouragement, easing him. Then he watched as the stranger raised their hand slightly above his injured arm before suddenly and white-silver flame with hints of blue engulfed their hand but didn't burn.

He flinched, anticipating pain and burning heat, but nothing just warmth. He gradually became enchanted by it and watched as the pretty flame touched his arm without the sheering heat. It was just warm and nice like the stranger. He felt a pull in his chest as if drawn in by it. His wound closed and any infection burned away until not a scar or blemish was left.

"There, does it feel better?"

Wei Ying, "Mn, t-thank y-you."

Their smile was pretty, like his A-Niangs.

"Ah! I forgot to introduce myself. This one is going by the name Lin Kaite. A pleasure to meet you, Little Cousin!"

Wei Ying, "A-Ying and nice Jiejie are cousins?"

"I do believe so, yes."

Wei Ying, "Oh. Do you know a-Die and a-Niang?"

"I'm afraid not, sorry. I didn't know I had relatives here. Not until I met you now." At seeing his confusion, Lin Kaite just smiled, "I'll explain one day, but for now, do you feel hungry? I feel famished~" she made a small showing of being hungry with her hands and expression. The boy giggled. Lin Kaite, "Would you care to accompany me? I'd very much love the company and get to know my new family."

At the promise of food with the kind jiejie, Wei Ying accepted. Lin Kaite gave him a hand to help him stand, but on second thought, she suddenly took him into her arms and carried him. Sheltering him from the biting cold.

Wei Ying, "A-Ying can walk!"

Kaitlyn, "Mhm~!"

She acknowledge him but did nothing to release him. And Wei Ying did not want to be released, not really. She was warm and comfortable. The young boy could remember slightly what it was like to be held in a warm embrace by his mother and father. After a small time of weak protesting, he fell silent and leaned more into the warmth.

His newly discovered family hummed and patted his back. Leaving a sense of contentment in his small frame.

It was the beginning of a new start, of the shift in the threads of fate and time. A future with a few different outcomes.

(There will probably be more parts to this... I hope 😅)