✦✦✦✦

✦𝓒𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓽 𝓫𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻?✦

✦✦✦✦

__________________________________

The roof was cold, the chill of the night air nipping at Huan's skin as he stepped closer to the edge. Below, the city stretched out, illuminated by neon lights that flickered and pulsed in vibrant hues. Holographic advertisements hovered above the streets, casting colorful glows across the towering buildings. Giant displays showcased animated billboards, while sleek vehicles zipped along the highways, their lights streaking through the air.

Far below, the streets buzzed with life—drones flitted between the skyscrapers, and the occasional whirr of a distant monorail echoed in the air. The city was alive, its heartbeat blending with the distant sound of engines and the murmurs of the crowd below.

Huan exhaled, a small breath of relief. Woliu floated quietly beside him, her hilt glowing softly.

Akira, on the other hand, remained tense, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.

"Well, we are here now so how do you fly on a sword?" Akira asked.

Huan blushed, truth be told he wasn't exactly sure. From his childhood he had seen many of his peers get spiritual swords and learn to fly them. Though his core wasn't strong enough to do the same back then. Another thing to worry about, what if he himself wasn't strong enough right now? But then again he invoked life into Woliu so that's something.

"I don't actually know how to do it..." Huan admitted.

Akira raised an eyebrow, the tension easing from his face just a little. "You don't know?" he asked, sounding more amused than surprised.

Huan scratched the back of his neck, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. "Well, I've seen it done before... just, you know, never actually done it myself."

Akira blinked, looking between Huan and Woliu, and then crossed his arms. "So what—you were just going to jump on and hope for the best?"

Huan shrugged sheepishly. "That was kind of the plan..."

Akira snorted. "Yeah, that's a terrible plan." He took a step closer, peering at Woliu. "Do you think she even knows how to help you fly?"

Woliu floated in front of them, her hilt glowing faintly, as if she was considering the question herself. Then, in her newly robotic voice, she answered, "I have access to historical records of flying techniques. But I must inform you—there is a 62% chance of failure."

Huan's eyes widened. "What do you mean 62%?"

Akira grinned. "I like those odds."

Huan shot him a look. "Of course, you would."

Akira's expression softened a bit, he looked a little bit more concerned now. "You're serious about trying this, aren't you?"

Woliu beeped impatiently and then, as if deciding for Huan, pulled up a holographic display of ancient techniques showing cultivators gliding through the air on their swords. She floated up a little higher, angling herself downward, clearly inviting Huan to hop on. "Step on me."

That sounded wrong.

"She's really serious, isn't she?" Huan muttered, staring at the glowing sword.

Akira glanced at Woliu, then back to Huan. "She seems to think you can do it. Besides, you've got this. You brought Woliu to life, didn't you?"

Huan hesitated. "Yeah, but—"

Akira cut him off, stepping closer. His voice was lower now, more reassuring. "You'll be fine. And if anything happens... I'll catch you."

Huan blinked, taken a back by Akira's confidence in him. "You... really think I can do this?"

Akira smirked, but there was a tenderness behind it. "I trust you." He gave Huan a slight nudge. "Now go on. Besides, it's not like Woliu is going to let you fail, right?"

Huan sighed, looking at Woliu as she floated. "Alright... let's see if I don't embarrass myself."

Akira smiled again. "I promise I won't laugh."

Before Huan could retort, Woliu beeped again and hovered lower, ready for him to try. Taking a deep breath, he placed a foot on Woliu, the sword stabilizing beneath him. Akira watched with sharp eyes as Huan slowly put his weight onto the blade, testing the balance. Then, carefully, he stood up completely, both feet perched on the flat surface of the sword.

It was holding his wight well.

Akira stood back, arms crossed but his eyes never leaving Huan, his earlier playful demeanor replaced with a look of quiet concern. "You got this."

Huan nodded. "Here goes nothing..."

Woliu floated higher, and Huan felt a surge of energy beneath him, the sword stabilizing under his weight. He couldn't help but smile, nervousness and excitement taking over. He looked back at Akira, who gave him a small, reassuring nod.

"See?" Akira called up to him, his grin returning. "Not so bad after all, huh?"

Huan was about to respond when Woliu suddenly dipped, causing him to wobble precariously. Akira took a sharp step forward grabbing his hand, but he quickly regained his balance.

"I'm fine! I'm fine!" Huan panicked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the wild thumping of his heart. His legs felt like jelly, standing on the blade.

Huan didn't let go of Akira's hand immediately. Holding on tightly, he took a steadying breath before speaking, his voice quieter this time. "Do you think... you could walk with me to the other edge? Please?"

Akira raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Of course." He stepped closer, still holding Huan's hand as he started walking alongside him. Woliu responded by raising slightly higher with each tentative step, floating just above the rooftop.

As they moved forward, Huan's nerves began to settle, but the moment came when he had to let go of Akira's hand completely. He hesitated, his fingers lingering in Akira's grip, but finally released it. Now it was just him and Woliu.

With each second, the sword rose higher, and Woliu's smooth energy began to hum louder, propelling them forward faster. The wind tugged at Huan's hair and jacket, lifting the hem and sending it fluttering like a banner behind him. The cool night air swept across his face, exhilarating in its rush. He couldn't help the grin that broke across his face.

He was flying.

The city spread out below him like a sprawling, glittering web. The holographic advertisements flashed on giant billboards far ahead, colors shimmering in every direction. He could see the highways glowing with streams of lights, cars zipping by in perfect synchronization. The sharp corners of the skyscrapers reflecting the neon glow, making the city look alive and pulsing beneath him.

Huan glanced back over his shoulder. The SSE headquarters building was already shrinking in the distance, its towering structure becoming nothing more than a dot in the sea of lights. But just as he thought about returning, something caught his eye—a soft, delicate swirl of redish-pink.

A petal drifted by, lazily twirling in the breeze as if playing with him. Huan chuckled under his breath. Before he knew it, more petals appeared, sweeping past him in a vibrant, swirling dance. Dozens, then hundreds-then thousands of them, fluttered around him in a spiral, moving faster and faster, until they began forming a shape-a dragon, made entirely of petals, weaving and twisting before him in the air.

Huan giggled, half in awe, half in disbelief. "Are you trying to race me?"

The petal dragon responded by whooshing ahead, doing a sharp 360-degree turn before heading straight for him. Huan quickly raised his arm, shielding his face as the tempest of petals rushed past him, brushing his skin with their soft, cool touch.

His grin widened. "Woliu, set a route for us."

Woliu's calm voice hummed in response. "Route calculated: Through the plaza behind the billboards, near the tallest building, and back to SSE Headquarters."

Huan's smirk grew. "Race ya!"

And with that, he leaned forward, letting Woliu propel them faster, chasing after the playful swirl of petals that danced ahead of them, the wind whipping through his hair as they darted through the night sky.

He leaned into the wind, laughing as Woliu picked up speed. The petal dragon-no, Akira-was ahead, twisting and diving with effortless grace through the air. The petals shimmered under the city lights, flashing pinks and reds, even hints of gold as they reflected the neon colors around them. It felt like he was in some kind of surreal dream, chasing a dragon made of flowers through a city that never slept.

Woliu hummed, and they shot forward, weaving between glowing billboards advertising the latest tech gadgets and luxury goods. Huan dodged a massive hologram of some celebrity, the figure almost grazing him as he dipped low and zipped beneath the towering projection. The wind whipped harder at his face, cool and exhilarating, as they swooped past skyscrapers and into the open sky once again.

The petal dragon spiraled ahead, taunting him. Huan grinned. "Oh, you're not getting away from us." He urged Woliu forward, darting around a few lingering petals as they shimmered in the air, trailing behind like a glittering tail.

They flew through narrow gaps between buildings, dodging sleek flying cars that zipped by like shadows in the night. Huan ducked under a suspension bridge, his heart racing as Woliu skimmed the surface, barely missing the metal beams.

He was getting closer. The petals were just aheadtwisting and twirling, trying to keep their distance. Huan's heart pounded in sync with the hum of Woliu's energy, and in a burst of speed, he surged forward, his body leaning, feeling the rush of air as they flew side by side with the petals.

Just as he was about to pass them, the petal dragon spun around, twirling in a mischievous dance before darting off in a different direction. Huan smirked playfully. "Oh, that's how it's gonna be?"

He was so close now. He could see the SSE building looming in the distance, getting bigger and bigger. The finish line was in sight. With a final push, he zoomed ahead, finally overtaking the petal dragon as it spun around him in one last flurry. He grinned, victory in sight, the rush of adrenaline making his chest feel light.

But just as he was about to reach the rooftop, a sudden gust of wind threw him off balance. Huan wobbled, his feet slipping off Woliu's smooth surface. His heart lurched as the world tilted, and for a brief, terrifying second, he was falling-falling toward the bright lights below.

"Shit!" he gasped, flailing to grab onto something-anything.

But before he could even process the ground rushing up at him, a firm hand wrapped around his waist, yanking him back with startling strength. Huan's breath hitched, eyes snapping open wide in surprise. He found himself pressed tightly against Akira, who held him securely in his arms, cradling Huan.

Akira's face was inches from his own, his expression laced with concern as their eyes met. For a moment, everything went still. Huan's heart pounded in his chest, both from the near fall and from the sudden, closeness. His cheeks burned with embarrassment, and he quickly scrambled out of Akira's hold, practically tripping over himself as moved away.

"I-uh-" Huan's voice cracked, his face flushed red. His words tumbling out awkwardly as Woliu floated calmly back to his side, as if nothing had happened.

Akira's sharp gaze softened. "Are you ok?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern as he looked him over carefully. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"

Huan quickly shook his head, unable to meet Akira's gaze. "I-I'm fine," he repeated, mentally kicking himself for sounding so flustered. He pulled his jacket tighter around himself, hoping to calm his racing heart.

They sat there on the rooftop, the cool breeze making Huan's hair brush against his face. The moon cast a soft glow over everything, bathing the rooftop in silver. For a moment, the two of them simply sat in silence.

Akira was the first to break it with a low chuckle. "So... does this mean I win?"

Huan wrinkled his nose, letting out a dramatic sigh. "Yeah, yeah, whatever..." He flopped back onto the rooftop, staring up at the twinkling stars. Despite everything that had happened, the sky was beautiful tonight. His body felt drained, the exertion of controlling Woliu catching up with him. He slumped against the cold ground, barely able to keep his eyes open.

"This was fun," Akira said, his voice cutting through the stillness.

Huan blinked and looked at him, a little surprised. "Hm? Fun?"

Akira had a soft smile on his lips, almost shy, as he glanced at Woliu floating nearby. "It was fun flying with you... and Woliu."

Woliu gave a small beep in response, her glowing blade hovering close by.

Huan chuckled lightly, hugging his knees to his chest. "Yeah... I guess it was fun." The exhaustion made his voice softer, almost like he was speaking his thoughts aloud.

Silence settled over them again, but this time, it wasn't awkward. The kind of silence that felt warm, like being wrapped in a blanket on a cold night. Akira shifted closer, and Huan noticed the hesitation in his movements, like he was unsure of something. He could feel Akira's eyes on him, waiting for the right moment to say something, yet reluctant.

"So... about today..." Akira started, his voice low.

Huan glanced over at him, his brows furrowing. "What about today?"

"Earlier, Cultural Arts... when they mentioned Chen Zheng." Akira hesitated, his fingers tracing the ground beside him. "Back when you were in the Chen Clan... did he...?"

Huan's body tensed, the name bringing an icy chill to his chest. That name. The memories it stirred felt like poison crawling through his veins. He hated how it made his blood boil, how it clawed at the walls he had built to keep the past buried. But Akira's voice wasn't demanding, only concerned, gentle in a way that made Huan's stomach twist.

He looked into Akira's grey eyes, the concern and confusion he didn't want to voice reflacted in them or perhaps Huan just saw himself. It didn't suit Akira to think about such dark things. He was calm and friendly, a quiet person that brought peace, not turmoil. But Huan knew he couldn't hide forever.

"Yes," He admitted, the word coming out as a whisper, barely audible in the night air. His gaze flickered down, avoiding Akira's eyes.

Akira's expression softened, his hand reaching out as if to offer comfort. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.

Huan saw the gesture and instinctively pulled away, not letting Akira touch him. "We should go." His voice was clipped, distant. He stood up abruptly, shaking off the moment like dust on his shoulders. It was easier this way—pushing it aside, pretending it didn't exist. He didn't want to stay in this place of vulnerability any longer than he had to.

Akira hesitated, his hand falling back to his side as he slowly stood. He didn't push. He never pushed. "Yeah... let's go." His voice was soft, understanding, like he knew not to ask any more questions.

Huan's chest ached, guilt gnawing at him for pulling Akira into this mess. He didn't deserve Akira's kindness. He kept his head down as they made their way back, wondering how long he could keep running from everything before it all caught up to him.

Can it be forever?

__________________________________

We are making progress!