Fluttering ends of white ribbon reminded me of you. Seeing a member dressed in similar robes as yours, made me yearn to ask your whereabouts, but having been threatened, I had no heart.

I should have asked.

Maybe we would have met much earlier than expected.

~8 year old Wei Ying~

Kneeling in front of the ancestors in Yunmeng Memorial Hall, I watch in facination as blood pools near my ankles. For many the sight right now would be of horror, but for me it was nothing new. The ache on my back due to the sting of Zidian also did not matter. How many times has my back been struck? Too many to count.

"Ah Xian," turning up to look at Shijie placing a medicine box next to me I smile and think for those who misunderstand Shijie to be weak are so ill informed for she is one of the bravest souls I have ever known. In silence she always stood up against the atrocities of Madam Yu towards me. In her own ways she would save me, hide me, protect me and even when in spite of all that I still become a victim to Madam Yu's anger. In return Shijie would apply salve and soothe the pain in my heart.

For her sake I never cry. Knowing Shijie, she gets disturbed when she witnesses sadness in my eyes, and thus for her sake I keep smiling. Don't worry Shijie, I'll keep smiling for you. Always.

"Ah Xian," gently calling my name her eyes welled with tears "I am sorry that mother hurt you." Carefully pulling my shirt up she applies the cool paste on it. I bite my lips from yelling against the burn.

"Don't worry. It doesn't hurt much Shijie. Nothing can hurt your Ah Xian. You know that!" Gulping down the pain I look sideways and wink.

She one the other hand does not say a word and continues the treatment.

"If it didn't hurt much then why are your eyes so red?" Rolling my eyes against Jiang Cheng's careless question, I glare at him and he shrugs.

"My eyes are red because the paste is strong and pungent. What are you doing here? You're supposed to be learning!"

Leaning against the door jamb he throws a bow and arrow next to my knee and very nonchalantly comments, "How can I practice without a partner?"

My head snaps towards him and he continues in a casual voice, "Wasn't that one reason why mother bet you because Wei Wuxian wanted to learn how to shoot bow and arrow?"

This time I remain quiet.

"Don't think too much. I spoke to father about this and he convinced mother to let you learn. Afterall, I cannot become the best without someone to practice with!"

Sly. Very sly.

Picking up the bow and arrow I look up and grin just to see him roll his eyes at me. I don't care, it's his way of handling the situation and letting me get what I want.

Shijie was done and I was immediately on my feet, "Hey Jiang Cheng!"

"What?"

"You do realise I will be the best won't you? I am going to one day be so good, even you'll look bad in front of me." Saying that I poke my tongue out and run.

What was his reaction?

Obviously was to chase and try to beat the shit out of me.

Shijie on the other hand smiled kindly at us while we were running around merrily.

"I hope you won't be an embarrassment to us today?" At Madam Yu's words I look down and remember the day she slapped my face when I addressed her as aunty. She yelled that I was nothing to her other than a mere servant. She was tolerating my presence because of her husband and children.

Shijie, Jiang Cheng and Uncle Jiang often were kept in dark against the amount of actual abuse I faced under her hands. As long as it wasn't directed at other disciples, this Wei Wuxian was happy.

"Look at me and speak up-" just as she was about to strike me with her Zidian, Jiang Cheng walked into the room liesurely and placates Madam Yu a in cool voice, "Mother don't worry about Wei Wuxian. I promise he won't come in front of your guests. He'll behave. I shall personally guarantee this promise."

Taking a deep breath my heart swells with gratitude towards Jiang Cheng for protecting me against Madam Yu's wrath.

"Very well." She leaves and I fall on my butt.

"Thanks Jiang Cheng, but this has peeked my curiosity. Who is visiting Lotus Pier today?"

He shrugs and joins me on the floor cleaning his wooden sword, "I heard father say that they're an esteemed clan." Looking up and squinting his eyes to ponder he answers, "I think father reffered them as Gusu Lan Clan."

Gusu Lan Clan?

I gasp as my heart started beating erratically.

"Are you alright Wei Wuxian? You look so pale. Should I get Jie?"

"No! I'm alright. Hey Jiang Cheng, why not go and check them out?"

At my suggestion he immediately springs onto his feet and shakes his head, "Oh No! I just promised mother. I won't allow you to go anywhere near them Wei Wuxian. I don't want you to get another beating!"

His words warmed my heart but my curiosity still remained. Knowing Jiang Cheng and Madam Yu, I couldn't risk him getting punished because of me. Nodding I ask him to practice some sword fighting with me, eventually forgetting all about our esteemed guests.

Maybe subconsciously I knew that they were still there and so when Jiang Cheng wasn't around, my soul sneaked behind the chamber hall and jumped onto a huge tree, hiding myself securely between the thick branches and watching them intensely.

At first it seemed quite boring and usual, but what made my breathing falter was a young boy's attire.

It seems so familiar. Watching the boy closely I could deduce his age to be closer to Shijie's. So he is elder to Jiang Cheng and me, but why does he feel so familiar? Where have I seen him before?

Unable to find answers from where I was, I jump down and sprint quietly towards where they were and peek through the window. Yes, I have seen this attire somewhere. Pearl white robes and that fluttering forehead band.

Where?

Just then I could hear a noise from close by and scared that I might get caught, my feet sprint towards the other direction.

That night as I dream of a rattle noise, a familiar noise of a toy, my eyes spring opens and jumping down from the bed, I make my way quickly towards the chest in the room. Digging deep my fingers feel the familiar material and I smile. Taking out the object and listening to it's same rattle, I am pulled back to that one memory from long ago.

Back in that street, one day a boy my age handed me this toy.

Yes, that attire he wore is same as today!

Next time they come, maybe I can ask them about that boy!

With a smile I go back to bed and after a long long time, I had a good night sleep.

You were my memory,
I was your inquiry,
Searching for the other
answer we got none,
Only if I had the courage to ask the question
You and I would have a lot sooner become one.