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nonsensenook · 4 months ago

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Chapter 5 | Scattered Ashes, Fluttering Lights

Synopsis: In the second to last part of the journey you’re still finding yourself in the most precarious of situations. A continuation of this unapologetic take on you, the reader, accompanying the Destined One on his journey.

Word Count: 5,881

Warnings: Violence

Author’s Note: Whew, finally got this chapter finished. This chapter in particular was a struggle in many more ways than one. For those waiting for its release, I thank you deeply for your patience. I hope you enjoy!

Read on AO3: Link

Ch. 1 - Ch. 2 - Ch. 3 - Ch. 3.5 (Optional) - Ch. 4 - Cont.

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Between the two extremes, going through the scorching Ashen Pass had you miss the bitter cold of the New West. At least in those snowy mountains the enemies were often frozen and still. Here amidst the blaze, enemies wielded fire and explosive deaths. The constant smoke and ash in the air made it hard to breathe. The flames burning through all the oxygen didn’t help in that regard. You weren’t sure if your eyebrows were still intact or if they were already singed off. Though you wore fire-resistant gear, you would still sip at the cooling drink you carried as a precaution while your group ventured deeper into the flaming mountains.

You were distracted and tense. You couldn’t seem to focus on whatever Bajie was mapping out to traverse the mountains. You felt irritated feeling your clothing and hair, slick with sweat, sticking to your skin. You couldn’t shake that sick feeling in your stomach that it wasn’t just the environment gnawing at you. The headache you were getting from all the smoke only added to your discomfort. You felt like a short fuse attached to a mountain leveling explosive which your companions were gently escorting. Though Bajie would typically comment on your demeanor both he and the Destined One stayed mum on it. You were inwardly grateful that they knew enough to leave you well alone.

You were initially a bit taken by Pingping, seeing her in person. She was lovely and captivating, though you only managed a glance as when she stepped forward the Destined One stepped back, fully obscuring you. He was a wall you gently pushed aside. You didn’t feel that threatened when you were fully aware of what hand your foe would deal. You watched Pingping remind Bajie of his role in her mother’s death. As Bajie hesitated, Pingping locked eyes with you. She stepped towards you, taking your hands in hers and looking into your eyes.

“Please kind human,” she pleaded with moist eyes, “I only wish to help those dearest to me.” You blinked, quite impressed at her efforts as she pulled at your sympathies. Bajie was having none of it, though in the end it transpired the same if only just a step off.

Pingping turned into a fox and hurried along, urging you and the Destined One to follow her. You turned to Bajie who slipped a cicada to the Destined One then addressed you.

“We both already know that Fox Guai is as two-faced as I am pig-headed, but-”

“That doesn’t change the original plan,” you finished.

Bajie narrowed his eyes, “Precisely,” he says.

You didn’t argue with Bajie, though it seemed he expected you to. You pretended to not notice him exchange a look with the Destined One. You already went through the possibilities countless times before stepping foot on this mountain. Revealing Pingping's tricks now would still lead to the same outcome in the end and no doubt a bigger and bloodier battle. As you watched Bajie leave in his wind form you wondered if this was truly a conclusion you’ve drawn or simply acceptance to the story that is playing out. You weren’t sure if you wanted the answer.

You stood staring down at the final resting place of the Pale-Axe Stalwart. You had already let the Destined One know you would wait for him at the mouth of the Bishui cave. On this very rare occasion, perhaps the first in your journey, you felt you needed some time away from the Young Sage. You needed to be alone, just for a moment. You were surprised to glance up and see the Destined One still there, watching you. Typically, he’d do as you say under your guidance without question. Yet, he was hesitant to leave you this time. You could only offer a reassuring smile.

The Destined One was not convinced. His unmoved expression made you gently but firmly nudge him towards the cave. He obediently went towards the mouth, but turned to glance back at you. You kneeled down doing your best to look like the very picture of a safe companion simply waiting for his return.“Go on,” you urged, “I promise I’ll stay out of trouble.” After staring at you for a moment longer you watched him finally enter the cave.

However, as Bajie said before and time again, trouble sought you out like a flame seeks fuel. Not long after the Destined One left, you felt the ground rumble beneath your feet. Just as your hand reached for your blade an arrow pierced your sleeve, pinning you down. You quickly tried to reach towards the arrow to wretch it free only for another one to graze your upper arm. You instinctively covered your wound, your hand coming away stained with fresh blood. You looked up to see a small army enter the barren clearing led by a Bull Yaoguai.

As they stopped just at the entrance of the clearing you heard the Bull Yaoguai lightly scold the archer for firing without his say so. The archer wasn’t listening. You watched as he nocked another arrow and drew the string back.

“We need them alive, you dolt,” snarled the Bull Guai. In response the archer aimed lower towards your legs rather than your vital organs.

The Bull Guai nodded in approval, “That’s better.”

You didn’t move as your gaze stayed on the archer. You knew this one only needed a whisper of a reason to let that arrow fly. You drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly through your mouth. Your eyes went to the Bull Guai beside the archer who unsheathed two hand-axes and began leisurely pacing.

“Odd of that monkey to have left you by your lonesome, delicate human that you are,” commented the Bull Guai, turning the axes in his hands. You watched as he scanned the area. Though his head turned slowly, you saw his eyes darting quickly around. You noticed that he’s yet to actually step into the clearing. “Where is that lover of yours?” he asked.

You heard crass laughter from the little army. The Bull’s smile widened. “Oh, no need to be shy about it. Wondering how I know?” he asked, taking his first tentative step towards you. “Even amidst all this fire and smoke you very well reek of him.”

As snickers and small laughter rippled through the army you took an estimated headcount. Over two dozen Yaoguai were armored up and brandishing weapons. You noted how some of them nervously clutched their gear and wondered why none had stepped forward to overwhelm you though they could do so easily. They were cautious, afraid. You didn’t need to guess on what or who it was that had them so on alert. You thought of bluffing your way through, but what good would that do you? It would only take a few seconds for them to realize your lie and place you in a very awkward situation. These weren’t like the rat bandits, they were a well trained legion of soldiers used to order and commands. You felt your heart beat faster as every card up your sleeve scattered uselessly around you.

“Must’ve been quite the chore to keep you alive through these mountains,” the Bull Guai remarked, taking another small step towards you as he continuously scanned the scene. You watched his smile stretch into a grin as he realized the one threat he was warned of wasn’t around. It was just you. A wounded, pinned, and helpless little human. He made a show of strutting freely into the clearing as his army followed. The distance between you and the end of a blade was shortening.

“Master had me gather all these soldiers, but I see now that we were over zealous,” the Bull laughed, “Why don’t you make this easier for all of us and be an obedient little captive?” As the army began advancing you looked back at the archer with his bow still drawn. His pace was slower than the others given his stance, but his aim stayed true. The army was getting closer as you became fully focused on where your hidden knife was. Fear embraced you like an old friend. You rudely shoved it aside. Gritting your teeth, you ran through every possibility you could act on in the next twenty seconds. It always comes down to a chance.

As the army closed in on you an impatient Yaoguai shoved past the archer. His bow-string loosened. As Bajie would say, if nothing else you were truly blessed with well timed luck. You ripped your arm from the arrow pinning you down, tearing your sleeve in the process. As one hand reached into your robe to pull your blade from its sheath, the other was pulling the red cord at your waist taut. In one quick movement the blade slices through the cord as if it were water. Strands of gold scattered all around you as the army began rushing forward.

From the golden strands smoke clouds appeared, obscuring your vision. Just as it came the smoke dissipated as the end of a staff cut through the haze in front of you. You look up to find a perfect copy of the Destined One with his signature subtle scowl. All around you copies of the Destined One formed a protective barrier between you and the army. Each stood ready with a staff in hand, eyes trained at the dumbfounded Yaoguai.

For just a moment the clearing was still from any movement. It wasn’t every day a small army of monkeys suddenly appeared from thin air and one would understandably need a moment to register that image. The Destined Ones took advantage and charged at the army who just about managed to gather themselves.

The two groups collided as the sound of weapons clashing and cries of battle filled the air. You got to your feet with your blade clutched in your hand. The cord at your waist unraveled as you stood, scattering more strands as even more copies appeared to join the fray. In the hurricane of brutality you alone stood calmly in the eye. Adrenaline was seeping out of you as you felt your grip loosen on the blade.

You snapped your head left as a large LavaBull Revenant tore itself from the storm to charge at you. You didn’t move as you watched it raise its axe high. The axe cuts through the air in a downward arch. You heard a loud clang resonate above you as a staff stopped the axe from splitting your skull. Strands of your hair fluttered back from the impact. As one Destined One blocked the attack you watched as another jumped onto the back of the LavaBull and used his staff to put the Revenant into a chokehold. The one blocking took the chance to knock the axe out of his hands. As the distracted Bull Guai clawed fruitlessly at its back the young Sage puppeteer it to stumble around making it knock aside other unsuspecting Yaoguai.

You saw a pair of copies kick two enemies together as a third unleashed a charged attack from above to finish them off. It was a wonder to watch as they worked in sync with one another, though it must be expected given they all share the same mind. In the midst of the chaos you felt more relaxed. After all, you knew that so long as the Destined One was by your side, whether the real deal or a perfect copy, no harm would befall you. Which meant it gave you time to be exhausted over the whole ordeal. Almost becoming a bartering chip bothered you less than what’s been on your mind since coming to this mountain.

You let out a sigh and re-sheathed your blade. Both Bajie and the Destined One had noted your countenance in their own ways. You did your best to not dwell on their wordless gestures to one another when they thought you weren't looking. It filled you with guilt, but you couldn’t even find the reason why this blanket of dread had slipped onto you. You looked up at the sky and closed your eyes. No, it wasn’t that you couldn't find the reason. It was more so that you were afraid to admit it. For months now you’ve done everything to distract yourself from thinking about it, but one can only ignore the inevitable for so long. You weren’t ready to acknowledge that everything was coming to an end.

You let out another breath before opening your eyes to find a Bull Guai soldier charging at you. This one was running desperately at you without even a weapon in hand. You watched as a Destined One jumped into the air behind the Bull and kicked him to the ground where he slid inches from you. The Destined One’s foot stomped down on the Bull’s neck in a final blow.

You looked up and found the Young Sage smiling softly down at you. He held out his hand. Naturally, you gave him yours. As the Yaoguai below him disintegrated he caressed your hand gently with his thumb and lifted it to his lips. You managed to smile, marveling at his timing for a romantic gesture. In the next instance he jerks you forward as you hear something slice through the air and crack the ground where you just stood. The momentum carried you past him and into another pair of identical arms. You heard the telltale sound of a staff end cracking down on a skull behind you.

This Destined One carefully wiped something off your cheek with his thumb while his other hand caressed your face. Your smile widened watching him be so concentrated on this little task. Then you saw something fast move behind him. A Yaoguai was coming in close with a sword. Satisfied with his cleaning, this Destined One held your face gently before stepping back. Spinning quickly, his foot promptly connected with and dislocated the jaw of a Revenant. As this copy bounced away yet another took his place.

This one examined the cut on your arm closely before holding out his hand, palm turned upwards at the sky. On cue, a clean piece of cloth landed into his palm. You saw the copy that delivered it just briefly before he disappeared into the fray. Where this cloth was procured from, you didn’t mind enough to question. This Destined One began wrapping the makeshift bandage around your arm as yet another Bull Guai let out a cry of fury from the side. He came charging fast with a cracked axe aimed at the both of you. Without looking up, this Destined One nonchalantly waved his hand towards the raging Bull, immobilizing it in place mid stride. You giggled as this Young Sage simply continued at his task as if he'd just briefly shooed away a pesky fly. Finished with bandaging you up, this Destined One tilted your chin up to look at your smile. As the spell of immobilization was broken he swept you up and tossed you into another pair of awaiting arms.

It seemed that each copy spared a moment to share with you as you were pulled, spun, placed, and lifted this way and that while the roaring battle raged on. At some point you began to laugh as you danced around the battlefield from partner to partner. You felt your heavy heart lighten with each pair of arms that caught and steadied you. Eventually, the very last enemy disintegrated as its weapon fell to the ground. One by one the many duplicates disappeared in a puff of smoke around you until there was just one left. This Destined One reached his hand out towards your face. His expression was soft, content. As if he would never ask to be anywhere else but here. His hand just managed to touch a strand of your hair before he too disappeared. The clearing was quiet once again.

The sunset was casting the sky in a mellow shade of orange and violet. Barren mountains were left behind and your group welcomed familiar lush forest. Another day of travel was winding down. You twirled the Willow Staff around you creating a protective barrier similar to the Destined One’s when he deflected arrows. You finally got the movement and speed down consistently while still walking no less.

“I’d like to see an arrow get through this,” you boasted, enjoying the little breeze you were creating as you picked up some speed. You stopped the movement in a rather impressive manner, dramatically holding the staff out in front of you. You then spun the staff slowly, mimicking your companion perfectly in his stance. You gave the Destined One a satisfied look then felt something small hit you in the stomach. A berry rolled to a stop at your feet. Bajie scoffed, “And there goes the human, dead with an arrow to the guts.”

You fixed Bajie a glare, “And here goes Bajie, dead with a dent in his skull.”

“Oh, you’re getting bold, kid. A good knock to the head should humble you.”

Just seeing that smirk on Bajie’s face had your hand tighten on the staff. Before things could escalate further a voice interrupted the petty squabble.

“Excuse me…” You turned around to find a human man with a large pack on his back. He adjusted his pack nervously when you met his eyes. Though not the first human you’ve stumbled on in this world you suddenly found yourself self conscious. He’d just overheard you threatening to cave in your companion's thick skull. The human cleared his throat, “Are you all headed to the festival as well? It seems I’ve lost my way.”

This one seemed accustomed to Yaoguai having not hesitated to approach your little group despite the presence of Bajie or the Destined One.

“We’ve no time to waste on such pleasantries,” stated Bajie, thumping the ground with the end of his rake. You tilted your head to the side questioningly, “A festival?” you asked, “I didn’t know there was one near here.”

The human smiled shyly, casting his eyes down, “Oh, I’m sorry. I assumed-well not many take this path save for when the festival is happening.” He stepped around your little group with a small apologetic bow. “I’m sure I’ll find my way there,” he took a few steps then turned around as if remembering something, “Oh, but if you change your mind maybe I’ll see you there?” Though the question seemed extended to your little group, he still held his gaze solely on you.

You blinked at him. He awkwardly stepped backwards, almost tripping over a branch on the path. “All are welcome human or Yaoguai,” he added quickly then off down the path he went. You watched him disappear down the hill before Bajie spoke up.

“Well, aren’t you a little vixen? Poor fool is completely smitten,” commented Bajie.

You rolled your eyes, “Your sight is failing you, old pig. That glare of yours would make anyone nervous”

“Oh he was nervous alright. I was nearly deafened by how loud his heart was beating,” Bajie cackled, “Careful there, Nephew. Seems your little peach here has gained some interest.”

You ignored Bajie and turned to the Destined One. You found him staring down the path, his gaze not leaving the hill the human had disappeared behind. Feeling your stare, he turned to you. His expressions held nothing out of the norm.

“Have you ever been to a festival?” you asked. As expected, he shook his head. You felt excitement dance through your heart as you imagined what it would be like to attend one with him. Bajie thumped the end of his rake down, promptly crushing your little daydream before it even started.

“No. We are not wasting any time with that. We’ve gathered all five relics. We need to make it to Mount Huaguo without any more diversions.”

You opened your mouth then closed it. Bajie was right and no one needed to say anything for you to know you were the main cause of enough diversion on this journey. You took a breath, “You’re right, Bajie. Let’s continue on.” You started down the path with the Destined One matching your steps, but the Pig Guai remained still. You turned back to him.

“Bajie?”

He was stroking his chin in thought. He hummed at the sky then hummed at the ground. He looked up at you and finally reached his answer.

“On second thought, my belly is craving some sweets. We can spare some time to eat.” Bajie brushed past without looking at you, though if he did he would’ve seen the silly grin that lit up your face. He started down the path with his snout tilted up, “Quickly now, before they run out of Tangyuan.”

The festival grounds were bustling as stalls lined the outer edges of a beautiful lake. The sun had just slipped under the horizon as the last of the day's colors slowly faded. Paper lanterns decorated the stalls and trees, lighting up the pathway in a soft glow. You found long lines forming towards the temple at the very back as families took their turns to offer thanks and prayers. You watched as children ran by giggling as their chaperones exchanged heartfelt greetings. Just like the man had said earlier, humans and Yaoguai were intermingling with no cause for alarm. Some children were chasing each other near the lake. The young Rabbit Guai was easily outrunning a human and Snake Guai as their laughter filled the air. You witness a human laugh as they jumped into a burly Guai’s arms before they were tossed up and caught. You felt warm in this atmosphere.

Bajie made a beeline for a stall, not looking back as his small form disappeared in the pack of festival goers. You took your time by taking the natural path around the lake with the Destined One at your side. He didn’t seem particularly excited, but he was relaxed enough to put his staff away and take in the scene with you. It was different being among so many people in this mood of celebration rather than sorrow or rage. It almost felt nostalgic.

You pass a crowd sitting around a small decorated stage obscured by a white sheet. Someone had made sure to douse each paper lantern around so that only one light source remained to illuminate the back of the little theater. It was a shadow puppet show. A small band sat off to the side, playing along to the scene the narrating puppet master was weaving together. It seemed to be a love story. Two lovers separated by divine decree who were only able to reunite once a year across a bridge made of magpies. Though you only were able to catch the last moments of the show, you politely applauded along with the crowd as the band struck its final tune.

“A bit of a change of pace to have someone other than me or Bajie telling a story, hm?” you said, continuing down the path of stalls as the Young Sage matched your pace. He seemed to have enjoyed the story seeing how his posture was much more relaxed than before. You see something catch his attention from a stall behind you. A small line of people were waiting for what looked to be a dessert with fruits coated in hardened syrup on a stick: Tanghulu. The person behind the stall called out for the last batch of the dessert before they were sold out.

You realized Bajie took the correct approach of going to the stalls first. Quickly, you set the Destined One in the line for the Tanghulu while you went searching for the Tangyuan Bajie was raving about. Luckily, you didn’t have to look too far as it was only a few stalls down. You joined the line, relieved to see it wasn’t too long, when someone tapped you on the shoulder. It was the same young man from before, now without the heavy burden of his pack.

“I see you ended up coming,” he said with a nervous smile.

You politely smiled back, “Yes, I’m glad I was able to come,” you replied.

He beamed at you which gave you an odd feeling. You felt he’d taken more from your statement than you had given. You both chatted idly as the line slowly moved up. He spoke about how he visited the festival yearly to help out a family friend who was owed a debt. You prepared to be vague about your own travels, but thankfully he didn’t ask much. At one point you began politely giving automatic hums to show you were listening as he droned on. He snapped you from your daze with a sudden statement.

“You seem…different. I don’t know how to put it,” he seemed to catch himself, “I apologize I didn’t mean it in a bad way just…different.”

You hummed, “I don’t get called that often, I’m as average a human as any other,” you said. There was just one more person in front of you. The young man held his neck nervously as his gaze shifted to the ground.

“If you don’t mind, once we get our food, would you like to eat them with me? Together?”

Your smile froze in place in an effort to hold back the storm of curses aimed at a certain Pig Guai. You could so easily imagine him rolling on the ground right now if he only knew.

You opened your mouth to cutely but politely decline when a tall figure stepped between you and the young man. The Destined One placed himself between the two of you with a stick of Tanghulu hanging from his lips. His tail was slowly and methodically going to and fro while his form stood rigid as rock. A dangerous sign. You stepped aside to glance at his face. His eyes were ablaze in a silent rage.

“Oh, you’re that monkey that they’re travelling with,” said the young man, absolutely oblivious to the deadly glare and ominous aura emanating from the Destined One in waves.

The Young man boldly tried to step around him, “Um, could you step a little to the side? I was just asking them-”

You watched the Young Sage reach a hand towards his ear. You quickly tried to hold his arm down, though you may as well be trying to upheave an oak tree. One light tap from his staff alone would kill this man!

“Wait-” you began to say when a new boisterous voice abruptly joined in. “There you are!” A large Ox Guai with a broken horn appeared, throwing his arm over the young man. You noted a tinge of nervousness as he glanced at the Destined One whose hand stayed still next to his ear. The Ox Guai took several steps back, forcing the young man to follow. The Guai was almost bending the young man over by the sheer size of his arm.

“Your mother’s been lookin’ all over for you. Quickly now, back to our stall, before she rings both our ears.”

“But I was just-”

“Leaving,” The Yaoguai's voice dropped several decibels, definitively deflating any arguments from the young man. The Yaoguai gave an apologetic nod towards you and your companion who finally dropped his arm. You let out a breath of relief.

“I’m sorry about that.” said the young Guai, “This one is still green in the many ways of this world. We’ll be going now.” The Ox Guai forcibly turned the young man around and all but carried him away. As they left you heard the Ox say under his breath, “Of all creatures you chose one already spoken for.”

The Destined One watched them go as the person in front of you pretended they weren’t eavesdropping took their food and left. You were next in line. You pulled the Destined One towards the stall, breaking his stare down at the young man.

“I think it’s hard for a regular human to tell but,” you slipped your hand into his, “This usually gets the message across.” You felt bashful staring up at him as your cheeks flushed with color. His hand carefully intertwined with yours as you felt his anger subdued. It was a little funny to see him switch from a look that had you believe he was ready to tear someone apart to a soft, docile gaze all while a Tanghulu hung from his mouth. You turned to the little old lady manning the Tangyuan stall.

“I’m sorry, my dear, we just sold our last one,” she said.

You were crestfallen but could only thank the little old lady and step away from the stall. The Destined One seemed worried at your disappointment. In response you took the Tanghulu from him and inspected the few pieces of sugar coated fruit.

“Did you eat yours already?” You ask. He looked away to avoid your question. You laughed, “Couldn’t wait, hm? Seems you got a bit of a sweet tooth.” You bit into the dessert and hummed. The sugar coating snapped and crunched as the fresh fruit burst on your tongue.

“Oh, this is really good,” you said, reaching up to feed him some as well. He bit into the fruit eagerly. “Seems it has every fruit but peaches. Your home has plenty of those right? I’ve always wanted to try a peach from Mount Huaguo.”

With the way his eyes lit up at you mentioning the peaches from his home, you could only imagine what it would taste like in person. A cool wind blew through your hair, gently jostling some lanterns hanging from the trees. You stepped closer to the Destined One to avoid two children dashing by, your hand tightening in his just slightly. He was warm, you felt you could easily close your eyes and let yourself sink into him. Instead, you glanced up at him with a smirk.

“Were you really going hit that guy with your staff?”

The Destined One glanced down at you. You saw the smallest hint of a smile as his eyes lifted up. You translated that to be, “What do you think?” You playfully bumped your shoulder with his.

“I think you need to use your words next time.”

You both walked around the lake again after finishing up your treat until you were both halted by a large group of people standing at the bridge. More were joining the throng as children were placed on shoulders for a better view. You spotted a Tiger Guai holding an elderly woman on his shoulders. She was smiling widely, staring past the crowd of people.

“What are they gathered around for?” you asked. Then in the sky you saw a golden light gently floating towards the moon. It was a floating paper lantern. You heard many excited voices rush forward. The Destined One pulls you close to his chest as people surged toward the bridge. Soon, people and Yaoguai covered the bridge to watch the lanterns make their journey towards the heavens. The Destined One guided you back till you were at the very edge of the crowd. The many various heads and shoulder riders obscured most of your view.

You looked at all the bodies smushed together, “Good thing they float. We’ll get to see the lanterns eventually…” You felt a gentle tap on your shoulder. Turning, you looked at the Destined One whose hand patted the trunk of a large tree. He wore a cheeky smirk with excitement brightening up his eyes. You returned the look, wordlessly latching on his back as he bent down.

You held on tightly as he scaled the tree, going higher and higher till he found a branch thick enough to hold both of your weight. This branch was overhanging the lake, you found some comfort in knowing it won’t be solid ground you land on if you were to slip. The Destined One settled you down on the branch and sat beside you, arms out and ready to steady you. Right, as if he'd ever let you slip. You found your balance and glanced up.

The view was breathtaking. The floating lanterns lit up the sky in a trail of flickering gold mirrored by the still lake. From the base of the temple the lanterns spread towards the gazebo, the stalls, and the bridge as they gently ascended to the sky to join the twinkling stars. You watched as the crowd of people holding one another watched the lanterns. The many stalls and their owners paused in their hard work to bask in this moment. The whole festival stilled to witness this one moment.

“It’s beautiful…” you whispered. Your hand found his again. You felt a sense of melancholy when you felt his thumb brush your knuckles.

“I’m glad I got to experience this with you,” you said softly as the last of the lanterns were released, “It’s been…unforgettable.” You watched the fluttering lanterns and found yourself thinking of the bridge of Magpies connecting heaven and earth from the puppet show. You wondered how fleeting yet filling those brief moments the two lovers had together before the bridge no longer connected them. You wondered if they felt more joy than sorrow. You felt a murmur in your heart. You made yourself take a breath.

“Do you think we can do this again?” You asked. Even if it were a lie; even if this promise is broken, you still wanted to hear his answer. Turning to your side, you found the Young Sage staring at you. You weren’t sure for how long. Looking into your eyes, he took your hand and brought it up to his lips. “Of course,” you all but hear him say. A deep pain throbbed in your heart. The Young Sage leaned forward to cup your cheek. You closed your eyes.

“There you two are!” A too familiar voice called out from below. Your eyes flew open. You looked down just as Bajie turned into his wind form to join you in the tree. The branch shook just a little but held firm as he sat down comfortably, back resting against the trunk. You had a smart remark ready for him until he shoved a warm bowl into your hands. It was Tangyuan.

“You can have that,” he said, patting his stomach, “My belly’s full enough to burst if I took another bite.” Liar, you said inwardly as you felt yourself crack a smile. You thanked him gratefully as he waved you off. You took a spoonful, gently blowing on the dessert. You bit into the soft rice ball and sipped at the hot broth. It warmed you right up from your stomach to your soul. Just as it came, you felt that dull pain subside. As you offered a spoonful to the Destined One, Bajie spoke up.

“I was right about the human boy, wasn’t I?”

You quickly handed the Young Sage the bowl and turned to the gloating pig, “Bajie, don’t you find it fortuitous that we’re above a lake?”