02 [Nine-Petalled Kingdom]

The ruins of the Jiang Kingdom's Lotus Pier never failed to amaze everyone looking over. The epic history that its people left behind was haunting enough and such was the magical mystery it held. It was always something that left people charmed for it was a witness of a beautiful tragedy.

"The beautiful tragedy really is breathtaking," one knight sighed in awe as he caressed the top head of his suddenly agitated horse.

"Yeah," the other knight nodded, "If the royal family is alive then I'm sure it would have been more beautiful. Such a waste."

Lan Xichen, whose white horse had been walking far in the front, slowed down to look at a large area covered by a translucent dome; it was a purple barrier, glowing with thunder-like angry sparks, a large but fitting contrast against the darkness of the night.

His knights were not wrong. None of them could clearly see what was inside but the shadow outlines of the structures inside formed quite a magnificent view through the sparks of the barrier. Even the barrier itself was not something they see everytime. In fact, it shouldn't be possible, but since it was here, they could only stare on and admire. Even he, himself, was as mesmerized.

As of the present, their kingdom's Cloud Recesses was acknowledged as the most outstanding heritage out of the three remaining kingdoms on Elyssium continent. However, he heard that the Lotus Pier was built on top of a water body. It was literally a floating heritage. It was quite a unique style that Lan Xichen could bet his life that Lotus Pier could beat the Cloud Recesses.

"I heard Lotus Pier has quite a history. Even more than our own Cloud Recesses. Do tell me their story."

"Indeed. Our Cloud Recesses was burned down once, but the Lotus Pier was burned down twice. When it had been burned for the first time, it was awfully almost ashes. Princess Jiang tried to build it back as a memory of the royal family but the Wen Kingdom ruined it. She sadly died without the joy of leaving a memory for her family. I'm not quite sure about the whole story but that is what the legend says."

While the two knights spoke amongst themselves as though enchanted as they both stared at the barrier, Lan Xichen, on the other hand, resumed his movements. Indeed, it was a sight to behold, but he wasn't really here for sightseeing.

He lightly signalled his horse to move and it responded faithfully. The horse began running close to the edge of the barrier and stopped when they were near enough. The sparks seemed even more violent up close than when they were a few meters away. It looked rather dangerous to touch.

And it really was.

"What about the barrier? How come it's possible?"

"No one knows either but one thing's for sure, the barrier grew on its own when Princess Jiang died. But I think I can recall my grandfather saying something about it. It was something along the lines that every kingdom has their distinct ability and that one of the Jiang Kingdom's defensive ability is a barrier shield called the Nine-Petalled Lotus Barrier. I'm not sure about this but some legends mention it vaguely."

Lan Xichen listened to his knights' conversation before looking up. He subconsciously pressed his lips into a thin line when he saw a movement at the very far top. There was a small opening and the area around it was slowly thinning, almost disappearing.

The barrier was weakening. This was the main issue. Lan Xichen understood that they were scared of what was inside, of what were to happen if the barrier broke. They were clueless of how to act, of what to do, but they seemed to forget that he was just as clueless as they were. He had no power, no magic, not even enough knowledge regarding the fallen kingdom. Whatever they expected him to do, he had no clue nor could he do it.

Lan Xichen silently sighed as his long fingers brushed through his horse's mane, a mannerism he formed from the long years of growing beside it.

"This is what the elders were discussing right?" one of the knights whispered from behind but of which that Lan Xichen heard anyway. The other knight made a sound of agreement.

Just then, loud growls reverberated from the nearby forests. Lan Xichen immediately turned around on instinct. He scanned his frozen companions before brushing a sharp gaze through the darkness behind them.

"What was that?" the smaller of the two knights nervously asked as he stiffly looked around.

"Must be a bear or a wolf," the other braver-looking knight replied, "you know them these days."

A scream pierced through the night and the enthralled awe from looking at the barrier seemed to have lost its effect when it suddenly felt eerie. Lan Xichen though was more worried than scared.

"Check the perimeters," he spoke through a clear voice. "Save whoever needs help."

The two frozen knights saluted in unison before going off, though both looked absentminded. Lan Xichen couldn't really blame them. After all, they were new recruits.

And as he watched their backs gradually disappearing, the smile on his lips gradually disappeared too. He sighed when they were out of sight before facing his responsibility. There actually was no need for him to come here but he had to because it was his responsibility.

He paused at the thought.

Responsibility?

He couldn't recall the last time he had done something out of passion and kindness and not because it was his responsibility. It felt like it was a very long time ago but he knew it was a scant few years. However, those few years were enough to alter him completely.

It was almost pathetic how a prince whose people worshipped like a god suddenly hid himself like a coward and rendered himself rather useless. It felt embarassing, to him at least, that he remained quiet and tried to make his presence disappear.

It was a painful task, because no matter what, he seemed to always stand out yet he still tried and tried until words began to broke out and he successfully made a few stains on himself, enough to finally be able to find peace as he hid but it was also enough to draw words from the nobles.

Nonetheless, he turned a deaf ear for they were nothing compared to the looming dark clouds in his chest. He was never one to pay much attention towards his image after all but above all, he had simply lost hope, had long lost his spark, and had long lost his will to live. Life no longer mattered when he had no reason to go on.

The person he lived for after all was already dead.

Jin Guangyao..

He lightly grazed the white ribbon on his forehead. It felt much, much smoother than ever.

Like the royal guard mentioned, each kingdom had their distinct characteristics. Their Lan Kingdom had a forehead ribbon, a representation of their own kingdom, of the responsibilities they uphold and of their loyalty to their rules and their clan. However, aside from that, it also carried a very special meaning.

One could not take it off as they pleased, nor can any other people touch it. It told of their people's chastity, purity and innocence. The only way to take it off and let go of their kingdom was to fall in love and marry.

Lan Xichen was able to take it off before, and even gave it as a gift... but it was returned. And now he had to wear it again. He shook his head when he realized that he was starting to settle deep in another wave of depression. He couldn't do it now. Not here.

Not ever.

The horse neighed softly and he reached down to caress the side of its mane.

"I'm okay," he softly laughed.

Diverting his thoughts, he looked over the barrier as he tried to get a glimpse of what was inside, but all he could see were the outlines of the massive walls.

He grabbed the reins and softly shook it, urging the horse to get closer. The horse snorted and turned its head away. This was how it refused and when it refused, there was no more coaxing. So Lan Xichen decided to get down.

Despite the angry sparks of the barrier, it was surprisingly deathly quiet. It enabled a quiet night that even the sounds of Lan Xichen's footsteps against the grass were amplified.

The horse shifted behind him when he leaned a little too close to the barrier but he was strangely untethered. Instead, he found himself looking at his vague reflection on the barrier.

Touch it.

Something urged him to raise a hand. He was surprised at himself but he seemingly couldn't find it in him to refuse. He had already been warned that the barrier couldn't be touched because the lightning-like sparks weren't for show. They were actual lightning and were very dangerous to a human touch.

And yet his hand moved on its own accord, seemingly attempting to press it towards the purple barrier. His horse neighed behind him, almost warning him.

Lan Xichen paused then blinked. He looked back, flashing his horse a small smile of comfort. Confused, he turned his gaze back to the barrier.

Do it. Touch it.

This time, without hesitation, he pushed his hand in, half feeling hypnotised and half fearing for the pain it might bring.

However, there was no pain.

He paused when his hand went through a layer of nothing but air. His eyes widened in horror when a huge gaping hole appeared before him. It was almost like he just punched a hole and the hole expanded, reducing the light illuminated by the glow of the barrier. Lan Xichen stood dumbfounded until the barrier completely dissipated into nothingness. Soon, a huge fortress was displayed upon them. Huge walls were cracked with the shadow of vines creeping all over. The sound of running water became a lot more profound and real. Lan Xichen took one subconscious step forward, kicking a few rocks. They rolled, before seemingly falling down a ditch. He looked down, and realized that he was standing on an edge, and below him was a river.

Only then did his mind register the sound of water rushing. There is a water surrounding the whole Lotus Pier which usually served as protection. Lan Xichen looked up, seeing if there is any explanation that would make sense as of the moment.

Go in.

The horse behind began neighing loudly, its hooves frantically tapping against the ground as it backed a few steps away. Lan Xichen quickly rushed to the horse to calm it down.

"Calm down."

When the horse was calmed, Lan Xichen grabbed the reins and began leading it towards the huge entrance of the whole fortress. There was not much light and the horse was reluctant to go but with Lan Xichen's persistent guidance, it was able to move a few steps.

They stopped at the front where Lan Xichen began to wonder how they were going to enter when the drawbridge was not lowered. He looked at the sides, trying his best to make out some shadows as the darkness is making him unable to see clearly.

Then the sound of something creeking caught his attention. The drawbridge fell down itself, creating a way for Lan Xichen's entrance. Without hesitation, he took a step, urging the horse to go with him.

Quick. Go in.

Lan Xichen's brows momentarily furrowed. The voice he kept on hearing suddenly grew louder. He thought it was just some subconscious earlier.

Be quick

Lan Xichen looked around but seeing no one, he can only count it as his imagination. He's probably just seeing things again. Though, he unconsciously kept on following the voice.

He really did walked faster and when he reached the end of the bridge, there was a sudden movement on the ground. Lan Xichen looked back and realized that the drawbridge is closing.

Oddly enough, he feels at ease because what draws his attention the most is the soft glow that was coming not very far from where he is standing. Actually it is a little far, but not so far.

From where he is, he can vaguely guess that he is looking at the center of the castle. The castle has a weird structure as seen by the shadow outlines of the buildings. They were not high like most castles, and they were built in a circle as if to surround something. And from what he can remember from the heresays, the Jiang Kingdom values lotuses, just how Lotus Pier came up with its name, and that in the center of the Lotus Pier is a garden of lotus.

It seems like those were not just some heresay.

Lan Xichen led the horse forward, slowly at first, but hurriedly the more he got closer. There was something itching him to go theren and he can't control his curiousity.

He stopped for a while to look at where they were, realizing that this is a bridge, and below them is a crystalline flowing water, calm and silent as it rushed somewhere.

The horse sensed the water, and because he never had a good experience with water, he quickly ran away to the other end, leaving behind his master.

Lan Xichen sighed when his horse ran. He quickly followed to avoid losing it around especially with the dark surroundings.

Reaching the other end, he realized that the horse wasn't here. He looked around, making out some shadows until his gaze stopped on his original destination. The soft glow coming from the other side of a large structure had him dashing towards it.

His can trust that his horse wouldn't stray too far in the dark alone and would follow any light source. Therefore, he headed inside the structure, finding it a little peculiar that such buildings like these actually exist.

He stepped in one, realizing that this building is not a building, rather, a pavilion-like structure surrounding an inside pond. Yes, a pond, a pond with thousands of lotus planted in it. They almost covered the whole place. If not for the obvious reason that lotus grow on water, he wouldn't really think that this is a pond.

Though his attention is not entirely on the small details. Instead, the origin of the soft purple glow he was following earlier is what locked all his senses.

In the middle of the pond is a cement, but on top of a cement grew a glowing lone lotus, above everyone else, yet so enchantingly beautiful. The glow looked unnatural, but he is open minded with things like these.

Take it.

Lan Xichen jumped in surprise, getting out of his reverie. He is shocked at his own thoughts. Take it? He wasn't the type to do such thing. This is a historical place, any part of it is significant therefore he shouldn't really- yet why was he forcedfully walked forward?

His legs moved on their own, stepping on a bridge. His senses was swallowed wholly when he stared at the lotus.

Slowly, one by one, he managed to count the petals, thinking in surprise that it somehow struck a familiarity in him.

Nine petals..

What was the significance of this nine-petalled lotus?

He can't remember, but he knew he heard something about it before. Then, without thinking, he moved even close until his hand gripped the stem. He tried his hardest to stop himself, strengthening the will of his hesitation.

Take it.

But as if he was enchanted upon, he wasn't able to stop it when his hands successfully plucked the lotus on their own.

The next thing he knew, his surroundings glowed in white, engulfing everything in its way into a vast sea of nothingness.

Thank you.

The last thing he saw was a blurry silhouette.

____

a/n: unedited