#mermay (sort of) #sirenji #WangXian
(LWJ is a descendant of a siren but he tears his vocal chords every time he uses the siren’s song. He uses his voice to help WWX battle resentful energy during the war.)
Sirens rarely get their own happy endings. They are either coveted or
(LWJ is a descendant of a siren but he tears his vocal chords every time he uses the siren’s song. He uses his voice to help WWX battle resentful energy during the war.)
Sirens rarely get their own happy endings. They are either coveted or
feared for their power but they can’t let go of their power because it is the only thing that protects them.
LXC and LWJ’s mother is a child of a siren and a human. So the twin jades are descendants of sirens. However, since they had more human blood than siren blood in them
LXC and LWJ’s mother is a child of a siren and a human. So the twin jades are descendants of sirens. However, since they had more human blood than siren blood in them
their powers are very limited. Meaning, whenever they use their siren powers, there are repercussions. Their bodies are not made to handle a siren’s song.
Their mother thinks that with such little siren blood in them, maybe they can be spared from the tragic fates the sirens are
Their mother thinks that with such little siren blood in them, maybe they can be spared from the tragic fates the sirens are
known for. As long as they keep it hidden and use it only in most dire circumstances, maybe her two children can live happily, unlike her. Controlled power is better than an uncontrollable one so she taught them but stopped when she realized the toll it took on their bodies.
It had happened when she was teaching them the healing song. LWJ had tripped on an uneven path on his way to her house. LXC had been there and he tried to heal it with the song his mother taught them.
Madame Lan later found her youngest crying while LXC laid on the ground,
Madame Lan later found her youngest crying while LXC laid on the ground,
clutching at his throat. LQR later informed her that LXC’s vocal chords had torn but thankfully the damage was not severe, he could talk again in a few days. (No, the Lans did not know about Madame Lan’s siren blood, QHJ knew but that was it.)
LQR questions her but she never
LQR questions her but she never
tells him what happened. Her children are forbidden to see her in the next month and when they finally visit her, LXC and LWJ notice she seems sadder than before. She apologizes to them and explains that their siren heritage could hurt them.
“Never use the siren song again.”
“Never use the siren song again.”
But LWJ will break his promise on the last day he sees his mother. LXC had been busy with assisting an older disciple in Caiyi. LWJ was the only witness to his mother’s collapse.
Despite the promise, LWJ sings her the siren’s healing song. There is a flutter in his tone, he
Despite the promise, LWJ sings her the siren’s healing song. There is a flutter in his tone, he
hears two pitches at the same time and is unable to maintain the pitch. His throat burns and eventually he coughs out blood and passes out.
He wakes up in the infirmary, with his older brother crying on his bedside. The healers tell him, due to the damage in his throat, he won’t
He wakes up in the infirmary, with his older brother crying on his bedside. The healers tell him, due to the damage in his throat, he won’t
be able to speak for a few months. That was the last time LWJ ever saw his mother.
He rarely speaks even after his vocal chords heal and he never sings again.
He rarely speaks even after his vocal chords heal and he never sings again.
The next time LWJ ever uses what his mother taught him is in the Xuanwu cave. WWX asks him for a song and LWJ sings him one he wrote himself. A song that could express feelings he could not say. WWX falls asleep but a few minutes later he starts shivering uncontrollably and
his fever is dangerously high.
LWJ is exhausted and he can barely spare him any of his spiritual energy but he tries to give him everything anyway. Still, he knows this won’t be enough to save him.
LWJ leans down and presses his lips to WWX’s burning forehead, then he quietly
LWJ is exhausted and he can barely spare him any of his spiritual energy but he tries to give him everything anyway. Still, he knows this won’t be enough to save him.
LWJ leans down and presses his lips to WWX’s burning forehead, then he quietly
sings a song from the past. His voice is hoarse but it echoes in the cave, he feels WWX relax and his fever seems to lessen.
LWJ’s neck hurts and he stops singing. He sang just enough to keep WWX out of danger. He falls asleep himself and wakes up just as Jiang Wanyin
LWJ’s neck hurts and he stops singing. He sang just enough to keep WWX out of danger. He falls asleep himself and wakes up just as Jiang Wanyin
breaks them out.
He is unable to speak for two weeks after that.
He is unable to speak for two weeks after that.
Many things happen after that fateful encounter in the caves. LWJ finds his brother, WWX, goes missing, he and JC become unlikely comrades in their search for WWX. They find him unexpectedly, chasing Wen Chao into insanity.
He is different, darker, his eyes are slightly crazed
He is different, darker, his eyes are slightly crazed
and he seems slightly untethered. LWJ follows him, admonishes him, he is desperate to understand what is wrong but this sets WWX off and the distance that they have closed in the Xuanwu cave becomes a large, bottomless pit he cannot cross.
One day WWX collapses from fatigue and
One day WWX collapses from fatigue and
is overtaken momentarily by resentful energy. LWJ immediately offers to do the Cleansing and everyone leaves him to it. JYL thanks him and JC claps his shoulder in a gruff show of gratitude.
LWJ plays Cleansing for the unconscious WWX and sighs in relief when the resentful
LWJ plays Cleansing for the unconscious WWX and sighs in relief when the resentful
energy around him calms. He looks at WWX’s face and sees that his pallor did not improve despite the Cleansing, LWJ wishes he could do more for him, take him back to Cloud Recesses to properly cleanse him but WWX wouldn’t even let him come near.
WWX remains unconscious and the
WWX remains unconscious and the
next day, LWJ comes again to play for him. Again, he is left alone. After playing Cleansing for so long, LWJ pauses to give his bleeding fingers a break. WWX is not waking. He bites his lips and thinks for a long while.
He makes up his mind and goes to look outside the tent.
He makes up his mind and goes to look outside the tent.
Everyone is gathered for dinner. The only person nearby is a sleeping guard, ten feet away from the tent he is in. LWJ goes back in and places a privacy talisman on the entrance.
He kneels beside WWX, leans close to his ear and begins to sing in a quiet tone. WWX’s body relaxes
He kneels beside WWX, leans close to his ear and begins to sing in a quiet tone. WWX’s body relaxes
even further, his color returns, and his fingers twitch.
LWJ feels the blood at the back of his throat when WWX lets out a loud groan. He stops and stands up, holding his neck. The pain burns him but he is thankful that the siren’s power worked.
WWX blinks his eyes open and he
LWJ feels the blood at the back of his throat when WWX lets out a loud groan. He stops and stands up, holding his neck. The pain burns him but he is thankful that the siren’s power worked.
WWX blinks his eyes open and he
sits up, gasping. LWJ is at his side, grabbing a cup of water nearby and offering it to him. WWX accepts and drinks it up in one gulp.
“What the-” He coughs and wipes his mouth. He looks up and sees LWJ observing him up close. “LZ?”
His complexion is better, the bags under his
“What the-” He coughs and wipes his mouth. He looks up and sees LWJ observing him up close. “LZ?”
His complexion is better, the bags under his
eyes have lessened, and he seems lighter, different from the Yiling Laozu persona he has been carrying around lately.
“Hey, you all right? Your lips are pale?”
LWJ wants to huff at his words. Trust WY to worry about someone else when he was the one in a literal coma. LWJ merely
“Hey, you all right? Your lips are pale?”
LWJ wants to huff at his words. Trust WY to worry about someone else when he was the one in a literal coma. LWJ merely
nods and stands up. He cannot stay longer, WWX will have questions and he- he almost reaches up to grab his own throat but restrains himself.
LWJ bows at WWX slightly and turns to leave, pretending he does not hear WWX’s words. “Wait-!”
The tent flaps closed behind LWJ and WWX
LWJ bows at WWX slightly and turns to leave, pretending he does not hear WWX’s words. “Wait-!”
The tent flaps closed behind LWJ and WWX
watches him go, bewildered. Usually seeing LWJ fills him with annoyance and a burning feeling in his chest but right now, all WWX feels is loss and confusion. He frowns down at himself and wonders about the warmth he feels.
He has stopped feeling warmth ever since he lost his
He has stopped feeling warmth ever since he lost his
golden core.
After the incident in the tent, LWJ is not able to speak for a month. No one notices except his older brother.
The war with WRH is coming to a head a few months later. WWX is steeped in so much resentful energy that being around him make cultivators nauseous and
After the incident in the tent, LWJ is not able to speak for a month. No one notices except his older brother.
The war with WRH is coming to a head a few months later. WWX is steeped in so much resentful energy that being around him make cultivators nauseous and
instinctively afraid. LWJ trails after him worriedly, slashing down as many enemies as he can.
Eventually the war ends with an unexpected double-crossing. Meng Yao stabs WRH, WWX collapses from using too much resentful energy and LWJ is there to catch him.
Eventually the war ends with an unexpected double-crossing. Meng Yao stabs WRH, WWX collapses from using too much resentful energy and LWJ is there to catch him.
As everyone celebrates the Wens downfall, LWJ hurriedly brings WWX to the medic tents where JYL is anxiously waiting. He is physically all right, so JYL advices LWJ to take WWX back to his private tents so he could get some rest and listen to Cleansing. The medic tents are filled
to the brim with injured soldiers.
LWJ takes WWX to his tent and places a privacy talisman on the entrance. WWX is struggling in his sleep, face beaded with sweat. He is thin, pale, and there are defined, dark circles under his eyes. In his hands, the tiger seal pulses with
LWJ takes WWX to his tent and places a privacy talisman on the entrance. WWX is struggling in his sleep, face beaded with sweat. He is thin, pale, and there are defined, dark circles under his eyes. In his hands, the tiger seal pulses with
resentful energy. LWJ knows he has to pry it from him.
He performs Cleansing for hours and the resentful energy lessens but WWX’s hand holding the seal is pale and there are dark veins climbing up his hands. LWJ puts aside his guqin and comes closer. He takes hold of WWX's cold
He performs Cleansing for hours and the resentful energy lessens but WWX’s hand holding the seal is pale and there are dark veins climbing up his hands. LWJ puts aside his guqin and comes closer. He takes hold of WWX's cold
hands and takes a deep breath.
He sings to him, not in a whisper but in a normal tone. His mother had once taught him that intention is the power behind a siren’s song. LWJ’s intention is clear and crisp, he closes his eyes and simply wishes for WWX to be well.
‘He does not
He sings to him, not in a whisper but in a normal tone. His mother had once taught him that intention is the power behind a siren’s song. LWJ’s intention is clear and crisp, he closes his eyes and simply wishes for WWX to be well.
‘He does not
have to see me as a friend. He does not have to tell me what is troubling him. I do not care.’ LWJ thinks as he sings. ‘I only wish for him to well. I want to replace his nightmares with happy dreams, turn the darkness inside him into light. I will carry his burden for him.
Do not make him suffer anymore. Please let him be all right.’
LWJ’s voice hitches and he has to let go of WWX to curl to the side and spit out blood. He coughs and straightens, he turns and sees that the grip on the seal is slack. He takes WWX’s still cold hands and continues to
LWJ’s voice hitches and he has to let go of WWX to curl to the side and spit out blood. He coughs and straightens, he turns and sees that the grip on the seal is slack. He takes WWX’s still cold hands and continues to
sing despite the pain.
‘He does not have to love me back.
He just needs to live and be happy.’
‘He does not have to love me back.
He just needs to live and be happy.’
The seal falls, WWX complexion is bright again. His face looks youthful and peaceful in sleep. He seems to be having a good dream. LWJ could almost believe that they are young again and WWX is filled once more with his usual boundless energy.
Blood falls steadily from LWJ’s lips
Blood falls steadily from LWJ’s lips
He can barely breathe from the pain in his neck, every movement hurts but he does not want WWX to see him like this.
He takes the seal and places it in a spirit trapping pouch, in order to contain its malice. He places it beside WWX. The seal is dormant and is safe to
He takes the seal and places it in a spirit trapping pouch, in order to contain its malice. He places it beside WWX. The seal is dormant and is safe to
be around now.
LWJ painfully picks up his guqin, wipes the blood from his face on his sleeves. People will think the blood is because of the war. He gives one last look to WWX and painfully makes his way out of WWX’s private tent.
WWX wakes up an hour later, feeling light and
LWJ painfully picks up his guqin, wipes the blood from his face on his sleeves. People will think the blood is because of the war. He gives one last look to WWX and painfully makes his way out of WWX’s private tent.
WWX wakes up an hour later, feeling light and
refreshed. When he wakes up, he feels something has changed. He feels warm down to his toes and stronger than he has ever been! He places a shaking hand over his abdomen.
That afternoon, WWX cries alone in his tent, confused and so, so happy.
That afternoon, WWX cries alone in his tent, confused and so, so happy.
It’s smaller than he is used to but it’s there!
He has a golden core!
Outside, every cultivator is happy with the end of the war. The Sects finally head home, excited to sleep and rebuild without the threat of war over their heads. The Lans retreat as well, ready to rebuild
He has a golden core!
Outside, every cultivator is happy with the end of the war. The Sects finally head home, excited to sleep and rebuild without the threat of war over their heads. The Lans retreat as well, ready to rebuild
their burnt down home and library.
No one knows that a miracle occurred that afternoon. WWX regained the ability to harness a golden core even after he had it transplanted to his brother.
No one knows that a miracle occurred that afternoon. WWX regained the ability to harness a golden core even after he had it transplanted to his brother.
Little does he know that it did not come without a sacrifice though…
LWJ loses the ability to speak from that day on.
LWJ loses the ability to speak from that day on.
(This was playing on my head the whole time I wrote this)
Everything is going well. WWX has gone back to Lotus Pier and the remains of the Dafan Wen came back with the Jiang retinue too.
After waking up with his miraculous tiny, golden core (it is definitely weaker than his old one but it had potential to be better if he focuses on it
After waking up with his miraculous tiny, golden core (it is definitely weaker than his old one but it had potential to be better if he focuses on it
constantly) WWX had sought out WQ at once! Just in time too! Some nasty Jin guards had been about to take them away.
After talking with JC and JYL, the Jiangs asked for the Dafan Wen as their share in the war efforts. (Thankfully, JC had a huge crush on a certain Wen doctor and
After talking with JC and JYL, the Jiangs asked for the Dafan Wen as their share in the war efforts. (Thankfully, JC had a huge crush on a certain Wen doctor and
also WY played a huge part in the war so everyone was wary of angering him) NMJ was adamant to have EVERY Wen punished but when he saw that the Dafan Wen were nothing more than old people and non-cultivators, he let them go. Every other sect that opposed was spoken to by JYL.
In the end they agree that Lotus Pier could have this. Having WQ and WN come with the Dafn Wens had been more difficult since WQ was a talented doctor but NHS stepped up to the plate and helped somehow (WWX now owes him one).
So the Dafan Wen had been brought back to Lotus Pier
So the Dafan Wen had been brought back to Lotus Pier
as prisoners of war. The Dafan Wen’s territory and assets had been taken by the Jiang Clann as reparations for the harm the Wen Sect caused.
POWs is just a cover story though. They had been given an empty village on the outskirts to restart their lives in. The tax imposed on
POWs is just a cover story though. They had been given an empty village on the outskirts to restart their lives in. The tax imposed on
their village is much higher than others but not unreasonable and the Jiang Sect are to have the best and freshest harvest every year. The Dafan Wens did not protest these sanctions and were actually grateful.
Somehow, everything had turned out for the best. JYL, JC, and WWX
Somehow, everything had turned out for the best. JYL, JC, and WWX
have finally managed to give JFM and YZY a proper burial and they are in the process of rebuilding their sect. WWX can finally hold his sword without feeling bitter regret and with WQ’s help, he is slowly but surely rebuilding his golden core again.
He can’t help but feel
He can’t help but feel
something is missing though.
“Do you really have no clue as to what happened?” WQ asks him as she checks his progress.
“I collapsed feeling like I was dying then woke up feeling better than I had ever felt!” WWX says, equally dumbfounded.
“Something must have happened in
“Do you really have no clue as to what happened?” WQ asks him as she checks his progress.
“I collapsed feeling like I was dying then woke up feeling better than I had ever felt!” WWX says, equally dumbfounded.
“Something must have happened in
between that,” WQ says in annoyance.
“Shijie told me that LZ carried me back to my tent and probably played some Cleansing for me,” WWX says thoughtfully. “Does Cleansing make golden cores? If I had known I wouldn’t have been so against it in the first place.”
“Shijie told me that LZ carried me back to my tent and probably played some Cleansing for me,” WWX says thoughtfully. “Does Cleansing make golden cores? If I had known I wouldn’t have been so against it in the first place.”
WQ pinches his side.
“Ow!”
“Idiot, it doesn’t work like that.”
“It’s the only thing I have to go on!” WWX pouts as he rubs at the sore spot. “I wrote to LZ, asking about what happened but he hasn’t responded!”
“Hm, well we can’t do anything about that.” WQ concedes with
“Ow!”
“Idiot, it doesn’t work like that.”
“It’s the only thing I have to go on!” WWX pouts as he rubs at the sore spot. “I wrote to LZ, asking about what happened but he hasn’t responded!”
“Hm, well we can’t do anything about that.” WQ concedes with
a sigh. “What do you plan to do now?”
WWX grins mischievously, “why, I’m going to visit him of course! I did promise him I will show him around Yunmeng one day!”
And visit him he did.
WWX heads to CR, (the normal way though, since his core isn’t strong enough to fly him to
WWX grins mischievously, “why, I’m going to visit him of course! I did promise him I will show him around Yunmeng one day!”
And visit him he did.
WWX heads to CR, (the normal way though, since his core isn’t strong enough to fly him to
Gusu yet). JC had given him a strange look when he said he was taking the scenic route but he hadn’t forbidden him to go. He was just thankful that WWX started carrying his sword around again.
WWX arrives in CR full of confidence and bright smiles. He introduces himself at the
WWX arrives in CR full of confidence and bright smiles. He introduces himself at the
gate and asks for LWJ.
He does not expect to be barred from entering.
“Hanguang-jun does not wish to see you.”
WWX is told to go back and he is so surprised by the unexpected development that he retreats. He stays for the night at an inn in Caiyi and drinks himself to a stupor
He does not expect to be barred from entering.
“Hanguang-jun does not wish to see you.”
WWX is told to go back and he is so surprised by the unexpected development that he retreats. He stays for the night at an inn in Caiyi and drinks himself to a stupor
“Stupid LZ,” he pouts over his fifth jar. "After I came all this way, he sends me away!"
He falls asleep on table in his room and he dreams of a golden glare and a handsome, impassive face. He also dreams of a distant song that makes his chest feel light and his heart ache
He falls asleep on table in his room and he dreams of a golden glare and a handsome, impassive face. He also dreams of a distant song that makes his chest feel light and his heart ache
in longing.
He wakes up to someone shaking his shoulder.
“Master Wei…”
WWX jolts awake and he looks up and sees a familiar face. “LZ?”
The familiar face gives him an apologetic smile and WWX recognizes him.
“LXC!”
“Yes,” LXC says as he sighs. “I’m sorry we had
He wakes up to someone shaking his shoulder.
“Master Wei…”
WWX jolts awake and he looks up and sees a familiar face. “LZ?”
The familiar face gives him an apologetic smile and WWX recognizes him.
“LXC!”
“Yes,” LXC says as he sighs. “I’m sorry we had
to meet this way.”
“Sect Leader Lan,” WWX is bewildered by the abrupt visit. “Why are you here? Isn’t it passed your bed time?”
LXC grimaces, “I am breaking the rules being here but that is not important.”
‘This must be an emergency for the sect leader himself to be
“Sect Leader Lan,” WWX is bewildered by the abrupt visit. “Why are you here? Isn’t it passed your bed time?”
LXC grimaces, “I am breaking the rules being here but that is not important.”
‘This must be an emergency for the sect leader himself to be
breaking the rules,’ WWX thinks. “What is it? Did something happen?” A horrible possibility crosses his mind. “Is it LZ?”
LXC’s shoulders droop at the mention of his brother. “He needs your help. Please, save him.”
WWX’s face is pale and he feels his heart beating at an
LXC’s shoulders droop at the mention of his brother. “He needs your help. Please, save him.”
WWX’s face is pale and he feels his heart beating at an
uneven pace. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“It’s my fault,” LXC starts. He straightens and looks WWX in the eyes. “Master Wei, I am about to tell you a story you can’t tell anyone else. But most importantly, you have to believe me.
“It’s my fault,” LXC starts. He straightens and looks WWX in the eyes. “Master Wei, I am about to tell you a story you can’t tell anyone else. But most importantly, you have to believe me.
You must make your decisions after you hear my story.”
WWX nods. He will do anything to save LZ!
LXC lets out a nervous breath. “All right, have you ever heard of sirens?”
WWX nods. He will do anything to save LZ!
LXC lets out a nervous breath. “All right, have you ever heard of sirens?”
Whatever WWX was expecting to hear it wasn’t this. LXC and LWJ are descendants of a mythical creature in their mother’s side. They had some of the powers of a siren but their human bodies are not compatible with such powers.
The only people who knew of what they truly are, were
The only people who knew of what they truly are, were
LWJ, LXC, and their mother. Not even their uncle knew.
They had been forbidden by their mother from using their gifts because of the toll it took on their bodies.
After her death they did as she wanted. However, during the war, LWJ had done a healing song. Normally, it would
They had been forbidden by their mother from using their gifts because of the toll it took on their bodies.
After her death they did as she wanted. However, during the war, LWJ had done a healing song. Normally, it would
have been all right, because eventually the wounds on their vocal chords would heal and LWJ rarely spoke anyway so no one would know, but LWJ had pushed himself passed his body’s limits and now he had lost the ability to speak.
WWX’s face grew paler as he listened. His hand
WWX’s face grew paler as he listened. His hand
shakes as he places it over his abdomen.
It can't be...
“He must have healed something very grave to have lost his voice,” LXC says head bowed and his tone desperate. “When we got back to CR, uncle noticed he was more silent than usual. He had been taken to the healers
It can't be...
“He must have healed something very grave to have lost his voice,” LXC says head bowed and his tone desperate. “When we got back to CR, uncle noticed he was more silent than usual. He had been taken to the healers
against his will and they discovered the irreversible damage on his throat. Uncle was furious, he still remembered the mysterious injuries we sustained when we visited mother.”
“Uncle cornered me and I was so worried about Wangji that I told him everything.” LXC says. “He was so
“Uncle cornered me and I was so worried about Wangji that I told him everything.” LXC says. “He was so
shocked. Mother had already been considered a heretic but to have these strange powers as well? And to have used these powers? Wangji had been imprisoned in seclusion ever since. I haven’t been allowed to go see him and the only reason I am not imprisoned as well is because I
have never showed signs of using my powers recently. However, I am under close watch and I had to knock out my guards to get here when I heard you came.”
WWX leans against the table in shock. Sirens? Healing songs?
The light feeling he got in the tent, this golden core in him
WWX leans against the table in shock. Sirens? Healing songs?
The light feeling he got in the tent, this golden core in him
right now… This was all a result from LWJ healing him? Healing his body? A siren’s power is so incredible it could heal him to the extent he was given a golden core again?
“What will they do to LZ? Will they lock him away forever?”
LXC bows his head. “They could do that.
“What will they do to LZ? Will they lock him away forever?”
LXC bows his head. “They could do that.
Wangji is known for his seclusions but eventually people will ask where he is. He could be married out or he could spend the rest of his days in the Cold Cave and wither away like mother did, I don’t know.” His shoulders were shaking, “all I know is that this is not the
life I want for my brother.”
WWX feels anger burn in his chest and his eyes flash red for the first time since the war ended and he finds himself, somehow, able to possess a golden core.
“I won’t let LZ be a prisoner,” WWX says with conviction. He burns with the need to see
WWX feels anger burn in his chest and his eyes flash red for the first time since the war ended and he finds himself, somehow, able to possess a golden core.
“I won’t let LZ be a prisoner,” WWX says with conviction. He burns with the need to see
his zhiji, to make sure to he is okay. He stands up and turns to LXC. “We’re getting him out and I’m taking him back to Lotus Pier with me.”
Subtlety is not needed in breaking back into CR. LXC gets them inside with his jade token and the disciples guarding the gate are confused. What was Zewu-jun doing outside?
They don’t get far inside CR before an alarm sounds and Lan disciples surround the two.
“Xichen! What is
They don’t get far inside CR before an alarm sounds and Lan disciples surround the two.
“Xichen! What is
the meaning of this?” A Lan Elder demands.
“As your sect leader I command you to release my brother!” LXC tells them with a serious look on his face. In this moment everyone can truly see the similarities between him and LWJ.
“Your authority is no higher than ours,”
“As your sect leader I command you to release my brother!” LXC tells them with a serious look on his face. In this moment everyone can truly see the similarities between him and LWJ.
“Your authority is no higher than ours,”
One Elder tells him. “Especially after finding out the truth of your bloodline.”
Lan Qiren stands to the side a disapproving frown on his face. Throughout this entire time since he found out about his nephews being descended from sirens he had been angry and kept quiet,
Lan Qiren stands to the side a disapproving frown on his face. Throughout this entire time since he found out about his nephews being descended from sirens he had been angry and kept quiet,
allowing the Elders to act for the benefit of the Lan.
Lan Xichen is unsurprised and disappointed in the same breath.
“I expected that,” LXC says calmly. “Which is why I brought reinforcements.”
WWX has not manipulated resentful energy since the war. He had feared it would
Lan Xichen is unsurprised and disappointed in the same breath.
“I expected that,” LXC says calmly. “Which is why I brought reinforcements.”
WWX has not manipulated resentful energy since the war. He had feared it would
destroy the core inside of him but since he couldn’t fight all of these Lans with his childlike golden core, he had no choice.
If this had been before the war, there would have been no fierce corpses to control in CR. But the Lans have yet to collect and burn all the dead bodies
If this had been before the war, there would have been no fierce corpses to control in CR. But the Lans have yet to collect and burn all the dead bodies
of the servants, both Wen and Lan, that have been killed here. WWX calls to their angry and mournful souls, commanding them to attack but not kill.
There are shouts of fear and everything is in chaos. LXC grabs WWX’s arm and pulls him towards the Cold Pond.
“This way,” he says
There are shouts of fear and everything is in chaos. LXC grabs WWX’s arm and pulls him towards the Cold Pond.
“This way,” he says
They dodge fierce corpses and blades swung in their direction. Some older disciples block their way but to their surprise, younger disciples fought against their own seniors to help them.
“We believe in you, sect leader.” One tells them.
“Hanguang-jun has only ever been kind
“We believe in you, sect leader.” One tells them.
“Hanguang-jun has only ever been kind
and patient with us,” another said. LXC nods at them in gratitude and WWX takes the effort to remember their faces as they finally head to where LWJ is.
It is cold and LWJ has been numb for a long time.
He wears only three layers of robes but they are open in the front and
It is cold and LWJ has been numb for a long time.
He wears only three layers of robes but they are open in the front and
loose on the back, to allow his injuries to air out. He has been whipped three times every week and told to reflect on his mistakes but what mistakes are these? Cleansing the resentful energy from WWX? Or using the powers he inherited from his mother’s side?
His hands are chained up the ice walls and so are his feet. They did not know what other powers a siren holds. What strange things could they create with their hands? His mouth had been muffled with a cloth in fear that his voice might miraculously come back.
(did I write this up as an excuse to write briefly about a chained up, barely robed LWJ? YES)
There are well-known stories of sirens manipulating the mind.
“Relinquish your mother’s heretic blood,” an Elder had scowled at him. His uncle had not visited once. “Follow the righteous path.” During the days his hands are unchained, he must carve the rules on a rock.
“Relinquish your mother’s heretic blood,” an Elder had scowled at him. His uncle had not visited once. “Follow the righteous path.” During the days his hands are unchained, he must carve the rules on a rock.
His golden core is the only reason he has not lost his hands and feet to frostbite.
There are loud noises of someone slipping down the only entrance to the cold cave. LWJ expression does not change. He looks up and sees-
‘Wei Ying’, his mouth forms but there is no voice to
There are loud noises of someone slipping down the only entrance to the cold cave. LWJ expression does not change. He looks up and sees-
‘Wei Ying’, his mouth forms but there is no voice to
accompany it.
Red eyes meet his and WWX is rushing towards him with a pained expression on his face, eyes red and teary.
“Lan Zhan!” Strong arms wrap around him and pull him into the warmest embrace. “I am so sorry, LZ. I will make this right, I’ll get you out of here!
Red eyes meet his and WWX is rushing towards him with a pained expression on his face, eyes red and teary.
“Lan Zhan!” Strong arms wrap around him and pull him into the warmest embrace. “I am so sorry, LZ. I will make this right, I’ll get you out of here!
I’ll take you back to Lotus Pier with me!”
LWJ is surprised and he wishes he could ask why. Did WWX know what he is?
“Wangji,” LXC speaks and LWJ looks up to meet the teary eyes of his brother. “I am sorry I am late but I am here now."
LWJ is surprised and he wishes he could ask why. Did WWX know what he is?
“Wangji,” LXC speaks and LWJ looks up to meet the teary eyes of his brother. “I am sorry I am late but I am here now."
LWJ wishes he could reach out to his brother but he winces when he moves his arms.
WWX and LXC immediately cut the chains off of him and WWX carries him out of the cave.
“There is a backdoor exit in this mountain. I’ll show you where it is. It’s difficult to get into but easy
WWX and LXC immediately cut the chains off of him and WWX carries him out of the cave.
“There is a backdoor exit in this mountain. I’ll show you where it is. It’s difficult to get into but easy
to get out of.” They trek across an uneven stone path before finally coming across a mountain wall with a crack big enough for WWX and LWJ to fit through.
LXC sticks a talisman to the wall.
“WWX, I am relying on you to take care of my brother,” LXC says seriously.
LXC sticks a talisman to the wall.
“WWX, I am relying on you to take care of my brother,” LXC says seriously.
LWJ is surprised by his brother’s words. He reaches out and grabs the sleeve of his robes. LXC smiles down at his brother.
“This is our home and I am the sect leader. I need to make things right.” LXC reaches into his sleeves and pulls out a letter to give to WWX. “Please send
“This is our home and I am the sect leader. I need to make things right.” LXC reaches into his sleeves and pulls out a letter to give to WWX. “Please send
these letters to Mingjue and A-Yao. I will be needing their help in stabilizing this situation.”
WWX accepts the letter and bows to LXC.
The Lan sect leader returns the bow before he turns to his brother and smiles at him gently. “When this is all over,
WWX accepts the letter and bows to LXC.
The Lan sect leader returns the bow before he turns to his brother and smiles at him gently. “When this is all over,
I will come back for you, A-Zhan.”
With that, sect leader Lan hops on his sword and leaves them to go back to the fight. WWX gently pulls LWJ through the crack and the two exit Cloud Recesses and silently make their way back to LP. LWJ does not let go of WWX the entire time.
With that, sect leader Lan hops on his sword and leaves them to go back to the fight. WWX gently pulls LWJ through the crack and the two exit Cloud Recesses and silently make their way back to LP. LWJ does not let go of WWX the entire time.
Lotus Pier is bright and lively, unlike the cold, cool atmosphere of the constantly misty Gusu Mountains. LWJ had been welcomed to Lotus Pier by a worried Yanli. JC had taken WWX aside to demand for an explanation. They come out with JC looking angry but not at LWJ.
“You can stay as long as you need,” JC tells him seriously and WWX smiles brightly at his brother. LWJ looks at WWX questioningly, wondering if WWX told his siblings. WWX shakes his head.
WQ comes to check on LWJ in the guest room. WWX asks permission to tell her the truth.
WQ comes to check on LWJ in the guest room. WWX asks permission to tell her the truth.
LWJ, looks at WWX and only sees the desperate worry on his face, so he agrees.
WQ takes the revelation quite well but with a lot of curiosity.
“So you’re the reason WWX got his golden core back,” WQ says and WWX freezes. “The power of a siren is incredible.”
WQ takes the revelation quite well but with a lot of curiosity.
“So you’re the reason WWX got his golden core back,” WQ says and WWX freezes. “The power of a siren is incredible.”
LWJ is frozen at her words. He looks at WWX with wide confused eyes and WQ sees their exchange and sighs.
“You haven’t told him yet?”
WWX whispers harshly, “I wasn’t going to!” His eyes flash red but WQ just sighs and flicks his forehead.
“LWJ, play him some Cleansing and then
“You haven’t told him yet?”
WWX whispers harshly, “I wasn’t going to!” His eyes flash red but WQ just sighs and flicks his forehead.
“LWJ, play him some Cleansing and then
the two of you should talk,” WQ tells the two of them seriously. “I know you didn’t bring a guqin but the Jiangs have a guzheng, I’ll have it brought here.”
She closes the door behind her and everything descends into awkward silence. WWX sighs and buries his face in his hands,
She closes the door behind her and everything descends into awkward silence. WWX sighs and buries his face in his hands,
LWJ watches him, wariness in his eyes. WWX looks up and sees his expression.
“LZ, I’m sorry,” WWX begins. “Please don’t be angry, I’ll- I’ll tell you everything. After all, I owe it to you.” He says quite bitterly.
LWJ’s eyes flash at those words and he shakes his head.
“LZ, I’m sorry,” WWX begins. “Please don’t be angry, I’ll- I’ll tell you everything. After all, I owe it to you.” He says quite bitterly.
LWJ’s eyes flash at those words and he shakes his head.
WWX notices he wants to say something so he offers him some paper and a brush he had lying around. He dips it in ink.
‘Do not tell me just because you owe me.’
WWX reads the words and laughs. “Oh LZ, even when it’s like this…” WWX shakes his head. “I’ll tell you but don’t
‘Do not tell me just because you owe me.’
WWX reads the words and laughs. “Oh LZ, even when it’s like this…” WWX shakes his head. “I’ll tell you but don’t
worry, I’m not doing it against my will. I just… well, I don’t know where to start...”
The story LWJ hears is devastating. Everything WWX went through alone, the power he gained out of desperation. The slow descent to insanity.
“-but then you saved me,” WWX suddenly says and
The story LWJ hears is devastating. Everything WWX went through alone, the power he gained out of desperation. The slow descent to insanity.
“-but then you saved me,” WWX suddenly says and
LWJ looks up at him with wide, surprised eyes. WWX smiles, his eyes were bright. “I was drowning in the darkness, in the power and I didn’t even know it until you saved me. I woke up and there was a warmth in me I haven’t felt for a long time. LZ… if you hadn’t been there
to help, I don’t know what I would have done. I was so confident I had it under control but now, now that I look back… I can see that it was a slippery slope. It was inevitable that one day, I would have lost control. I was barely holding it together.”
WWX takes LWJ’s hands
WWX takes LWJ’s hands
into his. “When you sang to me, when you used that siren song, did you know what it would do to you?”
LWJ simply nods. He writes down a truth.
‘Our powers are not compatible with our humanity. It takes its toll. I knew if I surpassed the limit, I could lose the one thing that
LWJ simply nods. He writes down a truth.
‘Our powers are not compatible with our humanity. It takes its toll. I knew if I surpassed the limit, I could lose the one thing that
connected me to my mother but…’ LWJ looks up at WWX with determined eyes. He finishes his words. ‘WY, for you to be all right, anything would have been worth it.’
WWX reads the last part again and again. “LZ…” He purses his lips and his cheeks were a bright red as he says.
WWX reads the last part again and again. “LZ…” He purses his lips and his cheeks were a bright red as he says.
“After I woke up, I felt better than I had in a long time. I have a pretty bad memory, you know even from before, but maybe your song must have been so powerful that I remembered something quite important.”
LWJ is mesmerized as WWX leans closer, eyes never wavering from his.
LWJ is mesmerized as WWX leans closer, eyes never wavering from his.
“In the Xuanwu cave, when I laid my head on your lap and ask for a song,” WWX says. “Did you sing me a siren song?”
LWJ shakes his head. He writes, ‘only after when your fever spiked.’
“Then, the song you sang to me, was it a Gusu song?”
LWJ shakes his head again.
LWJ shakes his head. He writes, ‘only after when your fever spiked.’
“Then, the song you sang to me, was it a Gusu song?”
LWJ shakes his head again.
“Did you write it yourself?” LWJ nods, the tips of his ears red.
“Did you name it yourself?” Another nod.
WWX leans in, eyes focused on him. “Is it called Wangxian?”
LWJ knows he has been fount out and could barely breathe. But he meets WWX serious eyes and nods slowly.
“Did you name it yourself?” Another nod.
WWX leans in, eyes focused on him. “Is it called Wangxian?”
LWJ knows he has been fount out and could barely breathe. But he meets WWX serious eyes and nods slowly.
WWX grins at his admission, "I knew it." He leans forward and kisses him. LWJ is surprised but he closes his eyes and kisses back, feeling warmth spread throughout his body at the contact.
Sirens rarely get their own happy endings. They are feared or coveted, in this case LWJ was feared for the small but strange power he possessed. However, in the end, Madame Lan’s hopes and wishes for her children come true, they were spared from the tragic ending
a siren is doomed to have.
LXC eventually comes back for his brother. He has, more or less, contained the situation in Cloud Recesses with NMJ and JGY’s help. He works with WQ and they both realize that if he sings to Wangji bit by bit for a month or so, he can heal Wangji’s
LXC eventually comes back for his brother. He has, more or less, contained the situation in Cloud Recesses with NMJ and JGY’s help. He works with WQ and they both realize that if he sings to Wangji bit by bit for a month or so, he can heal Wangji’s
throat without straining himself.
After three months, LWJ is finally able to speak. He turns to Wei Wuxian and gives him a small smile. “I love you,” he says.
WWX cries and hugs him fiercely, saying it back. “I love you, too.”
After three months, LWJ is finally able to speak. He turns to Wei Wuxian and gives him a small smile. “I love you,” he says.
WWX cries and hugs him fiercely, saying it back. “I love you, too.”
A year later, the happiness continues. WWX and LWJ marry, living in Lotus Pier, and they adopt one of the Dafan Wen children, Wen Yuan. It takes LXC years to stabilize the situation in the Lan Sect but he does it and swears brotherhood with three people: NMJ, JGY, and JC.
JC had been insistent on helping with the Lan matters when he heard about what happened to HGJ (WWX gave him a vague explanation). When LXC often came to visit his brother, JC would rant to him about the mess WWX constantly made and complain about the wangxian PDA.
The road to brotherhood for the four was not easy.
JGY, with NHS’ help, discovered early on that his father will never look at him as a son. He was devastated and angry but JYL and JZX had been kind to him and all of his plots just fell away and for a while he was depressed
JGY, with NHS’ help, discovered early on that his father will never look at him as a son. He was devastated and angry but JYL and JZX had been kind to him and all of his plots just fell away and for a while he was depressed
and he did not know what to do.
NHS approached him and helped him put things to order. The two of them went to NMJ and JGY apologized to him sincerely. He waited for days outside as NMJ raged but LXC and NHS wore him down until he finally had a heart-to-heart talk with JGY.
NHS approached him and helped him put things to order. The two of them went to NMJ and JGY apologized to him sincerely. He waited for days outside as NMJ raged but LXC and NHS wore him down until he finally had a heart-to-heart talk with JGY.
JGY was angry about the words NMJ said about his mother and NMJ was angry about a lot of things and it took nearly a year for them to be amicable. NHS saw this as an opportunity for the four sects to get along so he constantly invited JZX to support his brother and JC so he
wouldn’t feel left out (and also so NMJ can spar with someone when he was angry).
To summarize, everything did not solve itself immediately. Broken bonds and new bonds took time to be built and rebuilt but the future for everyone was brighter than anyone dared to hope after
To summarize, everything did not solve itself immediately. Broken bonds and new bonds took time to be built and rebuilt but the future for everyone was brighter than anyone dared to hope after
the war.
In the end, everything worked out for the best. LWJ married the one he loved and LXC became the bridge that connected the four sects together in a sworn brotherhood.
In the end, everything worked out for the best. LWJ married the one he loved and LXC became the bridge that connected the four sects together in a sworn brotherhood.
Somewhere in the afterlife, Madam Lan would be looking down at her children with pride.
And thus, the siren’s tragic end never really came to be. Instead, they all lived their own happy endings.
The End.
And thus, the siren’s tragic end never really came to be. Instead, they all lived their own happy endings.
The End.
Thank you for reading ❤️❤️ Here is the thread to the top!
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