[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[A white rabbit stares at the camera.

And stares.

Then a back leg thumps impatiently against the floor. A flash of magic follows and then Xingchen is sitting where the rabbit had been, his black hair scattered with white strands. He quickly dresses himself and clears his throat.]

Forgive me. I meant to say: if you are near the Temple and find yourself in need of rest or refreshment, you are welcome. All are welcome as long as you come in peace and do not mind cats.

Or... [Another cough.] Rabbits.

Comments

[dragonrising]

[He laughs softly as he looks down.] I was ready for a long time. I just had accepted I wouldn't have that in my life.

[gentledawn]

I can't believe A-Yu would spend his entire life unloved. That just isn't possible.

[dragonrising]

Because you had the chance to never see me at my worst. Which I'm glad for.

[gentledawn]

You never saw me at my worst either. [He could share those memories...one day.] I don't think you would be cruel to me even then. I will return the favor.

[dragonrising]

[From his understanding Xingchen was tricked. So different from himself who chose his path willingly. But he just offers him a smile and doesn't tell him that he would have been cruel to him back then.]

What matters is now. And I will never be cruel to you now.

[gentledawn]

[The sad part of it is Xingchen wouldn't stop trying to reach Runyu even if he was cruel. If he senses someone is in need, he will keep forging forward even if it ends up killing him.]

I know cruelty. You have shown none.

[dragonrising]

I've shown enough cruelty in my life. I don't wish to show more.

[gentledawn]

To me it seems someone truly cruel - a tyrant - wouldn't make that decision.

[dragonrising]

Most tyrants do not survive their downfalls.

[gentledawn]

For good reason. You live. Someone saw hope for you.

[dragonrising]

[It stings because it means his brother did. And after everything he put him through... He has to take in a shaky breath to try not to cry.

Give him a moment, Xingchen.]

[gentledawn]

[He understands he touched a sore spot. Xingchen waits patiently, wishing he could hold his friend and wipe those tears away.]

[dragonrising]

[He takes another deep breath and finally closes his eyes before he speaks.]

I apologize. There is...a lot I have been dealing with. The person who let me live is my brother. He is here but has no memory of anything that took place due to being before all of it happened.

[gentledawn]

Why didn't you say...? [He is on his feet, ready to fly to the Four Seasons Manor.] A-Yu, you don't have to live with those memories alone.

[dragonrising]

I haven't been alone. Ya'er and Ye'er know. But sometimes it catches up to me in moments like this...

[gentledawn]

I am coming for a visit. [Xingchen uses Shuanghua to make the journey quick and easy, hopping off the blade in the Four Season's garden.] Are you in your rooms?

[dragonrising]

I am. It's just me here for now. [With Daiyu who is pawing at him worriedly so he's gently petting her.]

[gentledawn]

[He lets himself inside and goes to Runyu's rooms, knocking softly on the door. Daiyu, backup has arrived!]

[dragonrising]

[Daiyu immediately scrambles to the door to try scratching it open but she's too small for it. Runyu smiles gently at her.]

Come in, Xingchen.

[gentledawn]

[She is caught up in warm arms as Xingchen greets her. He places a kiss on the top of her little head.]

What a precious greeter. [Looking up at Runyu, he smiles sadly.] Your burdens seem to multiply with time. I wish they didn't.

[dragonrising]

My brother and the woman I love are both here. Neither remember anything about everything I've done and both are so innocent.

[He sighs softly.] My brother has no idea that he saved my life when he could have ended it. When I deserved to have him do it.