I purse my lips together as I stare at Yujiro's face. I get the impression I can trust him. He's familiar though I can't place from when. My brows furrow in contemplation.
Yujiro quirks a brow and redirects his attention to Qin Tao and Lubi. "You two, go to the armory and get me a sword and then go to the alchemy workshop and gather the materials for a strengthening potion," he ordered. "Tell the elders there I sent you and they will help you appropriately."
Qin Tao opens his mouth to protest but Lubi pulls him towards the door as he quickly rises from the ground.
"Yes, Senior. We'll get it right away." Lubi calls out and drags a protesting Qin Tao away. Footsteps grow quieter and silence resettles in the room between myself and Yujiro.
"Excellent. Now that we're alone," Yujiro moves to the other side of the table and sits beside me. He still towers over me despite both of us sitting on the floor. "You can tell me what is going on with you." His voice is quieter. "No one else can hear us right now."
I blink at the statement and shift my focus to the pulse of energy around us. Beyond where we are, is a density that reminds me of the room being filled with cotton to keep the sound out.
His warmth is unmistakable beside me as his massive legs brush against mine. I focus on his eyes, they are the dark purple of twilight. Amusement dances in their depths as his rumbling voice brings me back, "Li Mei."
"I have walked many paths before reaching this moment."
"...speak plainly, Li Mei. I want you to say what you mean so there are no misunderstandings between us."
"This isn't my first time experiencing this life... I still hold the memories of my past lives and the outcomes of the mistakes and choices I made," I comment quietly, softly biting my lower lip. "But this will be my last."
He pulls a pipe from inside his robes, gesturing for me to continue as he packs something into it.
"I was reborn with some of the abilities I ended my last life with, locked within me until I have the power to wield them again." I look down at my hands to focus on what it is that I want to say. I don't want to sound stupid in front of this man. But I'm getting distracted by just how attractive his is. "I can alter the odds of a situation in my favor. And I can read the flow of qi around me."
"What is it that you wish to gain this life?" His voice rumbles as he pauses in whatever he's doing with the pipe.
"Immortality. Strength to stand on my own to defeat any who would hurt me or those I care about."
He appreciatively sighs. "Ah yes, the ultimate goal of all cultivators." The scent of tobacco and something else wafts into the air. He pauses for a moment and asks, "Who do you care about in this world?"
The question makes my heart ache. I peek up at him, my hair has fallen into a thin veil around my face. "I'm still trying to decide that for myself this life. I've been digilently preparing for awakening my powers and trying to become stronger."
"It's a smart plan. You don't remember me," His fingers brush the hair away as he looks at my expression. His palm cups my cheek as he smiles, offering the pipe. My heart flutters at his touch, his smile. "You're blocking yourself. Here, take a deep inhale and hold it for a little while. It'll help clear your mind."
You don't remember me.
Tell me the truth and I can properly shape you into the best version of yourself.
I did know him before. Why can't I remember him now?
I take the pipe into my hands and take a long pull, the sweet smoke filling my mouth and lungs. Images dance through the haze into my vision.
His hands rest against my shoulders. "Relax, Li Mei, you're safe here. I won't let anything happen to you." He leaned down, his breath tickling my cheek. "Let go."
Relax.
You're safe.
Let go.
You're blocking yourself.
I close my eyes and softly exhale. Voices and images rush through my mind. I don't understand the sequence of events or where.
A night so pitch black that even the moon refused to show its face. The air frigid, as something races across the sky towards us - tearing a streak of light as it plumets closer. Sweat freezes against the back of my neck. All around the compound are people shouting and fighting. The Wards scream as they are assaulted.
My heart sinks.
***
Warm arms wrap around me, soothing my panic. A kiss against my neck. I curl against him. I feel safe, loved. I made a place where I belong.
***
A comet slams into a forest, rending the trees and earth in a blaze of light and fire.
***
My friends stand on the wall around me. Our world is about to end but there is a chance. I rush towards the center, pouring my qi into a sphere of light. "This isn't over. We can repeal it!"
"You'll die if you pour too much of your life into the shield!" A female voice warns.
He's not back yet. I have to hold on long enough to say goodbye. "I know but I have to protect them. I won't let them win!" All my pain, my life flows out into my hands. I refuse to surrender. I only wish that I might be able to say goodbye.
"Li Mei!" A deep, rumbling male voice calls out to me as the light from above overtakes me.
***
"When you are ready and want me, I will be here for you until it is time for us to walk our seperate ways. I will accompany you on your path to immortality... if you let me." A tall warrior in deep purple robes disappears behind a door, leaving me to ponder his parting words.
***
A pretty figure looks at me with a questioning look from a pile of plush pillows. A queen in her quarters, holding reign over her court. I trust her and know that I helped put her there. "I don't get it. Why is it that your don't pursue power for yourself? You've done so much for us. Li Mei. You're amazing... I wish..."
***
"Li Mei, you can take whatever you can grab hold of." A familiar voice muses, his face becoming more familiar as I stare into the millionsof stars that dance within the hidden depths of eyes of the deepest twilight. His lips brush against mine. "Even me."
***
I'm bound as I stare at the cultivator looming over me wit a sneer. "The rumors are true. You're a witch. You're an abomination." He spits his hate as I try to work free of my ropes. "You stole your power!"
Everyone seeks power. I just took an offering presented to me. It's not fair but this world isn't fair. This man and his sect seek to kill me. I have to escape. I can't die here.
Electricity sparks through the air as lightning courses from the man into my body. I shriek from the pain.
***
I open my eyes. Yujiro's face is staring down at me. Firm legs and warmth support me. "Easy, don't push yourself, Li Mei."
The sequence was confusing but things start to move back into place. Another in another life I wasn't alone. I was still hunted but...
"You and I were.... lovers?" I mumble. Yujiro smiles at me.
"Yes, we chose each other once before."
"Why didn't I remember it? I remember..."
"Some memories can hurt you from making a choice. It hurts your free will if you think something is predestined." He offers, stroking my hair.
"Once upon a time a wandering warrior and a witch fell in love. We fought along side each other and grew stronger together." I comment thoughtfully. "I had a sect and friends." It's pleasant. I feel like this is somewhere I belong, with him in this moment.
"You had a life you fought tooth and nail for. No one questioned your devotion, loyalty or strength. But you wanted nothing for yourself. You gave all the power to your friends."
"Why are you telling me this?" I manage, processing everything I felt and saw.
"I made a promise. I was going to keep my distance and let you find your way back but...." Yujiro smiled sadly. His rough hand tracing the curve of my cheek. "I was visiting the sect when I saw you carried in. Unconscious and unmoving. It shattered me to see you that way. The fear that I might never see you move again made me decide on what I was going to do. I heard what the sect leader intended to do and I couldn't bear to let anyone else teach you. You're rare. A woman full of fear but acting despite it all."
My face is hot and I know I'm blushing again. Of all things, why did I forget a time where this man was in love with me?