Crimson moon, the unexpected god 3 Friendship

By the time the young god reawakens it is late morning, he sits up placing his hand to his forehead and mutters, "Where am I?"

"You are at my home," comes a voice he instantly recognises.

The Soul Drinker emits a soft laugh and replies, "Yes, I vaguely remember you saying you would bring me here. Thank you."

"No problem at all. It is the least I could do after everything you have done for me," replies the mountain god, placing a hand to his chest

"Bless you. It just occurred to me we have not exchanged names all this time."

"You're right we haven't."

They both laugh and the young god says, "My name is Xià rì wéifēng[1]. I know what you are going to say that's a very Dragon name. And you're right it is. It is because my father had a real thing for them so all of us received one."

"That's interesting and way better than mine, Shān huī, as my hair was once the same colour as the mountain ash you find around here."

The Soul Drinker smiles and says, "I like it. It is different."

The mountain god emits a soft laugh and replies, "I could not agree with you more. So how do you like your porridge?"

"I'm sure the way you prepare it will be fine."

Shān huī smiles and carries on adding from honey to small pieces of red fruit which makes the young god ask, "Cherries?"

"Yes they are. Do you like them?"

"Yes, they are one of my favourite fruits," replies Xià rì wéifēng, going on to run his fingers through his long fringe and yawns.

This is when the mountain god gets to see how large his fangs are compared to his other teeth. They also look very sharp, which they need to be in order to break a Vampires tough skin.

"Ooh it looks like you need a cup of tea," he says, watching him have a bit of stretch.

The Soul Drinker's eyebrows rise and he asks, "I look that sleepy?"

Shān huī looks at the young god's handsome emotionless face and replies, "Yes, a matter of fact you do. So here."

Xià rì wéifēng watches a lovely decorative cup make its way over to him, it is filled with a yellow liquid, that has a sweet sent. He takes hold of it, has a sip and replies, "That's lovely. Even though it smells sweet it has a little bit of a bitter aftertaste."

"I hope it's not too bitter for you?"

The Soul Drinker has another sip and replies, "No, it's fine. I've had worse and found myself adding lots of honey to make it taste...well like this."

They both laugh, and the mountain god says, "I know the teas you mean, they smell great until you drink it and you go yuck."

They laugh again and Shān huī scoops some of the porridge into a bowl and sends it to him.

"There is more honey if you need it."

"Ah thanks, nonetheless, I'm sure it's fine," replies Xià rì wéifēng, as he takes a small bite. He nods and says, "Yes, it's perfect. Thank you."

The mountain god gives him a pleased smile and carries on eating. He also uses his abilities to pour the Soul Drinker another cup of tea and he performs a slight bow to thank him. Once they have both had enough to eat Shān huī takes Xià rì wéifēng to a small hot spring so he can get washed and is amazed to see him produce fresh clothing out of thin air.

"Huh? H-how did you do that?"

The Soul Drinker winks his left eye and sings, "Secret, secret, secret."

They both laugh and the mountain god pretends to sulk and whines, "Please tell me."

Xià rì wéifēng's head tilts to one side and he replies, "The thing is I'm not really sure how to explain it. I just use this."

Shān huī sees the young god is holding an unusual crystal, it is partially see-through with light green lines running through it and the point is a pale blue.

"My that's stunning. So it opens a mini portal?" he asks, still looking at the beautiful crystal shimmering in the sunlight.

"Yes, to my Connecting Chest, which I fill with everything I need before I leave home for the other lies miles from here inside a sealed library miles from here."

"I see. This way it saves you having to always having to pack."

"Precisely," replies the Soul Drinker, going on to place the crystal back in the bag.

The mountain god watches him go on to use a lovely comb that has been carved from a single piece of dark red wood. He gives him a smile and asks, "What would you like to do?"

"I think I will see the chief to inform her you are fine now. Nothing else is going to happen to you," replies Xià rì wéifēng, patting him on the arm. "I take it my hairpins are back at the hut?"

"Yes. Sorry I placed them on the table along with the ribbon."

"That's all right. I'll collect them on the way."

The mountain god gently carries him back to the hut and waits outside for him to return with all of his fringe fastened back. He watches with fascination the ribbon seems to take on a life of its own and is placed around the bun so the two long ends hang down on either side.

"Right, let's g-" the Soul Drinker is unable to finish his sentience because he begins to cough quite badly.

Shān huī changes back to his smaller form, to take him in to his arms and looks inside his bag for a herb bundle, giving is a soft crush as he places it in front of his mouth and nose. But even this does not seem to ease the young god's wheezing and it is clear it is becoming harder for him to breath.

Xià rì wéifēng uses his hands to sign to him to pat him on the back and when the mountain gods performs the task the Soul Drinker is able to cough up some phlegm, spitting out in a piece of cloth.

"All right?"

The young god nods and replies, "That's got it. Thank you."

"No, problem. All right to carry on?"

"Yes."

They continue down to the village where people stop to bow to them as they pass. One woman even offers them some nice rice cakes, which Xià rì wéifēng finds to be a little sweet.

Shān huī clearly sees there is a small reaction in his eyes, they sort of squint a little and he frowns. He also does not finish it and the moment they are well out of the lady's line of sight he throws the rest away into the bushes.

"Not your thing?"

"No, too rich. I just did not want to upset her."

"I completely understand. I must have what the mortals call a sweet tooth as I really like them as a treat."

The Soul Drinker nods and says, "I understand as you are right, they would make a nice treat."

They continue on to the home of the chief which lies at the top of the village and she comes out to greet them.

"Good morning," she says, performing a shallow bow.

"Morning my dear," replies the mountain god, he goes on to inform her the young god was successful in lifting the curse.

Kāihuā is shocked and she says, "It still baffles me why one of your kind did this."

Xià rì wéifēng looks to her and replies, "This is the problem during the Dark Chapter many of us gods did, I would consider, odd things that made the rest of us question, what was going through their minds to do such a thing. To take such drastic measures for no rational reason. It is one thing I'm afraid will remain a mystery."

The chief nods in agreement and says, "Well I am just pleased you were able to help him."

"It was nothing."

The mountain god's eyes open wide, and he says, "Such equable charm. What if you had collapsed when those shadow beasts appeared? I hate to think what would have happened to me, as I do not have the capability to fight things that are not entirely in this realm."

"I'm sure you would have come up with something to stop them."

Shān huī laughs and says, "More like I would have been dragged in to the dark realm and then you would have to dive in to save me."

Xià rì wéifēng slightly raises his left hand so it is level with his chest and replies, "Dive in? No, that is one place I would not go. I'm afraid I would leave it to the Ancients to rescue you."

The mountain god nods and says, "Fair point."

They both laugh making the mortal give them an expression that can only be described as a mix of confusion and concern."

The Soul Drinker clears his throat and says, "Anyway, you now know everything is fine, so I bid thee good day."

This makes both Shān huī and Kāihuā quickly ask with shock, "You are leaving already?!"

Xià rì wéifēng's eyes open wide and he replies, "Yes, for there is no reason for me to remain. Also, and please do not take this the wrong way my dear, I have had my fill of mortal minds."

They watch him place the fingertips of his left hand to the side of his forehead and closes his eyes.

"Of course you are like a Dragon. Then please allow me to take you some place quiet," offers the mountain god, holding out his hand.

The chief is expecting the Soul Drinker to take hold of Shān huī's hand, but instead he folds his arms, his stunning blue eyes look up at him and he asks, "Some place quiet other than your beautiful home. I'm intrigued to know what you have in mind?"

"Well I would very much like to show you the waterfall."

"And what is so special about this particular waterfall?"

The mountain god shakes his head and replies, "Come with me and find out."

Xià rì wéifēng looks to Kāihuā and asks, "Do you know of this waterfall he speaks of?"

The young lady is about to answer when Shān huī places his right index finger to her lips and says, "Don't tell him as it will spoil the surprise."

"Dear fellow, she was not going to tell me, and I am not about to pry. So by all means take me to this waterfall."

The mountain god performs a slight bow, he once again offers him his hand and this time the Soul Drinker takes hold of it, which makes him very happy. He looks to the chief and says, "See you later my dear."

Kāihuā performs a slight bow and replies, "Yes, see you both again soon."

Then they vanish to reappear on the far side of the forest where they can hear the roaring waterfall. Shān huī leads the young god down a narrow path that passes through some high hills and slowly he begins to see a rainbow.

"My this is beautiful. Now I understand why you call this place special," says Xià rì wéifēng, pointing his hand at the large lake."

"Ah the endless rainbow waterfall is not the only thing that is wonderful here, wait and see."

The Soul Drinker looks back to the lake to see there is something large and as white as snow under the rippling crystal clear water.

"What is that?" he asks, watching it swim around.

"Ah wait and see," replies Shān huī, with a happy smile.

Xià rì wéifēng watches a huge shape comes leaping out of the water and he says, "A snow fish. Amazing, I have only read about them."

"I think this is the other reason I was trapped. You know what they can do."

"Yes, their scales can be used to enhance abilities, open portals and protection."

The mountain god's eyes blink in amazement and he says, "My you know your spirits."

Xià rì wéifēng frowns and replies, "Well of course, I'm a Soul Drinker."

"There is no denying that. I wanted to show you this as my way of thanking you for everything and," Shān huī goes on to give him a passionate kiss which the Soul Drinker returns.

They place their foreheads together, and the mountain god finds himself apologising, "I should not have done that, when we barely know each other."

"It's all right. To be honest I'm surprised you did not take me when we were at the hot spring. I knew you were watching me."

Shān huī takes a step back, but keeps hold of the young god's slender waist and replies, "In my defence I was concerned when I began to hear you cough."

"Oh that was bound to happen, steam and my lungs do not mix. You are very sweet and do not think obligated to be with me all because I rescued you."

The mountain god shakes his head and replies, "No, it is not that at all. You are a very handsome man. The truth is I have never been with a god."

"I see, that is why you are wanting to take me to bed?"

"No, not at all. Unless you are wanting to have some fun?"

Xià rì wéifēng looks to the waterfall just as the spirit fish leaps out of the water and replies, "I have to admit this is quite the romantic spot and I do want to be with you, I just do not want to rush into anything. Besides neither should you. Do not think me heartless, I do understand you are wanting the company of someone. And I am finding I do enjoy your company a lot and I do very much want to be with you. It is all just too sudden."

Shān huī holds him close, he rests the side of his face upon the top of the young god's head and replies, "You are not heartless, for I am thinking the same thing. I too do not want to rush into anything because I do not want to jeopardise our friendship. Because you are right we are only getting to know each other. So I propose we see how things go."

"Agreed," replies the Soul Drinker, then he is gone."

The mountain god looks at the empty space he once stood and hopes he returns one day. He then makes his way home.

✷✷✷

Summer turns to autumn and the once lush green forest changes to gold and red and the ground is covered in fallen leaves. There is still no sign of Xià rì wéifēng and Shān huī begins to wonder he might not come back to see him until the following spring. But there is trouble brewing on the horizon a neighbouring clan is preparing to attack. All he can do is block routes to the village and protect it as best he can. Snow begins to fall when the army marches across the land. When it is around five miles from the village, the mountain god sees a puff of smoke and there is a soft rumble of thunder.

The smoke is transformed into a huge beast with long horns carrying a large hammer. The next thing the two men on the front line see is a sword pointing at them, but there is no one holding it. They look at each other in fear and the entire line moves back. This brings the one in charge down to the front, the moment he sees the huge beast he pulls hard on the reins to stop his galloping horse causing it to slide to a holt.

"What is going on?" he asks, turning his attention to the floating sword.

One of the men closest to him suggests, "We should turn back Sir, for it is looking like this place is protected by gods."

The man gets down from his horse and asks, "Who is doing this? Show yourself?"

"You should listen to your man and turn back," comes a young man's voice stripped of emotions.

"Who are you?"

"I am your worst nightmare."

The huge beast steps to one side to reveal a very handsome man and the floating sword shoots over to the leader.

"Answer me this why are you attacking this defenceless village? And do not say it is because a woman is in charge."

The mortal tries to swallow the lump in his throat, he runs his right index finder along the chin strap of his helmet and replies with hesitation, "W-well er... we were ordered to attack by Què yīng... He is Kāihuā's brother."

"Let me guess he believes he should take her land and for what reason? Greed, power is all you men ever know. This is why the Dragons do not allow you to rule. Attack this village, and it will be your downfall, for I am way more powerful than them."

"Y-yes I-I believe it... May I ask though what are you?"

The stunning man places his hands upon his hips and replies, "You honestly do not know what I am? Well, we are shrouded in myths and legends. Does that help?"

The entire army begin to drop their weapons, turn around and run away in fear. This makes the man in charge get back on his horse and is about to leave when the god takes hold of the reins.

"Now tell your leader his dear sisters village is protected by Xià rì wéifēng and the mountain god Shān huī. If he ever tries anything like this again I won't hesitate to allow my friend there have his way."

The man watches the beast slam the hilt so hard into the ground it sends up a cloud of dust, he gives the god a nod and then rides off.

"Well you certainly frightened them," says Shān huī, going on to give him a hug.

"It is good to see you too. Do not worry they will not be coming back."

"How can you be so sure?"

"What am I?"

"A Soul Drinker."

"There you go. I knew this was going to happen so that is why I am here. I also knew my old trick there would frighten them. Go ahead take a closer look. He will not harm you."

The mountain god walks over to the huge beast to discover he is made entirely from smoke, he points his hand at it and asks, "How did you create him?"

There is almost a smug expression upon Xià rì wéifēng's handsome face and he replies, "With my abilities of course. This is what I learnt to do when I was a child to protect myself. With just a single thought he obeys my commands. He is my minion. However, I can make thousands of them, providing the ground is dusty enough or has plenty of soil."

"You truly are amazing."

The Soul Drinker's eyebrows rise and he replies, "I guess thank you."

"Yes, you can say that, or that was kind of you to say."

Xià rì wéifēng nods, he gives him a kiss on the cheek and says, "The other reason I am here is because I miss you. Is that even possible when we barely know each other?"

"I would say so, as I have missed you too. Come allow me to take you to my warm hut."

The Soul Drinker nods and they head home where they go on to get to know each other and discover they have quite a lot in common.

Before long night has fallen, and the young god decides to remain with Shān huī on the grounds, he is still not ready to sleep with him. The next morning the mountain god awakens to find his friend gone, all that is left on the bed is a beautiful wooden flower and a note:

Forgive me my love for just leaving whilst you were still asleep. The reason is a vision, one which I cannot put off any longer. Do not worry the flower will glow when I have returned. Yours always Xià.

Shān huī clutches the piece of paper and the flower to his chest for a moment before setting them down on the table. He hopes whatever it is does not keep the man he is falling in love with away too long.

Years turn into centuries and the beautiful Xià rì wéifēng is yet to return, his disappearance is a complete mystery. However, a young Soul Drinker is about to make an unexpected discovery...

To be continued in the Secret in the Forest...

Chapter end