Chapter Text
The moment Lan Sizhui realized that this was no ordinary night hunt and that the juniors and him were in way over their heads he was already pulling out the signal flare to ask for help. Yet, the wide, saliva filled mouth that was currently nearing to rip into his throat left him no time to actually pull the trigger. With a quick, well rehearsed maneuver Sizhui escaped the immediate danger of being torn apart by those nasty teeth but had unfortunately dropped the signal flare in the course of it. In his mind he went through all the possibilities they had and grimly noticed that most of them involved him having to distract the menacing Yao in front of them to give the others enough time to escape. With a resigned sigh he got up and prepared himself for a painful and maybe suicidal fight.
Not all hope was lost though when cold, stiff hands suddenly reached for his arm to drag him away to the small grouplet of already rescued disciples a few metres away while a figure in dark clothes slowly stepped in the way between the Yao and the white clad juniors. The hands around his biceps disappeared when a second figure joined to face off against the hideous monster in their stead. Lan Sizhui was grateful for every moment he could spend with his dear family but seldom did the gratitude flood his veins quite like in this moment when he beheld his father figure and cousin.
He allowed himself to sag against Jingyi who had put his arms around Sizhui’s shoulders to keep the exhausted youth steady and listened to his beloved Senior Wei threatening the Yao with a cheerful voice.
“Today is really your unlucky day, kitty-cat! If you hadn’t decided to attack this specific group of disciples I may would have let you leave in peace. But as it so happens I am kind of responsible to get these cuties back home safely. Therefore, let’s have some fun!”
And with that he unsheathed Suibian and charged straight ahead, Wen Ning following suit immediately.
Sizhui didn’t see much of the actual fight, only felt the massive spiritual energy Senior Wei was releasing (him and Hanguang-Jun had worked long and hard to cultivate his new golden core), heard the unearthly growling of the beast and the occasional tearing and ripping of flesh. All the while thanking the gods for Wei Wuxian’s and Wen Ning’s (admittedly kind of annoying) habit of secretly following and watching over their night hunts.
Suddenly, there was dark laughter filling the air and all the hair on Sizhui’s arms stood up when a deep voice began to talk. “You are truly worthy enough to make me go all out for once, Cultivator. I really enjoyed our meeting and although it saddens me having to leave our delightful fight I need to get back to my lair before sunrise. I am sure you understand!”
A breathless giggle was the only answer. So the Yao went on: “To show my gratitude for this splendid entertainment and as an apology for having scared your little baby cultivators, I will give you a gift. Hopefully, you will be able to appreciate it.”
And with those ominous words all they heard was Wen Ning frantically calling “Young Master Wei” and then they were alone. No sign of the Yao. No sign of Wei Wuxian. Only the frightened Lan boys and the Ghost General.
Sizhui and his cousin exchanged worried glances. With hurried steps they walked to where the previous fight had taken place, searching desperately for any sign of their Senior. Yelling his name, looking into every bush, behind every tree - growing more and more worried with the seconds passing by.
“Hanguang-Jun will kill us”, Jingyi whispered next to him, face deathly pale. And true, even through the thick worry for his Xian-Gege that has been clouding his mind Sizhui couldn’t shake off the cold and all encompassing fear of how one Lan Wangji would react if his most beloved didn’t return from a night hunt. Not that Sizhui would expect his father to actually hurt him in any way. But it was no secret to anyone that these two lovers - that have literally been through life and death until they finally found solace and meaning in each other - would fight and break heaven and earth to protect their soulmate from any kind of pain. Sizhui had been present for both of their darkest times. He knew of their deepest fears and their shared strengths. And he wasn’t ready yet to witness either of them suffering again and he also wasn’t ready to see the world burn if one of them set it on fire in spite.
That is why his knees almost gave out from relief when he spotted Senior Wei’s robes behind a broad oak tree. He rushed over, calling out for him and was more than ready to tackle the man with a big hug. What he saw though made him stop in his tracks.
Looking up at him were two very large silver orbs, brimming with tears. Round eyes set in an even rounder face with red apple cheeks. Looking up at him was a small boy, buried under layers and layers of black fabric, Suibian and Chenqing lying on the grass next to the bundle.
Looking up at him was a tiny version of Wei Wuxian.