Last Breath

A fox stopped midway in its path and eyed the two figures lying on the ground. When they didn't move it came forward cautiously, picking its small feet daintily through the grass. Curiosity glimmered in its beady eyes.

Coming closer, it nosed gingerly at Xuxian's foot with its black snout, sniffing delicately at it. The foot moved slightly and the fox darted away like an arrow, startled. It was gone like a shadow.

The sun was warm and comforting, outlining each young blade of grass in gold. Xuxian and Suzhen had lain down after their swim to dry out their wet clothes in the sun, and before long they had both fallen asleep without even realizing it. Suzhen's head was on his chest, and Xuxian had one arm over her shoulders. There was a lovely flush glowing in her cheeks from the swim, and the sprawling lines of Xuxian's figure showed how relaxed he was.

Fahai felt a great tiredness within himself. How close they seemed. So peaceful, so trusting, as if they hadn't a care in the world as long as they had each other. It was a sweet sight; and it did not suit the grim reality of what he had to do.

He knew he was being soft. How easy it would be now. He could kill her before they woke up, even, though it would be a risk with Physician Xu so close to her. Still, it was something to catch a snake spirit as powerful as Bai Suzhen, asleep. He had the advantage now, and he should strike quickly before they woke up. Any moment she might sense him. She was a demon, after all. He had no reason to deal fairly with her.

Yet he made no move to go forward, standing there watching them. It was as if he knew that everything was coming to an end, and might very well end today for him--or her--and wanted to delay the moment before it came. He did not know why--after all, hadn't he come all this way to end it?--but he stood there quietly in the peaceful scene as if he was just another tree.

A fly buzzed about his face and Xuxian's eyebrows twitched. He reached up drowsily and brushed the fly away, then returned his arm around her. His thumb rubbed against her shoulder in a small nuzzling gesture, lovingly.

Suzhen opened her eyes slowly, roused by this small gesture, and a sleepy smile came to her lips as she saw Xuxian slumbering beside her. With a sigh, she raised her head to settle it more comfortably onto his chest--and felt an electric jolt travel through her body as she sensed someone's presence. They were being watched.

She sat up instantly, eyes wide and startled, and Xuxian woke up as well when he felt her jerk under his arm. Frowning, he sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes, and looked around confusedly for her. Suzhen did not turn to him. She was looking straight ahead, the muscles in her throat and the lines of her shoulders rigid.

Xuxian turned and felt his heart sink as he saw Fahai standing there silently. So it had happened, after all. However hard he had tried, however determinedly he had told himself he could prevent it, Fahai had still found them.

He drew a deep breath, even though despair sat cold and heavy in the pit of his stomach. Moving slowly and carefully, as if it were a dangerous wild animal they were facing, Xuxian got to his feet and stood in front of Suzhen.

"Fahai," he said as firmly as he could. "Let me explain to you."

Fahai came forward and looked him squarely in the eye. The monk's ravaged face looked grimmer than ever, but when he spoke his voice was surprisingly gentle. "Go back to the village, Physician Xu. You do not need to see this."

Xuxian swallowed. "Please," he pleaded. "Susu is innocent. She did not eat those people's hearts--it was a terrapin spirit who did it. We met him, just a day ago, here on the mountains. Holy man, it is the truth. I swear it. I saw it myself. You must believe me."

The words tumbled out of his mouth. Suzhen stood up as well, but Xuxian caught her arm and pushed her behind him. His eyes were fixed on the monk, desperately searching for a glimmer of compassion.

"Please don't separate us," he stammered. "Suzhen will not harm anyone. I swear that I will make sure of that. Please, let her stay here. She has done only good to me, and when I sent her away at first I was so miserable and guilty I thought I would go mad. I can't let her go like this when she has done so much for me. Please, have mercy--have mercy on us."

"Don't beg him for mercy, Xuxian!" whispered Suzhen in a tight small voice, raising bitter eyes to Fahai.

"Holy man, Susu is different from the other spirits you told us about." Xuxian begged.

Fahai's eyes narrowed. "Physician Xu, there are many things you do not understand. You are blinded by love. It is only natural. This too I have seen before, and there has never yet been a spirit who lived so closely among humans without plotting violence and bloodshed among them in the end. Step aside now. I do not wish to hurt you."

Suzhen's fingers tightened on Xuxian's arm. "You can't convince him, Xuxian."

Xuxian resisted as she tried to pull him back. His voice trembled even as he tried to keep it steady.

"Pardon my disrespect, holy man. I know I'm just a simple village doctor. But I've known Susu. And I trust her. And I love her. To me, snake spirit or not, she is my wife, and the woman of my heart. A good husband would never step aside and leave his wife in danger."

He took her arm and pulled her closer to him. "I will stay with Susu. Until my last breath."