bichan

In a world where everything is superficial, the only thing real is what is in one's heart. I learnt it at a pretty young age.

If not for him, his smile, I don't think this soul would have survived this long. He's the only part of me that was untouched. I was scared to let my emotions get better of me and was never ready. Never would be.

To protect him, I locked all my emotions and became cold as ice that envelopes Gusu in its bosom.

~Lan Zhan at the age of 12~

Moving swiftly towards right as a sword from my opponent narrowly misses me, in defence I use my sword as a sheild and kick them swiftly in their shin with my leg. Immediately I move to my next opponent, so on and so forth. Within seconds, all the disciples around me lay prone on the field.

Standing still with my head held up high, I turn to the spectators watching the so called match. Round of applause and praises ring around the arena as I walk out.

"Second Master Lan, that was amazing!!!" One disciple exclaims excitedly and the other join him. Nodding, I walk ahead to where Gege and Uncle are standing.

I bow and my brother grins proudly, "Wangji, that was impressive. You defeated all of them in few seconds, didn't waste a moment." He pats my shoulders, "Proud of you."

"Indeed Wangji, you scored well."  I am surprised by my Uncle's praise for me.

With another round of praises I leave them all to stand in a corner of the room. Today is an important day. We all would be receiving our cultivated swords made from special Gusu Jade. Under normal circumstances one would choose their swords but the Gusu Clan rule testifies that a sword must choose you. So today was a true test of a warrior.

Bichen.

A sword that hasn't had a master yet. No one has seen Bichen. It can appear only if your golden core is pure and strong. Annually, a fight is conducted for every disciple to receive their desired and fated sword. This year I was commanded to participate. Everyone present here thinks that Second Master Lan would even remotely be interested, but the truth is far from it.

I wish to leave everything and walk away, to simply lead a nomads life, but as my gaze finds my brother's, conversing with those people, I don't have it in my heart to leave him all alone. If I leave Gusu, he would let me but I know he would always worry about me, and in the end just as he is the only one close to me, I am to him.

The festivity starts soon and each and every disciple are called forward. In front of each disciple their spirit sword appears and they accept them. Some are sad that they didn't get Bichen and some are content with what they received.

Soon my name is announced and I walk past throngs of people. Kneeling in front of the Elders, closing my eyes, I swirl both my palms and soon a blue aura envelopes me. I can feel the heat of my golden core and moments later rounds of gasps resonates around. Opening my eyes, I witness a blue white aura as bright as the sun.

bichan

Placing both my palms in front of Bichen, it slowly descends onto my hand. Wrapping my fingers around the hilt, I feel it's energy soaring within me. Clutching the intricate carvings on the handle and bringing it to my forehead I bow down respectfully.

You chose me,

I hope to live upto your expectations.

The translucent colour of Bichen shines brightly in my hand as I stand and walk towards Gege. The happiness in his eyes knows no bounds and I knew he's proud of me. I turn to greet my Uncle to is equally proud.

What surprises me is that other members of the clan, the atmosphere that once was resentful towards me, today has changed, there now lays respect in their eyes for me. As I pass by, they bow their heads and I realise, it's power of Bichen. They know I am worthy.

Leaving the premise I inwardly laugh. How superficial are all these people? Everyone bows in front of power. They either know to mock or they're scared. Such bogus emotions.

Feeling discontent I leave Gusu with a message to my Gege that I shall be back home soon. Traversing on a path many have walked before, the only difference is that, it's more lonelier. Even with Bichen by my side, life seems incomplete.

"Help." I hear a faint voice and turn to see an old man leaning against a wall. Taking quick strides I crouch in front of him, "Sir, how can I help you?"

"Water." His voice is coarse and I look around to see a lake nearby. Carrying some water inside a leaf made cup, he takes small sips. Feeling contented he smiles, "Thank you, Young Master" he breathes. I nod and about to leave when he clutches my shoulder and gazes into my eyes, "That sword of yours is extremely precious, it's chosen his master well. Take good care of it." He gets up slowly and hobbles a little further when he stops and turns to look back at me, "One day it would find its partner." With that he walks away.

Bichen would find its partner?

Paying no heed I continue to stroll around with thoughts of my own when I remember the promise made to Gege and proceed towards home.

Is that place even my home?

Almost reaching just before bed time, but unable to sleep a wink, I amble towards the waterfall, where it shall be quite and no one would be able to hear me play.

Inquiry.

The same spirit who appeared the first time has now become my companion. Every night I summon her and ask the same question. Tonight is no different.

"Young Master," she greets "same question?"

I nod.

Closing her eyes the reply is same, "He's alright" and I breath a little easier. She bows and disappear and I walk back to my bed chamber. Looking at the ribbon in my hand, I pray for his safety every second of my life. I hope wherever you are, you're happy.

I hope you're leading a happy life. A contented life. Not a lonely one like mine.

I laugh at the irony. Have I ever felt so alone in my life before? Why with each momentum I achieve, do I feel more distant?

Why?

Receiving no answer, and as usual when I sleep that night, I meet him in my dreams. The boy who smiled. The boy whom I wanted to befriend. The boy for whom this soul plays Inquiry.