Will of Immortals

Evening light swept along the riverbank, casting long shadows upon the ground. Water punctuated the fading gold of sunset with its sparkle. Bai Cheng was sitting on the grass, folding his legs under him and resting his elbows on his knees, staring down at the river. However, he was not paying much attention to it.

As if concentrating on something and feeling a weight upon his chest, so heavy something or a person was pushing it down- which he had felt since he could remember. It wasn't the mockery and the hushed whispers that hurt; rather, it was being called " the cursed one."

No, what hurt him deep inside was being blamed for something he did not even remember. The dark event that had turned his life around.

With a deep sigh, he shut his eyes and rested his head against the rail that stood behind his seat.

The wind ran through his unkempt hair, so his forehead was cool. **What happened that day?

* His memory was dim, like a shadow that one could not see in front of him. He could remember just the disaster and the destruction that had occurred. And everything was fine before that. Then in one eye blink, everything changed. **Could it be his fault?

How could they blame him for doing something he did not even recall at all?

The silence around him seemed almost oppressive as if the world held its breath in expectation. He even missed those days before that is, before words began to circulate town and people stared as though he did not belong. He loved Eldenwood and its people and the simple life they all had. Now being there seemed to make them hurt.

No matter how hard he tried, no matter how much he worked to show he was good, the rumors always returned, following him like crows.

Bai Cheng clenched his fists so his fingers could drive into his hands. He was very frustrated and at that moment wanted to shout so they would all understand.

But as quickly as it had come, anger went away again, leaving only a sad feeling inside. **He was a child** when it happened. How could they, who knew how heavy this burden was, expect him to handle it?

He looked at the river, looking for it to respond. But the water just kept flowing, never really caring about him.

He suddenly heard a noise that broke his train of thought--a whistle. His heart was racing. That was the sound of the whistle of Gerald, his one and only beloved friend and uncle alongside his dog- ChenMa( he named him to Mock Ma and Chen family) 

Warm comfort filled Bai Cheng's chest, and for a moment, the storm inside him cooled. He smiled a little bit. Slowly, he stood up.

Brushing off his pants, he said, "Gerald, you," whispering with a small laugh, and he shook his head.

Actually, it was weird, the way Gerald always knew how to make him feel better; as if he could see through all the walls that Bai Cheng built.

Never did Gerald lose faith in what others said or believed about him; he only reminded Bai Cheng of not being a lonely person.

Bai Cheng had set himself in front of the trees, where he was certain Gerald would come. He did not need to see him to be sure it was Gerald; he could already hear Gerald's loud, clumsy steps making a din in the silence of the forest.

Qing Ye looked deeper, into the shadows of the forest, while observing Bai Cheng slowly stand up and rise in Gerald's direction.

She had watched him for so long now, that kind of curiosity and concern over him. She had earlier seen him enter into the forest, his head almost at a low hang due to what seemed like a heavy load, but things were different now.

As she looked, her face relaxed. She never really got Bai Cheng. How could a person so powerful, so talented, have to bear such an enormous burden? But as she watched him now, there was something about him—a spark, a quiet strength—that surprised her.

She sighed, a feeling of relief she hadn't noticed before eased through her. Bai Cheng wasn't broken. Not yet.

Then, "Hey, are you coming or what?" boomed Gerald, full of laughter and warmth.

Bai Cheng raised an eyebrow but flashed an even wider smile. "Yeah, yeah, quit pushing me.".

"Do I have to come pick you up?" Gerald called back, faking annoyance.

Oh, come on", Bai Cheng responded trying to sound angry. He was laughing now. "I want to see you do it".

Qing Ye smiled a little as she watched. She had her worries and questions- but perhaps, she thought, not all answers needed to come at once. And perhaps, just perhaps, she wasn't the only one who needed to prove something. She then stepped out of her hiding place and stepped aside for Bai Cheng to have his coveted private moments with Gerald as shadows within the forest grew darker with sunset.