A Trial by Halves

Distance

And for a moment, Ye Hua was looking just as lost.  He had already surmised that Er Li was a little older, but this child sitting behind his mother was a big boy, not that little baby he had left behind and if Er Li was sensing his rising emotions then he was also sensing his.  A sharp intake of breath was heard by all of them as Bai Qian slowly shifted out of view so his father could get a good look at him.

In that chaotic turmoil, Ye Huas spirit felt the memory of his sons presence like a whiplash against wet skin.  His son had been with him the entire time, his soul actually felt the memory of him as he briefly lost himself to a child whos eyes held a deep wisdom and strength that made him want to cry.  He may not have known that he had this memory implanted on his soul, but Er Li definitely felt that connection they had made in that place, begin to pull fiercely on his own soul.  It was painful and exceptionally powerful and for a moment longer, the two merely sat staring at each other as if waiting for something but not understanding what exactly.

"Er Li, greet your father......" Bai Qians soft voice beckoned him closer while Mo Yuans hand lightly landed on his shoulder to coax him forward having thought the boy was afraid.

And as if a dam had burst its surroundings, Er Li was quickly shuffling forward as Ye Hua dove forward to snatch at him before he could lower himself into a deep respectful bow.  Er Li had rehearsed his greeting over and over again in his mind for days.  His bow would be deep and long, while the words he had painstakingly composed and practiced sat on the tip of his tongue ready to welcome home a father he thought he might have to learn all over again.

Only the moment Ye Hua lunged forward to snatch him into his arms only to then drag him into his lap for an embrace , then every word and meaningful bow were thrown out with the harsh explosion of air as he burst into tears instead.  

Weeping against his shoulder, Er Li was feeling both overwhelmed and embarrassed by his outburst when he had tried so hard to remain stoic and upright among these High Gods.  Only the moment his fathers arms enfolded his body into a cloak of warmth, then the tears rained down his face, while his hands lost themselves behind his fathers back where he clung on tightly.

Ye Hua too was feeling just as emotional.  He had purposely avoided Er Li the day he died so he would not have to see the sweet smile edged in fear.  Er Li may have been a baby when he left, but his son was far far older of mind.  Only this child that was crying in his lap and holding on to him for dear life, looked and felt like a child regardless of his much older state.  This was the kind of child he had hoped he would return to and it was obvious that even though his brothers knowledge and magical assistance may have forced him to grow up far too quickly,  the tears and most childlike way he was clinging to him said his mother had raised him as a child by allowing him to be one.

Internally Ye Hua was screaming in both joy and disappointment for not being there for him.  No child should have to go through what his son did, and though he knew it would make him stronger and their own bond was strengthened in that place, he couldn't help but feel immense anger at the Heavens for putting him through so much, too soon.

"I'm sorry Er Li....." his soft voice whispered against the side of his face.

Shaking his head emphatically, Er Lis grip on him tightened.

"Welcome home father....." he sobbed pitifully against him and not knowing what else to say to him.

"Home......" Ye Huas voice trailed off at a word that he had not known for so long, that for a moment he wondered where exactly that was.  

The Celestial Palace had all but turned their back on him while that island he had taken her to, was no longer their sanctuary, not when his Grandfather, Ci Hang and his third uncle knew of it.  That left nowhere for him to call home, because as yet, he had not connected with his brother and with a wife he had to learn all over again, suddenly the pain of distance began to cloud his mind as he buried his head into his sons hair.

Sensing his fear, doubts and apprehension, Mo Yuan quickly moved forward to place a hand on his shoulder.

"Ye Hua.  You have just returned from a difficult journey.  There is plenty of time for you to make future decisions, but right now, allow those who care deeply for your welfare to surround you." he said gently as Bai Qian also moved forward to lay her hand on his other shoulder.

Looking up, Ye Huas eyes then found his brothers which then held as a much deeper understanding passed between them.  In his arms was his son, his wife was at his side, and beside them was his brother, a man he'd had doubts about.  After all, the gossip about him and her had scattered with every wind known, so the doubts had lingered long after Mo Yuans soul pieces had eased his fears.

But in those eyes now, was centuries of love for them both, but nowhere in those dark misted eyes, was anything that could give root to the fear that he may have taken off him in his absence.  What he saw in those eyes, was his brother, father, guardian and protector in everything including the sanctity of their marriage.  Ye Huas heart swelled with love for him at that moment and though he recognized Zhe Yan and briefly acknowldged him with a nod, his eyes returned to rest a while longer on his brother, before gently pulling Bai Qian back into his arms so he could hold and relish in his family.

With a quick look at Zhe Yan, who immediately read the change in atmosphere, both men rose before quietly leaving the small family to themselves.  It was in all a beautiful reunion for all of them, and though Mo Yuan expected the arrival of Celestial emissaries wanting an explanation for the bell, he instead took Zhe Yan back to his own bed chamber for a quiet celebratory drink and chat to discuss the upcoming days and what they would mean for his brother, his wife and child and what they could do to assist him back into either his old life or a new one.

______

The Celestial Heavens

Haode sat with his head bowed and his eyes closed.  He had been in his study all morning quietly going over a report that had arrived only three days before.  One that was unsigned, but having thoroughly investigated the possibility by personally visiting the Sea of Innocence.

Ye Huas star had returned to the night sky three days before, and only a few hours after learning of it, then the report had suddenly appeared on his desk.

Immediately his mind had gone to Mo Yuan because if anyone knew how to bring back a scattered soul, it was him.   nd if anyone was going to bring his Grandson back, then it would be his twin brother.  Quietly he revelled in the knowledge that the Heavens were giving him back, and he had said nothing at all to anyone, not even Di Jun.  Instead he had retired himself to his chamber to await the tolling of the bell of Kunlun, and the moment the very first thundering reached his large study, then he was on his feet and quickly making his way towards Taichen Palace to collect Di Jun who was already preparing to leave.

"He's back...." Haode whispered in both awe and elation.

"Yes he is.  But I suggest you prepare yourself.  We may face opposition." he warned him and he meant it. 

Because he knew just as well as Haode did, if anyone was going to decline their visit, it would be Mo Yuan.