Adjusting to this future age hasn’t been easy. The constant setbacks of having to recover from three separate fights since I revived have slowed my progress. It does not help that my wife has been absent, off on a trip to gather information that could benefit our family, and my son has been occupied with another ‘important personal project’. All the same, I’ve begun to manage enough on my own.
One of the metal bull soldiers, the ‘Bull Clones’, that my son built to serve our family in my absence now comes into the throne room to kneel before me. I set aside the magic metal tablet that has allowed me to learn everything about this current era and ask, “what is it?”
“Your Majesty, there is someone at the door. The friend of our Prince,” the Bull Clone answers.
“You may let him in. In the future, you need not ask before allowing him entry. He is welcome here,” I instruct.
“Yes, my Liege.” It leaves again and soon returns with the boy.
The boy, Qi Xiaotian, has become a regular guest here as of late. The friendship between him and Hai’er has grown ever closer. I approve of this relationship since it helps fulfill the promise I made to Liu’er. The Stone Egg sealed within this boy shall be kept safe under the protection of my family.
“Qi Xiaotian, Hai’er is in his workshop if you are looking for him,” I tell the Mortal.
“Oh, thank you…but I actually came to ask you something, uh, Mr Bull King, sir,” he responds, rubbing the back of his head and rocking on his heels.
Surprise rises up in me. He and I have not had many positive interactions, especially between just the two of us. Hai’er and Iron Fan have always been the ones handling that. However, that puts us in a similar situation as when Liu’er came to ask us for help caring for the Stone Egg. The relationship I have with this boy now is not much different from the relationship I had with Liu’er then, and the thought of that eases the discomfort I feel.
“You are welcome to ask me what you need, Qi Xiaotian,” I reply to him.
“Uh, well, I haven’t really been making much progress in mastering my powers, and I had kind of hoped that since Liu’er Mihou and I were on better terms again, maybe he would help me, but I haven’t been able to contact him since New Year’s…so I was wondering if maybe you had any advice?” the boy inquires in a rambling way.
“You…are asking me for advice on mastering your powers?” That is not something I thought he’d ask of me out of all the possibilities I thought of.
“Hai’er helped me figure out that my powers aren’t from Sun Wukong and are from my own innate ability, but they are still similar to his…out of all the people I trust who used to be close to him, I figured maybe you might know something, anything, that could help me?”
I lean forward on my throne, chin in my hand as I think over what he’s asking of me. I know well what uncontrolled power can do. The terror I felt when my own son nearly lost himself to his flames still lingers in the back of my mind. Helping this boy master his abilities would protect him from hurting himself and others.
“I do not know how much assistance I can provide, but I can offer as much as I know about controlling and mastering your innate power. I do believe Iron Fan still has a small collection of scrolls dedicated to such a topic that we had used when raising Hai’er. In the end, they may not have been much use to us, but they may be of use to you,” I tell him, standing up. “Wait here and I will see if I can find them.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Bull King, sir!” Qi Xiaotian responds with a bright smile and a bow.
“You do not need to thank me. Consider this an apology for the strife I have caused you. Besides, you are someone who is important to my son and my sworn brother. I am glad to help you.”
Stepping out of the throne room, I make my way down the hall to the bedroom I share with my wife. Neatly organized shelves along one wall of the room hold scrolls, books, and various treasures we’ve collected over the centuries. I begin my search with the oldest scrolls which have been enchanted to keep them preserved. It takes some time, but I eventually find the ones I’m looking for.
Three scrolls in hand, I return to the throne room. Upon my arrival, I find that my son has come out of his workshop to join Qi Xiaotian. As usual, they are conversing amicably. Their conversation comes to an end when they notice me striding over to my throne.
“Welcome back, Father. Xiaotian told me that you agreed to help him with his powers,” Hai’er greets. “Thank you for doing that.”
“Yes. These are the instructional scrolls that may be of some assistance,” I reply, handing the rolls of paper to the Mortal. They seem so much larger in his hands than they do mine. “Hai’er, I understand that you have been working on an important project, but I believe it would benefit your friend more if someone who has already learned from these scrolls taught him.”
My son’s fiery hair glows a bit brighter as he puffs up with pride. “Of course, Father! I can always make time for helping Xiaotian!”
I nod. “Good. If you need any further advice, I will provide it.”
“Thank you, Father! Come on, Noodle Boy, I know the perfect place for us to train you!” Hai’er pulls his friend into a whirl of flames, and they both vanish, leaving the faint scent of soot behind.
A heavy sigh escapes my chest as a relief washes over me. I am glad that I did not ruin my chances of being someone Qi Xiaotian can depend on. I can still uphold my promise to Liu’er and mend my relationship with my own son in the process. I will no longer take these people for granted.
Sorry for the long hiatus! Here is another chapter for the Stone Egg AU!
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