Not many had seen the roaming demon hounds. Though those who had been lucky enough to see the beautiful masses of black and red fur typically didn’t know what the creatures were truly capable of. Not even Jiehong knew the main reason for their existence; there was only one person who did.

Zhi Yu was the creator of such creatures. They were bound to his spiritual energy and listened to his commands…most of the time. They had, after all, started as regular wolves. Over time his spiritual energy and gentle guidance had morphed the wolves into something more. Now they could almost be seen as familiars, to anyone watching him interact with them. 

With Zhi Yu wanting to help Jiehong and keep tabs on the God to ensure nothing harmful would come to him, one of the demon hounds found itself outside Jiehong’s place of residence.  Zhi Yu knew the simplest way to help was to do so without being constantly around the other. It’s not that he would have minded the closeness, but he knew now was not the time. In his stead, he sent one of his hounds to watch over Jiehong. 

It just so happened to stumble upon the scene with Caiji and although typically they would not intervene, seeing the look on Jiehong’s face had been enough for Zhi Yu to make the hound act on his behalf. Though he didn’t typically get involved in mortal matters, it clearly broke Jiehong’s heart to witness such a thing. Furthermore, it was a good idea to have the hound earn the trust of the other man so that Zhi Yu could keep him close. 

He didn’t always watch through the hound’s eyes, but sometimes he found himself unable to resist. Listening to the various stories and soft words from the God appeared to be somewhat of a weakness for him. Even now, he found himself in the throne room, sat casually on his luxurious chair, with his eyes closed allowing himself to see and hear what Jinzha had the luxury of witnessing each day. Jinzha– a perfect name for the companion. Though he often left them nameless, it made him warm to have the other gift a name to one of his belongings. 

The hound lay, based on the appearance of what Zhi Yu could see, on their front, head resting in their paws as they watched Jiehong cook. The man in question appeared to be humming slightly as he moved gracefully around the kitchen area, the sound of  water running  as he began to wash something he had previously dirtied. Zhi Yu allowed himself to draw a deep breath through his nose. Jinzha mimicked the motion, allowing him to smell the remnants of some kind of tomato based soup.

Jiehong switched off the faucet and moved to grab a ladle with long slender fingers. He held the sleeve to his robes out of the way while he carefully scooped a portion into a wooden bowl. He carefully added what looked like a pinch of pepper, then placed the bowl gently on the table with a small, curved spoon. 

He ran his hands down the front of his robes before sitting. A soft prayer of thanks left his lips before he blew gently on the soup and began to eat. Zhi Yu found himself helplessly watching the other eat, unable to look away from the graceful movements and slightly pouted lips. He knew that he shouldn’t watch like this, but it was rare to witness such a sight. 

What broke him away from his array of thoughts is the pinched look that appeared on Jiehong’s face as he stood quickly. After murmuring a soft “Wait here, Jinzha,” Jeihong exited the small temple.

Now unable to see, Zhi Yu could only hope whatever was happening outside was fine, that the other was safe. He kept his ears sharp as he tried, to no avail, to hear what may be happening outside the temple. It wasn’t abnormal for there to be visitors, however, Zhi Yu knew that there was only one person who visited often. The Empress.

Jinzha moved to stand, hearing a small panicked yell and the movement of footsteps getting closer to the temple. Zhi Yu tensed alongside the hound, waiting to see what the commotion was all about. His question was answered when the door to the temple opened and there stood the Empress in full view, a scowl on her features as she stormed into the space. 

Jiehong came running in after her, anxiety written across all of his features as he tried to explain the circumstances.

“It’s just a simple hound; they mean no harm. Please…” The pleas falling from the man's lips made Zhi Yu wish to be there to cardon him away. His knuckles grew white as he gripped the chair he sat in, wishing nothing more than to save Jiehong from the anguish of this moment. 

Through their connection, Jinzha felt Zhi Yu’s frustration. The hound kept their red eyes on the pair, ready to intervene if needed. 

The Empress scoffed and glared up at Jiehong. 

“As I said before, you are not permitted to keep spiritual animals on your grounds. It is a part of your seclusion.” 

Her voice was stern, leaving no room for arguments. Her face stressed in a viscous scowl as she noted that this must have caused the change in energy she had felt during her previous few visits. 

Jiehong’s face fell, the portrait of a man who knew he’d already lost but still wanted to fight for the only companion he’d been given in a long time. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. Instead he forced a deep calming breath between parted lips, centering himself, and trying once more. 

“Your Highness, I must beg you to reconsider. Jinzha is just an animal, they won’t cause any harm.” He raised both hands slightly in a defensive motion, then, without taking his eyes off of the Empress, Jiehong stroked Jinzha’s face ever so softly.

Jinzha nuzzled into the touch, as if proving they posed no danger. While enjoying the closeness of the God, the hound still did not allow their eyes to trail from the Empress. 

Zhi Yu clenched his fists, long black nails digging slightly into his own palms as he watched the scene unfold. He was uncomfortable on his highness's behalf and wanted nothing more than to step in and help the God, but knew he couldn’t… Now was not the time. 

Mei Ling moved, all grace and beauty, as she carried herself with a strength that truly showcased how and why she was the current Empress of the cultivation realm. It was after all said that one had to be the strongest amongst the Gods to gain such a position. She strode over to the two, moving to grasp Jinzha by the scruff of their neck. She lifted the creature up effortlessly.

Jinzha whimpered, but allowed themselves to fall limp in the Empress’s hold. Jiehong sprung forward without thinking. His hands shot out without him realising they had. Before he could reach Jinzha to intervene a sharp sound rung throughout the space. The Empress, Mei Ling, had slapped him down with her free hand. This made Jiehong stumble back, falling gracelessly to the floor. He was in shock, mouth hung slightly open as he glanced up at her through teary eyes. 

Zhi Yu froze in his seat. Witnessing this moment left blood dripping through his clenched fists as his nails dug into his skin. The sudden wave of fury he felt was almost all encompassing as he watched the God fall to the floor. 

“How dare she lay a hand on him,” was said through gritted teeth. Zhi Yu stood, moving through the hall at a quick pace, robes moving in a swish as he exited the manor. 

The angled smirk on Mei Ling’s face pulled it into a dark twist. 

“Do not forget your place, Your Highness.” 

The words were chucked forward in a mocking nature. They were the last words she spoke before leaving with Jinzha in hand leaving the minor God behind to pick up the pieces. 

Jiehong was in a state of shock, he swallowed deeply, more a gulp than anything else, hands shaking slightly as he took in the now empty space of the decrepit temple. He moved a hand, watching it shake and blinking as a tear landed, making him aware of the fact that he was crying. Jinzha was gone, he couldn’t help…

“Useless…” 

He curled into himself on the dust and dirt covered floor, tugging at his hair as the tears came faster. Vines and weeds crept up the man’s arms and neck, spreading from his hair in a mess of viscous plants. He rocked slightly, unable to stop, as he began to fall apart, wilting and dying, much as the flowers had done before. He was afterall a simple minor Flower God.