Shadows danced along the dark alleyways as Zhen Xue ran through them, sandals pounding against the muddy cobblestone road. The stone buildings decaying from age dripped with mold and sludge that did not look normal. He pushed past the nausea, hairs rising on his neck in response to something following him, and it wasn’t Ming Yi.

It ticked faintly like an old clock, overlapping each other, which told him there were more then one. They moved with the speed of a wild animal, metal clanking against the stone. He never heard something so unnatural before and that realization—that he was truly defenseless, completely out of his element, chilled him to the bone.

There was a time when he thought ghosts were his worst adversary, but oh, how he couldn’t have been more mistaken. He no longer relied on what he knew about this world, so what else did he overlook? 

He turned down another path, sliding against the pavement that almost sent him crashing into the wall. He gripped the wet stone to catch himself, pushing forward out of breath, willing his legs to go faster. The woman he inhabited might be small, but she was at least athletic.

The surrounding shadows moved, edging along the corner of his vision until he could either choose to die now or turn around and fight. If he was going to die, he’d do so on his own terms. He braced himself, preparing to spin around when a strong hand grabbed his arm, yanking him down another alleyway in haste. 

He gasped partially from shock, but also desperate to catch his breath. The puddle beneath him splashed along his clothes as he came to a stop, looking up and up the body of a man, late twenties, wearing black clothes. He was decently attractive—slim waist, stubble along his lower jaw, high cheekbones, thick brows, short black wavy hair, and messy bangs that fell over his forehead. But his red eyes, that’s what made Zhen Xue pause in recognition. 

This was the monk from the Unruly, which meant… He dropped his gaze, looking over to find him holding the legendary wooden staff with his free hand. Zhen Xue stared in fascination, having only heard of its power. It was nearly the height of it’s owner, just around his stubbled chin, curvy, and engraved in swirls of magical runes. 

The man released his wrist, brow furrowing at him for a moment. “Stay close,” he said in a gravely voice. “They’re coming for you.”

Zhen Xue moved past him, deeper into the alley as everything fell into complete darkness. 

He turned around, mouth falling open at the three massive… what could he even call them?

They moved like puppets on strings—short crippled movements. Cogs rotated underneath flowing golden silk draped over their tall, narrow bodies. A faceless diamond shape object floated where the head should be. Sharp vertically aligned needles moved through the air high above them.

While Zhen Xue was collectively losing his shit, the monk moved with laziness, lifting his staff a few feet off the ground. He slammed it back down with a loud thud, making a flock of birds fly away in the distance. 

Glowing lines appeared within the exterior runes of the staff, starting from the top and moving towards the ground. A blue translucent shield split through the air, surrounding them in a globe just as thousands of needles flew their way. Zhen Xue’s stomach pitched as the needles bounced harmlessly off the shield, piling onto the pavement.

“Sorry for the late introduction,” the monk said, casually throwing him a half a smile. “The name’s Sagittarius.”

“Don’t look at me!” Zhen Xue yelled in half panic. “I doubt that’s all they can do.”

He huffed a laugh, leaning against the wet stone wall to prop a cigarette between his teeth. He reached into his pocket again for what revealed to be a match. “Calm down, kid. Nothing can get through my shield.”

He tried but failed as that bony metal hand moved towards him, looking way too close for comfort.

Sagittarius lifted his gaze to find the enemy moving more fully through his shield. The cigarette fell from his mouth. He grabbed his arm, pulling him mid run deeper into the alley as the creatures chased after them. “Change of plans,” he said in a tight, breathless voice. “Let’s go.”

Mage light within crystal globes floated on top of dark spiraled poles, lighting their path through the dense fog. The shield followed them as they maneuvered through the streets, blocking the onslaught of needles that flew their way every few minutes. Metal claws clanked against cobblestone pavement behind them, gaining ground on them as they ran.

Zhen Xue panted, trying to keep up with Sagittarius’ long strides but it was difficult in a dress even though the fabric reached his knees. He debated ripping the damn side open but they didn’t have enough time for that. His legs and shoes were covered in mud, numbing the burn in his lower muscles.

They made several turns down narrow pathways, bursting through an opening into what looked like an abandoned town square. There was a fountain in the center with a magnificent dragon statue within the pool of water. The dragon’s mouth was agape, revealing his sharp teeth. Instead of trying to strike intimidation, the dragon’s expression was one of pride. His wings were stretched wide, frozen mid-flight, tail encasing the rim of the fountain.

Unable to observe any longer, his focus returned as they ran past towards a church that could rival the size of the palace. Zhen Xue stared up at the sharp peaks that glistened like an ebony crown under the clouded sky. 

The stained glass windows held such color and vibrancy compared to the dull gray of the Under City. The exterior was aged, carrying history within every crack. There were towers that stretched into the sky on both sides, bushes and flowers in the front yard.

It was the most beautiful piece of architecture he ever had the pleasure of writing about. Seeing this place in person felt like a long-lost dream, and in some way, maybe it was just that. 

The monk gave him half a smile, candles flickering to life as they burst through the front doors of the church. 

The interior glittered of bronze and gold. There was a sweet smell like freshly baked desserts. Rows of pews faced an ascending nave with two ebony pillars perched on either side. And in the center were three large windows, stretching to the ceiling that was impossible to find. Zhen Xue’s breath caught in his throat, observing the stained glass windows of various colors and what looked like paintings of old legends.

Before he could look closer, Sagittarius picked up their pace, leading him down a hallway to the right. Metal claws clanked against the bronze wood floor behind them. His heart nearly burst in response, pushing forward on fumes.

“THEMIS!!!” Sagittarius yelled, panting through deep breaths. 

He sounded tired. Relatable. They needed to get a break soon. His dizziness was becoming worse.

A blond haired man descended from the spiraled staircase near the end of the hallway, his low ponytail swinging behind him. “I’m not a horse to be called on command,” he complained coming down the last step. He had a lanky build, about the height of his other body, wrapped in white formal attire, and a silver chain on his coat that swung when he moved. His green eyes widened behind round spectacles as they barreled in his direction. “Oh, shit.”

If Zhen Xue wasn’t so winded, he would’ve agreed.

“Oh shit, indeed,” Sagittarius huffed in a flat tone. “Open the fucking portal.”

Themis scrambled to the door beside the staircase, slamming a palm against the wooden surface. 

A green glow spread downward from the top of the door, revealing hidden runes—circles and lines that connected within each other. Zhen Xue’s stomach pitched, knowing the door wouldn’t open in time. 

Too slow. The moment they stop, those creatures would devour them. 

Sagittarius appeared to share similar concerns, staff thumping against the ground with more urgency. Needles caught on their clothes as his shield fluctuated as he neared burnout. “Get that damn door open, four eyes!”

“Working on it,” he breathed. Glowing lines spread faster as he concentrated. 

Zhen Xue braced himself, prepared to collide with the door, but in the last moment it burst open. The three of them stumbled into a pool of darkness. It slid over his skin like a layer of fog that was not oppressive, but rather, guided him to the other side. 

Sagittarius released him and he stumbled forward, freezing as he took in the familiar interior of the inn. It appeared they entered across from the main entrance, but were still a spectacle on display. Forks fell onto tabletops, drinks spilling into laps as the customers looked up, gaping at them.

Aelius took one look their way and headed for the front door. “Everyone out,” he announced. “We’re closed.” He held the door open as customers filed out. When the premise was empty except for them, Aelius promptly shut the door, snapping the lock in place. He turned, meeting his gaze with furrowed brows that softened in confusion.

“Look alive,” Themis said, drawing everyones attention to the portal. His hand was on the door, keeping the pathway open. “They’re coming.”

Zhen Xue’s hands clenched at his sides, frustrated that he couldn’t defend himself against something he didn’t know how to fight. Aelius reached his side, glancing over him from head to fists, brown eyes flickering with something unrecognizable. 

The dark pool before them rippled as golden fabric and metal limbs flowed freely through the space, revealing three nimble bodies. Unlike before, the creatures seemed slowed by the magic flowing through the door. They broke themselves free, pausing before breaking down simultaneously, metal clattering into a pile of broken parts. 

The sight elicited a sharp sense of familiarity. The five hundred servants… Calisaya said she was responsible for their death, so why…? What was this familiarity? Why would she help him now? Zhen Xue’s gaze swung towards the top of the staircase, picking up movement. His eyes widened at the blond hair that scurried away. 

No, surely not. He must be mistaken.

Aelius stared at him with bewilderment and burst into laughter that did not need an explanation. 

It took a long moment to recall their friendship and resist the urge not to throttle him. “Shut up,” he grumbled, not bothering to hide the edge in his words from his waning exhaustion. “This isn’t funny!”

Aelius broke into a harder fit of laugher, clutching his stomach as he fought to stand upright. He wiped away the tears of joy that brimmed in his eyes. “I’m not even going to ask how you got yourself into this mess.”

“Good,” he replied stiffly. “I wasn’t about to explain myself.”

Aelius calmed down enough to give him a bemused smile. “You’re wearing a maid dress. A fucking maid dress with a bow in the back. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.”

“And you’re wearing a laced apron,” Zhen Xue scoffed. “Choose one. You’ve already done both.”

“So, you two know each other?” Sagittarius interjected, casually sliding into the conversation.

“Unfortunately.”

“This is Zhen Xue,” Aelius replied. “We were partners once.”

Zhen Xue rolled his eyes. “Partners usually mean working together,” he pointed out. “You followed me around.”

“Semantics,” Aelius smiled wolfishly. “You’re lucky that I did.”

“Wait,” Sagittarius gaped at him. “So, you’re not…”

Themis looked him over like he was something that didn’t belong. He might be half correct. “How did you…?”

“Swap bodies?” Zhen Xue offered in a flat tone. “Tell me when you find out.” He still didn’t understand why his soul rejected him. Regression didn’t mean he became someone else, time just reversed to when he was a child. He opened his mouth to ask for their opinion, but paused, heartbeat stuttering at a thought. He sharply turned to Aelius with growing panic. “Does Li Wei normally sleep this long?”

A flash of concern crossed his face. The four of them moved in sync, mounting the staircase to the second floor. 

Zhen Xue led them through the corridor. He pushed open their door, an exhale leaving his chest at what he saw. 

Li Wei stood in front of the mirror, leaned over slightly to put on his left earring. His golden hair was brushed, curls reaching his shoulders. Bronze trim shimmed along the edges of his white suit in the afternoon light, his overcoat hanging to behind his knees. 

Li Wei’s gaze swept to him, sapphire eyes widening slightly, then softened. “Ah, there you are, my dear.” He smiled and Zhen Xue forgot how to breathe and the fifteen years of separation. “I was about to come find you.”

“No need,” he insisted, clearing his throat. “I went to have tea and…” Words failed him because how the hell does he know? Li Wei recognized him immediately. He didn’t even have the silver dragon ring to connect their minds.

Zhen Xue’s burning desire grew, wanting to unravel every inch of this man to find what secrets laid beneath. He casually walked to his side, snatching the blue cufflinks on the small table between them. He lifted Li Wei’s arm, attaching the blue gem to the cuff of his sleeve, careful to mind the threads.

When he finished with one, he moved to the other side, picking up on how Li Wei’s throat bobbed. Zhen Xue met his gaze with a tiny, satisfied smirk, snapping the cufflink over the final button. Two could play this game and Zhen Xue was already too invested to pull away now. He looked down, observing his work. The gem shimmered the same color as Li Wei’s sapphire eyes and matching earrings. Such attention to detail. Zhen Xue smiled to himself.

Noting he was still holding his wrist, Zhen Xue released him, their fingertips grazing in the process. “We should inform the owner,” Zhen Xue suggested, subtly pulling back to give him space. “And clean the mess downstairs.”

Li Wei huffed, adjusting his hair one last time in the mirror. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Why not?” Zhen Xue frowned. “After what happened last night, I don’t feel right leaving without...”

“He was a temporary hire.” Li Wei flashed him a small smile. “This building is mine.”