56 Once upon a Christmas eve 1 (2/2)

\”Weird. Huh. You're still denying it? I know what I saw. You disappeared into dust. You have supernatural powers. But don't worry your secret's safe with me.\” Ben Zi proclaimed.

Mao Lu's brow twitched, this guy was irritating, \”There is nothing to deny and there is no secret. I'd like it if you stopped accusing me of strange things. I don't even know you that well. We only met once or twice coincidentally. I found it funny at first but it's a bit rude don't you think?\”

Ben Zi gaped, how could this guy blatantly deny it, right to his face.

\”I know what I saw! It's not like I'm going to tell anyone your secret why are you denyin-OWing a bit much.\”

\”I thought you said you believed me Ray!?\” Ben Zi yelled.

\”I wanted to believe you because you're my best friend, but now you're causing trouble for this guy! And you're acting crazy. Can we just enjoy our Christmas eve without disturbing people.\”

\”Yeah can't you see we are disturbing something.\” Qui Ten pointed at Chàng Bo and Mao Lu, who still had their arms linked together.

Ben Zi also glanced at them. \”Were they a couple?\” he wondered. He felt jealousy burn inside of him. \”Who is this guy?\” he glared at Chàng Bo.

Chàng Bo stared back at Ben Zi in amusement. \”Are you glaring at me?\”

\”Maybe?\” Ben Zi hissed.

\”That's enough we're leaving. I'm so sorry.\” Ray Xi said as she grabbed Ben Zi's arm, Qui Ten grabbed his other arm and they dragged him away.

\”What the hell guys!!!?\”

\”You're obviously not thinking straight, you need to cool off.\” Ray Xi said as they walked off with him.

Mao Lu and Chàng Bo stared blankly as they watched the trio disappear.

\”What was that about? That little annoying Mortal was funny.\” Chàng Bo sniggered.

Mao Lu sighed, \”It's a long story. I barely know him seriously.\”

Chàng Bo raised an eyebrow, \”He seems to like you.\”

\”And what gave you that idea.\”

\”Well he was challenging me with his eyes, his aura was oozing jealousy.\”

Mao Lu was surprised, \”Really, and how did that make you feel?\”

\”How did what make me feel? \” Chàng Bo tilted his head in confusion.

\”How does it feel that another man likes me, does it make you jealous?\” Mao Lu asked, his voice a bit shaky, his eyes a bit hopeful.

\”I felt amused. That puny Mortal dared to even like you. He obviously doesn't know how high the Heavens are. Why would I be jealous over someone like him?\”

Mao Lu rolled his eyes and sighed, \”That wasn't the answer I was looking for.\” He started walking ahead of Chàng Bo.

Chàng Bo blinked in confusion. \”Huh, what did I say wrong? Mao Lu!?\” he jogged after him.

…..

\”What the hell! That was freaking embarrassing. Why would you guys just drag me away like that!?\” Ben Zi shouted as Ray and Qui dropped him at the end of the high street.

\”Because you were being embarrassing. You were shouting at that Mao guy and screaming in the middle of the street about him having powers. That was embarrassing.\” Ray Xi said sternly, \”What the hell was that Ben?\”

\”So now I'm the bad guy. I'm the person that's in the wrong. When that guy lied to my face and made me seem crazy. He does have powers!!!!\” Ben screamed.

\”You know what Ben, I'm not putting up with this crap today. This Christmas eve I was going to have a nice date with Qui Ten but I decided we'd spend it with you instead since you've been so lonely and acting so weird lately. But you know what, you can just spend this Christmas eve alone muttering strange things and harassing honest strangers. Call me when your nervous breakdown is over.\”

Ray Xi grabbed Qui Ten's hand and marched with her away. Leaving Ben Zi alone standing at the corner of the street.

\”Wow just wow.\” Ben muttered as he watched them leave.

He kicked a nearby trash can. He was so annoyed right now.

\”You shouldn't kick public bins like that.\” A voice said.

Ben Zi swivelled around, 360 degrees, on his heel, eyes darting back and forth.

\”Who?\”

There was a large crowd of Christmas shoppers and tourists walking the streets but none had stopped to talk to him.

He scratched his head in confusion.

\”Am I just hearing things?\”

He turned around and jumped back in surprise. There was an old man standing in front of him. He had a creepy cold smile.

He stared intently at Ben Zi.

\”Ummmm do I know you?\” Ben felt a strange chill spread across his skin.

\”This man is weird.\”As he thought this he felt his mind overcome with thoughts that weren't his own.

\”I need to find the Gatekeeper.\”

\”I need to get rid of him.\”

\”I need to grow.\”

Ben Zi's clear eyes became cloudy, his expression became cold. In juxtaposition the old man's face became confused, his eyes becoming clear.

\”Huh… Am I in Chaoyang, when did I get here?\” The old man scratched the back of his head and wandered off absentmindedly.

The Irregularity smiled to itself. \”Ohh this one knows the Gatekeeper.\” It laughed as it skipped down the busy street in Ben Zi's body.