Work Text:
…Tides of the Past
Etched my scars into dragon scales…
“...Dan Feng.”
Dan Feng stares blankly towards the sky, his mind occupied as the cool breeze flows through his long hair. The vidyadhara’s face is devoid of emotion as he glances towards the person who says his name.
“It’s time.”
/
Dan Feng calmly watches as Jing Yuan downs his third shot, slamming his cup against the table with a cat-like smirk. “You should join the festivities, Dan Feng. Unless you’re afraid to go against me.”
Jingliu rolls her eyes at the comment, sipping her drink with poise. “Or perhaps he doesn’t want to make a blubbering fool of himself as you tend to do.”
Amused by the banter, Dan Feng simply shakes his head. “As amusing as it would be to compete with you tonight, Jing Yuan, I will go for a short walk to clear my mind. Mind you, we will have that competition next time and I will be victorious.”
Jing Yuan snorts, waving his hand dismissively at Dan Feng. “Off you go.”
Dan Feng stands up from his chair, turning towards the exit to step outside into the Central Starskiff Haven. Feeling the slight breeze through his hair, Dan Feng decides to head away from prying eyes towards the Alchemy Commission where the leaves on the trees are a vibrant orange and yellow.
Dan Feng brushes his fingertips against the petals of a flower unknown to him, suppressing a sigh. The air around him is calm and quiet, just what he needed to lower his stress levels, and he closes his eyes briefly.
The ruffling sound of a branch snaps Dan Feng back into alert, his eyes immediately diverting to the noise. The thick bundle of leaves on the branch obscures his vision, but the way the branch shakes makes him pray it’s just an animal. He didn’t want to engage in combat.
“Gotcha ya little–” In a flash, a tan-gray blur falls from the tree, a fox tail sticking straight up as Dan Feng tilts his head to the side, spotting an unknown Foxian laying flat on the ground. Dan Feng is speechless and when their eyes meet, it seems the Foxian’s speechless as well. “...Hah, hey… how unsightly of me.”
Dan Feng opens his mouth to speak, but closes it, stunned. What is a Foxian male doing in a tree?
It takes him a moment to speak and eventually, he does. “What on Earth are you doing?”
The Foxian gives a sheepish grin as he sits up straighter, brushing his robes off. His long, tan-gray, hair was in an unkempt state from being in a tree but Dan Feng wasn’t going to comment on it. He’s seen worse from Jing Yuan.
The Foxian holds up his hand, a round fruit resting in his palm. “I wanted this.” He replies as if Dan Feng didn’t just catch him falling out of a tree trying to get it. “It’s not like lavish fruit such as this grows just anywhere.”
“Yes…” Dan Feng nods slowly, still slightly suspicious. “What do you need that for?” He asks out of curiosity mostly, but he is still curious to why a Foxian would be out this far.
“What do you even need to know that for?” The Foxian’s tone is defensive, making Dan Feng’s suspicions further as he blankly stares down at the Foxian who is still sitting on the ground. His gaze clearly unnerves the other man as he speaks without him asking anything else. “Okay, okay. I’m trying to make chocolate.”
Dan Feng’s eyebrow raises. That seemed suspicious. “Foxian’s do not usually eat chocolate. Does it not make your kind ill?”
The Foxian looks offended. “My kind ? Rude.”
“...It wasn’t my intention to offend.” Dan Feng’s lack of social abilities tend to show when not speaking to his familiar companions.
“Fine, forgiven.” The Foxian huffs, glancing down at the fruit in his hand. “To answer your question, chocolate does make our kind ill, which is why I’m trying to create a chocolate that Foxian’s can eat! It’s good business.”
Dan Feng snorts. “Really now?”
“Duh,” The Foxian replies, standing up from off the ground, his ear twitching. “You know, I don’t care for stupid traditions. Just because I reached for the toy starskiff as a baby, doesn’t mean that I have to be a pilot. I don’t even want to be a pilot! I’ll have you know, I just wanted to chew on it.”
Dan Feng’s surprise shows on his face. He knows of Foxian tradition as he has met several in his long lifetime.
According to the Foxian "birthfate" custom of having babies "picking" their future, parents will put various objects and toys around an infant cub, and get them to choose their future career path by grabbing an item. If the child reaches for a jade abacus, it is said they will grow up to be a diviner. If they reach for a sword, they will grow up to be a famous warrior, and if they reach for a toy starskiff, they'll become a starskiff pilot.
“You are an odd one.”
The Foxian’s face turns deadpan. “Right back at you. I’ve never met a Vidyadhara that seemed relatively normal.” Before Dan Feng can take offense to his remark, the Foxian speaks up again. “Hey, want to help me make the next best thing?”
Dan Feng pauses–there’s no way that this Foxian knows who he is. Asking a stranger you just met, one who is highly regarded and known as the High Elder, to help him in a business endeavor… “Do you even know who I am?”
“...Am I supposed to?” The Foxian glances at Dan Feng and for once, Dan Feng is speechless. He decides to shake his head, maybe it’s for the best that this Foxian man has no clue. “Great, come on!”
Without second thought or prior warning, the Foxian–who he still didn’t know the name of–grabs his wrist to tug him forward. In all honesty, he should be fighting this and not letting himself be taken by an unknown Foxian, but he was intrigued. He’s never met someone so odd.
The Foxian’s home was… lackluster to put in kind terms. Dan Feng was thankful that his tail was not out in the open at this moment because he would surely knock everything over with it. There was barely enough space to do anything let alone cook.
“Your home is rather…”
He notices the other man glance away. “Right, well, I chose this path. I refuse to step back with my tail between my legs to become a pilot and have everyone tell me that they “told me so,” I’d rather be here than feel suffocated in a starskiff.”
Dan Feng smiles. “Admirable.”
Dan Feng admits that it wasn’t on his schedule to be holed up in a tiny, worn down and abandoned, home in the Alchemy Commission’s premise, away from the others, but during this time–he and the Foxian talked.
He even learns that this mysterious Foxian is named Caelian. Caelian was destined to be a pilot, just like his father, but he turned away from his destiny. This led him to become outcast from his family and peers, his parents receiving pity every time just because their son didn’t follow his birthfate. Dan Feng found it admirable that Caelian was this determined to make it on his own.
“What about you, huh?” Caelian asks, his tongue sticking out in focus as he adds an “estimated” amount of ingredients. “You haven’t spoken much about yourself.”
Dan Feng falls silent, reaching out to brush Caelian’s long strand of hair out of his face so it doesn’t fall into the cauldron. “My name is Dan Feng, a renowned member of the Xianzhou Alliance's High-Cloud Quintet and the High Elder of the Luofu Vidyadhara.”
Caelian accidentally drops an extra spoon of sugar into the cauldron, now staring at Dan Feng as if he had committed a crime in broad daylight. “Do you want to repeat that?”
“My name is Dan Feng, a renown–”
Caelian cuts him off. “No, no, no. I wasn’t serious about you repeating yourself. It’s just… You’re joking, right?”
It’s Dan Feng’s turn to look confused. “Why would I be joking?”
Caelian thinks about it for a hard second before shaking his head. “You wouldn’t be. Well, that’s alright.”
Dan Feng expected a different reaction. “You… do you not care?”
Caelian shakes his head as he stirs the contents of the cauldron together, glancing up at Dan Feng. “No, should I? I mean, it’s not really what I expected from you, but… I guess the fancy attire makes sense. You’re a lot different from what people say.”
Glancing down at his own attire, then at Caelian’s, the difference is apparent. Caelian’s outfit looks worn down as if it was the only thing he owned. “...I see. Pray tell, what do people say about me?”
Dan Feng was aware that people spoke of him, many praised him, and others worshipped him. He was also aware that there were most likely people who disliked him.
“Well, I hear a lot of people say you’re pretty strong, like… drown a whole nation strong.” Caelian replies, struggling to lift the cauldron.
Sighing, Dan Feng moves to assist Caelian, moving the cauldron with the Foxian easily. “Yes, you could say I have immense power as the High Elder. As for drowning a whole nation, I would not know.”
Caelian laughs, wiping his hands on his robes as he folds his arms across his chest. “You know, people say you’re pretty cold and hard to approach. I disagree.”
“...You didn’t even know who I was when you brought me here, I don’t think your opinion on approaching me in that matter can count.” Dan Feng points out and Caelian awkwardly smiles.
“In my defense…” Caelian starts, thinking about it. “I actually have no defense.”
Dan Feng actually chuckles. “You are an odd one, Caelian.”
Caelian smiles cheekily and for the first time in Dan Feng’s life, he feels the organ in his chest beat harder than it ever has before.
/
…Within its breath, brewing storms
Bloodline and roots
Interwoven ‘neath my flesh, forming destiny
Rooted in the scorching heart of a dragon...
Dan Feng is silent, as if he’s lost all ability to speak. His face is devoid of emotion, there’s no need for those anymore. With Jing Yuan by his side, Dan Feng treads through the Xianzhou Luofo, citizens of both Foxian and Vidyadhara descent watching.
To most, Dan Feng looked completely lacking in emotion and feeling–as many people had said about him in secret. To people who know him, there’s a look of remorse and guilt.
“...This was bound to happen eventually, it just happened sooner than later.” Jing Yuan whispers, not sugarcoating his words. He knows that Dan Feng wouldn’t want him to.
“I know.”
/
Yingxing is the first to call him out–just as he expected. “You were gone for some time.”
Dan Feng glances towards his companion. Yingxing’s silver hair is draped in front of his eyes. But Dan Feng can feel their piercing gaze. “I’m sure Jing Yuan kept you company while I was away.”
Yingxing scoffs. “...As if I could remove the leech even if I wanted to.”
Chuckling, Dan Feng gracefully sits down across from Yingxing, accepting the drink handed to him. “Was he too drunk to spar? Is that why you have waited for my return?”
“...Drunk or not, I would win in a fight with that foolish man. He was not drunk.” Yingxing replies, taking a sip from his own cup. “We sparred.”
Dan Feng adjusts the glove resting over his fingertips, glancing up in amusement. “I wonder if our definitions of ‘ sparring ’ are different, Yingxing.”
Yingxing chokes on his drink, slightly clearly his throat while keeping his unphased demeanor. “I have no idea what you are mumbling about.”
Dan Feng smiles behind his cup, not wanting to discuss his whereabouts. It was best if his connection to Caelian stayed under the wraps for now. He wasn’t known for befriending people outside of The High-Cloud Quintet. Most found him unapproachable due to his status.
Caelian spoke to him as if they were long-time companions and it made Dan Feng realize what he could have if he were born in a different timeline.
Foolishly, Dan Feng accepted Caelian’s offer of meeting once more–a few days coming.
Jingliu is the first to take notice of Dan Feng’s odd behavior.
“Dan Feng,” Jingliu pushes herself off of the wall she leaned against, eyeing the High Elder with a hint of emotion Dan Feng could not read. “Is everything alright? You seem more jittery than usual.”
Dan Feng’s eyes meet hers and he shakes his head. “No, of course not. If something of concern was happening, you all would be the first to know.”
“...Hah.” Jingliu has a small, amused, smile on her face. “I am not referring to something dangerous. More so the opposite.”
Tilting his head in genuine confusion, Dan Feng tries to read her expression, however, she gives away not even a crumb of emotion. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”
Jingliu saunters past Dan Feng, pausing when their backs face each other. She glances over her shoulder, whispering low enough for only them to hear. “You and I both know why you took so long to come back the other day. You’d best learn how to remove Foxian fur from your clothing if you don’t want the others to know.”
Dan Feng immediately tenses up and before he can turn around and deny it, Jingliu is nowhere to be seen. His shoulders slump a bit as he realizes that perhaps he wasn’t as sneaky as he thought.
When the day approaches, Dan Feng finds himself wearing more casual attire. Jingliu’s words stuck in his mind and he, personally, did not want to spend hours removing Caelian’s fur from his main attire.
Caelian lived fairly isolated due to him abandoning his birthfate, a cardinal sin to most Foxian folk.
In a way, Dan Feng felt sorry for the Foxian.
From his personal experience, Foxians are social creatures by nature and knowing that Caelian rarely got the stimulation from socializing made his heart tighten for reasons he could not explain. His home was far too small to invite anyone over though Dan Feng didn’t mind the cramped space.
Caelian had told him to meet him where ‘the fruit falls from the trees’ which, he assumed, was the place they had first met despite the Foxian being the only thing that fell from the tree that evening.
When Dan Feng arrives, he sees no sight of his Foxian companion. The only sounds that come to his ears are the ones from the sea in the distance. He steps closer to the railing, placing his hands against the cold metal as he calmly listens to the waves. A rare moment of peace.
Or so he thought.
“Dan Feng!” A loud voice says from behind. He glances slightly over his shoulder to see his Foxian companion running towards him with a wave.
Before he can say a word, Caelian trips over himself, stumbling forward, and using his speed, Dan Feng manages to catch the Foxian with his left arm before he hits the ground, his hand gripping Caelian’s side to steady the clumsy Foxian. He doesn’t move his hand. “...You shouldn’t run on stone ground.”
Caelian stares up at him and Dan Feng stares back, his expression unreadable.
The Foxian laughs and stands up straighter, brushing it off as a simple thing, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hey, I’m a bit clumsy. It can’t be helped.”
“...I am aware,” Dan Feng sighs, remembering their first encounter of Caelian falling off of a tree. “Perhaps it is a good thing you are not a pilot.”
Caelian blinks rapidly for a moment before letting out a laugh. Dan Feng’s entire being tenses at the magical sound. He clears his throat after a moment. “...Try not to get yourself killed.” Dan Feng simply sighs.
“Got it.” Caelian smirks and Dan Feng ignores the way his heart skips a beat or two. “The weather is nice today, isn’t it? No storms, just the calm of the waves. I love watching them from a distance.”
Dan Feng nods as Caelian joins him in watching the sea. “...Do you isolate yourself willingly?” He asks, the Vidyadhara side-eyeing Caelian. He’s curious about the Foxian aside from what he learned in their first meeting.
Caelian looks surprised by Dan Feng’s question, smiling a bit as he ponders his response. “I don’t really isolate myself. If you mean by my residence being where it is, well… It’s simple. It’s quiet and I can focus on my chocolate-making journey without being bothered. While the adult Foxians avoid me, the children are young and innocent and care little for ‘birthfates’ as that is only a worry in adulthood.”
Furrowing his eyebrows, Dan Feng folds his arms across his chest. “What do children have to do with my question?”
“Silly,” Caelian chuckles. “I’m telling you that the children and I play together sometimes. If I can’t get along with adults, why not children who are free of judgment? Plus, they’re eager to try my chocolate when it’s done and ready. I’m everyone’s favorite uncle.”
“...” Dan Feng’s silence is not interrupted by Caelian, the man imagining the scene in his head. He knows there is truth to Caelian’s words–children are less likely to judge one for their choices in life, especially ones they do not fully understand. Birthfates are an important part of Foxian culture, however, it truly only matters as you reach older years. “I understand.” He finally says.
“Some may call it a lonely existence due to the inability to have a conversation with someone of my intelligence level, however, I don’t see it that way. Children are intelligent in their own way, you know? In fact, their ramblings help me a lot in my creations. Even… if I’ve failed several times to make something that tastes acceptable.”
Dan Feng typically found chocolate unpleasant. It wasn’t his type of dessert to enjoy but he understands Caelian’s desire to have something which can be dangled in front of your face that you cannot have. “You’ll create what you desire, I’m sure of it.”
Caelian looks surprised hearing words from a man such as Dan Feng, a High Elder, but it fuels him with determination. “You’ll try my chocolate when it’s ready, right?”
“...I’ll be first in line.”
/
…Steel tempered, to become my bones
Hurricanes unleashed, tearing from my throat
Using legends to reshape me
Using agony to reforge me...
It wasn’t common for Vidyadhara to make appearances at events like these. It was even less common for the ‘group of heroes’, the High-Cloud Quintet, to make an appearance at an event like this. Yingxing rarely made appearances in general, yet he stood by Jing Yuan’s side. Even Baiheng, the traveler of the High-Cloud Quintet, is present for this sole event.
If the High-Cloud Quintet weren’t here in person, would people have bothered to show? The thought leaves Dan Feng with dark thoughts that he immediately pushes away. This was not a time for his negative thoughts to take over.
Baiheng places a gloved hand onto Dan Feng’s shoulder, her voice steady as she speaks. “You honor my kind, Dan Feng.”
“...I wouldn’t do it for anyone else but you.” He says, his eyes ahead where flowers lay, the petals blowing in the breeze.
“I know.” Baiheng removes her hand from his shoulder, taking a step back from Dan Feng, giving him space.
/
“Ack!” Caelian coughs as he spits out attempt number twenty-two. “Too much, way too much! Disgusting!”
Dan Feng smirks from where he’s sat in Caelian’s cramped living space, the High Elder finding it rather ridiculous that instead of doing something meaningful with his time, he’s here, watching Caelian try to perfect his chocolate. “I told you it was too much. Anyone with eyes could tell it was too much.”
“Y-Yeah, well! Don’t knock it until you try it.”
“...You just spit it out, I am not trying it.” Dan Feng deadpans, the man standing up from his spot and moving to squeeze next to Caelian. “You’re overthinking it.”
Caelian huffs, folding his arms against his chest in protest. “Hmph. What do you know about cooking?”
Dan Feng pauses. “...As much as you do, which isn’t much.”
“Hey!” Caelian sighs before realizing Dan Feng has a point. He went into this blind and without much thought, just like he always does. He had spirit and a good heart but that isn’t going to translate into a product. “Okay, fine. This is pointless.”
“OW!” Caelian rubs the back of his head, his fox ears flickering in annoyance as he rubs the back of his head. “What was that for?”
“For saying something absurd.” Dan Feng simply says, shaking his head. “What you’re doing isn’t pointless. You wish to give Foxian’s the enjoyment of eating ‘chocolate’ despite not being able to, however, there’s a flaw in your plan.”
Caelian falls silent as he stares at the failed mixture. “What am I missing?” His voice is quiet, unsure.
“...You don’t know what chocolate tastes like. How can you emulate something you’ve never had before?” Dan Feng asks, putting his finger up as a way for Caelian to stay silent. “And no, I am not telling you to go eat chocolate. I would rather not be the reason for your death.”
It’s true, Caelian hasn’t had chocolate before. Why hadn’t he thought of this? How can he emulate the taste of something he’s only smelled? “Then, what can I do?”
“Give me a few days.”
Dan Feng knows this is a ludicrous idea, however, he wants to help Caelian. He has much more important issues to attend to but his mind isn’t focused and his heart is in turmoil. He has limited time before she departs again.
“Baiheng.”
The Foxian woman turns to face him, a gentle smile on her lips. Her fox ear twitches as he approaches. They weren’t the closest of the five but they have always been civil with each other. “Dan Feng, a surprise seeing you.”
“Yes, I’ve been… about.” Dan Feng replies vaguely besides knowing that he looks suspicious at the moment. “I wanted to ask you about something.”
Baiheng motions for Dan Feng to take a seat, the two sitting outside in the calm breeze. The orange and yellow leaves blow in the wind, leaving a sense of calamity between them. “It must be important if you’re asking me. Usually Jingliu is the one with all of the answers.”
Dan Feng shakes his head. “Jingliu isn’t able to answer this one, only you can. It’s about Foxian diets.”
Baiheng laughs. It’s only when she realizes that Dan Feng is completely serious that she stops laughing and watches him carefully. “...You wish to know about Foxian diets?”
“Yes.” Dan Feng replies, ignoring the fluttering feeling in his gut.
“May I ask why?” Baiheng tilts her head. “You’re not going to give me something weird as a departing gift, are you?”
“Not this time.” Dan Feng slightly teases, rubbing his wrist as a nervous habit. “Please keep this between us, Jing Yuan’s teasing will be relentless if he knows. A few days ago, I met a Foxian who wishes to make chocolate that Foxians can eat. Apparently, he wishes to eat chocolate but, as Foxian’s cannot have chocolate, he can only see it from a distance. He’s failed many times.”
“Chocolate.” Baiheng chuckles, a thoughtful look on her face. Dan Feng is ready for her to tease him but it doesn’t come. Instead, she speaks with a hint of excitement. “Well, it sounds like your Foxian friend is trying too hard to emulate chocolate itself.”
Dan Feng nods his head slowly. “That’s what I believe. He wants it to be a perfect copy of chocolate, however… That isn’t realistic. There are ingredients needed in chocolate that make it chocolate. I’m at a loss.”
Baiheng studies Dan Feng’s expression. “...Intriguing. Who is this Foxian?” When Dan Feng doesn’t answer, she laughs. “Secretive, I see. I won’t ask. Instead of focusing on making chocolate, why not change directions? Foxian’s have different diets than other species, however, we can still eat many of the things you can. Why not make something unique? Sweets preferred.”
“...I’ll let him know.”
Between managing his duties and visiting Caelian, Dan Feng knows that Jing Yuan and Yingxing are getting suspicious of his frequent disappearances. Baiheng has already departed, going on another adventure. He knows he will be hearing of her crashed Starskiff landing very soon. Jingliu has already seen the Foxian fur on his clothing and has already solved the puzzle.
Before meeting Caelian, he rarely went out to go on ‘walks’ and with him being gone for hours, it’s easy for suspicion to arise.
Jing Yuan stops him one evening on his return from Caelian’s. “There you are. You must really love taking long walks. It’s nearly dark out.”
Dan Feng calmly nods. “It’s calming.”
Yingxing snorts from where he is sitting, taking a sip from his cup. “You’re a terrible liar.”
“That’s hardly true,” Dan Feng replies, sitting down at the table across from Yingxing. Jing Yuan sits in between the two, relaxes against his chair. “You’re just hard to lie to.”
“Unfortunately,” Jing Yuan shakes his head. “I’ve tried.”
Yingxing sighs in annoyance as he moves to punch Jing Yuan’s arm. Jing Yuan avoids it easily just as a cat would. “Jing Yuan, you lie about things that anyone could see through. You cannot tell me you’ve slept when you look on the urge of collapse and expect me to believe you. Idiot.”
“Harsh, harsh…” Jing Yuan laughs, waving off Yingxing’s comment. “It’s not about me.”
“Right,” Yingxing rolls his eyes, his silver hair blowing in the wind. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful despite the line of questioning. “Where have you actually been going, Dan Feng? There’s no point in lying.”
Dan Feng closes his eyes in thought. “Yes, there is no point in lying. I’ve been visiting someone important.”
Both silver haired men glance at each other briefly, their eyes landing back on Dan Feng. Jing Yuan’s tone turns from teasing to more serious. “Nothing we should be concerned about, I hope.”
He laughs. “Not at all, the Luofu is safe. It’s merely a friend.”
Jing Yuan eases up on his tension as Yingxing sighs, placing his cup down against the stone table. “An invasion may be brewing, we need to be prepared. Jingliu is getting the details straight.”
Dan Feng narrows his eyes. “Whenever it shall come, we shall be ready.”
/
…Rending my form, setting free
A thunderous roar, a symphony
Soul's depths stirred by tempest's might
Surging waves, an awe-inspiring sight…
Dan Feng listens to the sound of the ocean. The waves calming the inner turmoil in his mind and in his heart. The others give him space, easily sensing the inner turmoil. The gears turn in his head, he thinks of everything he could have done differently.
Would it have made a difference? Was their fate set in stone?
There was no point in trying to change what had happened.
无论过去，不问将来。
Past or future, just let them be.
It is almost time for the finale.
The Returning.
/
“Where are we going?” Dan Feng asks as Caelian tugs him forward, the Foxian’s slim fingers wrapped around his wrist. He’s never noticed the way the Foxian’s nails were sharp but clearly taken care of, perfectly manicured.
“It’s a surprise.” Caelian replies cheerily, clearly not wanting to give a single detail to where the pair were going.
Dan Feng wonders if Caelian even remembers that he’s the High Elder, a man rumored to be able to drown a nation with his power. It surely doesn’t seem as if the Foxian remembers but Dan Feng isn’t mad about it. It’s freeing.
He doesn’t have to be Dan Feng, the High Elder.
He can just be Dan Feng.
The sound of children playing in the distance takes Dan Feng out of his thoughts. Caelian releases his wrist, Dan Feng slowing his walk down as he watches Caelian wave to the children and run towards them. He could hear chants of: “Uncle Caelian is back!”
Dan Feng, unable to bring himself to move, doesn’t seem to notice the smile on his own lips as he watches the children, both Foxian and human, surround him. They bombard him with innocent questions, Caelian laughing and taking the time to answer each and every one without missing a beat.
“Dan Feng, don’t just stand there! Come here!” Caelian shouts, waving him over rapidly. He looked like an oversized kid.
“You’re too loud.” Dan Feng sighs as he makes his way over. He rarely interacts with children and he looks a little stiff compared to Caelian. “...”
Caelian puts his arm around Dan Feng’s shoulder, tugging the Vidyadhara close to him. “Alright everyone, I want you to meet my best friend, Dan Feng!”
Dan Feng’s green eyes widen as he’s introduced as Caelian’s ‘best friend’, his face flushing a bit as he clears his throat. Caelian’s smile is bright and innocent, making his heart beat a little faster than before. “...Hello.”
The children clearly don’t know who Dan Feng is either, which is a relief to him, and they begin to bombard him with questions as well. He barely gets a chance to speak a word as the children are rowdy–a perfect crowd for a man like Caelian who is equally as loud.
“Are your horns real?” “Of course they’re real! Look at them!”
“Are you a lizard?” “Are you serious? He’s a Vidyadhara! Even I know that.”
“Your ears are so pointy, can I touch them?” “You can’t just ask to touch someone’s ears!”
“Are you Uncle Caelian’s lover?!” “What? They’re both boys!” “So what? Boys kiss too!”
Caelian laughs loudly, waving his hands to settle the children down. “Don’t overwhelm Dan Feng or he might never come back!” Caelian replies dramatically, giving Dan Feng a wide smile as he tries to distract from the last question. “Hey, let’s play a game! It’s been awhile since we’ve all played since I’ve been so busy.”
A choir of children whoop and cheer, Caelian turning to look at Dan Feng. Dan Feng immediately shakes his head. “No.”
“Aw, come on.” Caelian pouts, trying to use his best look to rope Dan Feng in. “...Fine,” he sighs dramatically when Dan Feng doesn’t budge. “Will you keep score for us?”
“...Yes, I can do that.”
Dan Feng finds a suitable spot to sit, watching the game keenly. Caelian is very clearly holding back which is to be expected, he’s an adult Foxian. These are children who aren’t as developed and cannot run as fast. His eyes move back and forth as he watches the ball be kicked between people–going from Foxian child, to human child, back to Caelian and repeat.
His eyes gravitate to Caelian during the game more often than they should. Dan Feng still keeps score in his head, numbers being one of his many specialities, but Caelian serves as a distraction. He thinks about all of the people missing out on having a man like Caelian in their lives due to him turning his back on his birthfate.
Caelian eventually notices his gaze, smiling wide at him. Dan Feng tilts his head as if trying to tell the man to pay attention.
“Caelian–” Dan Feng goes to say but he’s too slow. “...Watch out.”
It happens quickly, as most things do, and the ball smacks into the side of Caelian’s head and knocks him onto his rear. Dan Feng rubs his fingertips against his forehead, standing up to slowly make his way to Caelian. The children are apologizing and Caelian waves it off with a laugh. “It’s alright! Accidents happen.”
“It’s your fault for not paying attention to the game,” Dan Feng replies calmly, his green eyes glancing down at the Foxian. He simply holds his hand out for Caelian to take.
Caelian laughs shyly, meeting Dan Feng’s hand halfway as he grips onto it, allowing the man to lift him back onto his feet. Despite the circumstance, Caelian still smiles. He still is cheery. “It’s getting late, you all should go back home before your parents worry. Don’t worry, Dan Feng will take good care of me.”
Dan Feng rolls his eyes at the comment but he doesn’t deny it.
“Are you alright?” Dan Feng eventually asks as he watches Caelian sit down on the edge, his feet dangling and his fluffy tail neatly behind him.
“Yes, I’ve had worse happen over the span of my life.” Caelian chuckles, motioning for Dan Feng to sit down next to him. He complies without protest.
The two sit in a calm silence, the sky turning an orange color as the day comes to a close. Dan Feng glances at Caelian, the Foxian’s eyes glued to the sky with a soft smile. “For a Foxian who turned on his birthfate, you seem to love the sky.”
Caelian snorts, rolling his eyes as he nudges Dan Feng with his shoulder. “Anyone can appreciate the sky without feeling the need to fly.”
“Fair.” Dan Feng replies seriously, noticing the red spot on Caelian’s temple where he was hit. He slowly reaches up, his finger lightly brushing against the reddened area. “Does it hurt?”
“Mm… If you press on it, it might.” Caelian replies, not expecting the touch from the serious man.
Dan Feng opens his mouth to speak before closing it, his eyes drawn to Caelian’s skin. His fingertip gently presses on the area, careful to not hurt Caelian, and the Foxian inhales sharply. He immediately moves his hand back. “Apologies.”
Caelian laughs a bit. “You’re always so serious.”
“And you’re always not.”
“Can’t blame me. Life is long for Foxian’s but not as long as Vidyadhara’s. We don’t seemingly reincarnate like your kind does either… So I want to make the most of my life, to do something that will be remembered for years. I want… to be remembered.”
Dan Feng is silent for a moment as he genuinely thinks about Caelian’s words. “You will be remembered.”
“How are you so sure?”
“...Because I’ll always remember you.”
Caelian laughs out loud, covering his mouth with his hand. Dan Feng smacks his shoulder. “S-Sorry, sorry. It’s just… really cute how you’re so sure of that. You don’t know if you’ll remember me in your next life, you know. You probably won’t.”
“And who are you to say I won’t?” Dan Feng asks, frowning slightly. “Stranger things have happened.”
Humming, Caelian smiles to himself before glancing down at his wrist for a long moment before turning back to Dan Feng. “Then… I hope in your next life, you remember me. If I reincarnated, I’d want to remember you too.”
“...Even if that is possible, which it isn’t as a Foxian, you won’t remember me.” Dan Feng says before holding his hand up before Caelian can whine. “However,” he starts, putting his hand down. “It is the thought that counts so thank you.”
Caelian’s golden eyes widen for a moment before he smiles to himself, struggling to keep his voice calm. “Hey, can you sit on the other side of me?”
Dan Feng is confused by the request but he obliges, standing up from his spot to move onto the opposite side of Caelian. He carefully sits back down, watching as Caelian scoots a little closer. “What are you doing?”
Caelian doesn’t reply verbally, instead moving his head down onto Dan Feng’s shoulder. He closes his eyes, relaxing against the Vidyadhara. “Didn’t want to apply pressure to my temple that got hit by the ball.”
Dan Feng tenses at the contact, their closest yet, but it feels right . The children’s question from earlier rings into his skull.
“Are you Uncle Caelian’s lover?”
Lovers.
Instinctively, Dan Feng rests his head against Caelian’s gently, feeling the warmth of his Foxian ear against his head.
“The one red leaf, the last of its clan, the one that dances as often as it can…” Caelian starts, earning a curious look from Dan Feng. “Hanging on so light, and hanging so high. On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky…”
Dan Feng chuckles softly. “Into poetry now, are we?”
“It’s my favorite poem. Don’t forget it.” The Foxian teases, rubbing his cheek gently against Dan Feng’s shoulder.
In this life, they couldn’t be lovers. Dan Feng is a High Elder, a leader amongst his people. A Foxian and Vidyadhara was almost unheard of. Two men would cause problems.
“Caelian,” Dan Feng’s voice is quiet. “...In another life, do you think we would be lovers?”
Caelian doesn’t reply immediately. The Foxian isn’t a fool–he’s also aware that they cannot be official lovers but he also can’t deny the pull between them. The way they stand close together whenever they’re alone. The small smiles Dan Feng fails to hide when he does something outlandish.
“I think we would be.”
/
…Hot blood boiling, chest ablaze
Fangs and claws, burnished glaze
Adorned in starlight, I shall reascend
Above the watery abyss, transcendent…
“The stars are bright tonight.” Yingxing states, his voice firm. “Brighter than usual.”
Dan Feng’s eyes flick up to the darkened sky. Yingxing is correct. The stars are oddly brighter tonight.
“It is as you say.” Dan Feng replies calmly.
To anyone who doesn’t know Dan Feng well, he seems unbothered, as if today was just another day. To Yingxing, today is not another day. Yesterday wasn’t and tomorrow won’t be either.
He senses the heavy weight behind every word Dan Feng speaks.
Wordlessly, he places his hand against Dan Feng’s shoulder. Yingxing isn’t a man of words.
Dan Feng appreciates the silence.
/
Jingliu bursts into the room, the door hitting the wall echoing throughout the hall, the three meeting her urgent gaze with serious expressions. “We’re under attack.”
Dan Feng pushes past all of the chaos. His eyes land on injured soldiers being tended to by healers, the deceased already wrapped in various colored blankets in a neat line.
It’s too soon, this wasn’t supposed to happen yet.
Jingliu took her place on the frontline after informing them of the attack. Dan Feng isn’t worried about her. She can hold her own with her sword.
Jing Yuan stands by his side now, his voice serious. “They don’t know how the borisin broke in, we can’t figure it out. We don’t have time to worry about it right now. Later.” His voice is tense. “We’ve sent soldiers to every corner of the Xianzhou. Civilians are being escorted to safety, most should be safe by now.”
Dan Feng narrows his eyes, his mind only on one civilian. Caelian. He isn’t worried, he knows Caelian is smart. He’s most likely already safe and when this is all over, he will go looking for him.
“Jing Yuan, you’re needed on the front line. They’re breaking our defenses!” A soldier says, Jing Yuan nodding firmly.
“We’ll meet soon.” Jing Yuan is gone as fast as he came.
Dan Feng is informed that Baiheng is back and already on the battlefield, cutting through enemies as best she can to make an opening. The borisin assault feels relentless and endless and he knows it’s only just started.
“Dan Feng,” Yingxing’s voice comes from behind him. “You seem troubled and not about the attack. Is it that mysterious person you’ve been sneaking off to see?”
“His safety.” Dan Feng starts before shaking his head. “Nothing, I can worry about him later. He’s clever and intelligent. He will be perfectly fine.”
Yingxing makes a ‘tch’ noise. “This was meant to be a gift for a later time but we have no time. The borisin are closing in.”
Dan Feng turns to face Yingxing, a look of surprise on his face. Yingxing holds a well crafted spear in his hands. His old one is perfectly usable despite the usage, however, the material of this one is stronger and more reliable. A perfect creation crafted by Yingxing.
“Thank me later, I do not want to hear it right now.”
“Understood.” Dan Feng replies, his hands gripping onto the spear. His eyes take in the intricacies of the spear, thoroughly impressed.
Cloud-Piercer. A fitting name.
Dan Feng makes his way forward. He has to fight.
Jingliu, Jing Yuan, and Baiheng are all out there, fighting for their lives. For everyone’s lives. It’s his turn to take back the control the borisin are attempting to take.
“High Elder, High Elder!” A soldier of higher standing. Dan Feng can easily tell from his appearance. His breathing is hindered from running, the sound deafening. “You’re needed at the Alchemy Commission near the Aureate Elixir Furnance, they’ve prepared a Starskiff for you to the Scalegorge Waterscape. You must hurry, they’re holding back the borisin as best they can!”
Dan Feng has no time to ask questions, his sprint turning into a run as he makes his way to his destination. On the way, he cuts down several of the borisin in his path, helping injured soldiers escape as he makes his way to the Starskiff.
“High Elder, finally, you’re here.” The uniform is not of Luofu’s flagship, signaling that the Foxian soldier is from The Verdant Knights of Yaoqing.
No one informed Dan Feng that the Yaoqing were involved in this conflict as he hadn’t seen any soldiers in Yaoqing uniform, however, it makes sense to him. The Foxians have been at an endless war with the borisin for many years. This is primarily their conflict and the Luofu is now being dragged into it.
“Please hurry, High Elder. They seem to have hostages.” The Foxian soldier replies urgently and Dan Feng nods his head.
There is no hesitating in war.
Dan Feng isn’t sure what to expect when he steps onto the sandy beach of Scalegorge Waterscape but this isn’t it. Something is wrong with this picture and his grip on Cloud-Piercer becomes tighter as he makes slow steps forward.
He immediately gets into a proper stance when he sees borisin approach, standing tall, almost as if they are proud they managed to get this deep in unnoticed. Dan Feng glances around him while barely moving his head, his eyes landing in front of him where the two borisin stand.
One is white in color, a tail short to the point of being almost non-existent with golden plating resting on their muzzle. The other has dark fur, a long bushy tail, with a slightly slouched poster. Broken shackles adorn both of their wrists and ankles.
The only explanation is that these borisin broke free from imprisonment on the Yaoqing. Dan Feng doesn’t have time to ponder it.
Drool drips from their fangs and Dan Feng can see the way their claws twitch, as if they wish to pounce. He can tell they’re restraining themselves, however, he doesn’t fully understand why they are.
“You fell right into our trap, High Elder.”
Dan Feng glances behind him, narrowing his eyes as he watches the Foxian soldier walk past him, moving to stand in between the two borisin who are twitching, clearly itching for a fight.
“...A Foxian working with borisin?” Dan Feng asks, disbelief in his voice. “You’re working with the monsters who devoured the blood of innocent Foxians. How could you betray your own kind this way?”
“There’s a lot you don’t know, High Elder.” The Foxian simply replies, folding his arms across his chest. “And before you ask… Yes, the soldier we sent to you was one of us. He lured you away so easily.”
Dan Feng scowls, annoyed that he hadn’t seen the warning signs. None of this made sense to him.
“Why lure me out specifically? I have nothing of value to offer you as a Vidyadhara. Being the High Elder of the Xianzhou Luofu does not benefit you at all. If you think taking my life will be easy then you are highly mistaken.” Dan Feng asks, his grip on his spear never loosening.
The Foxian soldier scoffs. “As if we want to take your life… Not now. Not yet. However, High Elder, we have something you want.”
Dan Feng narrows his eyes, clearly not impressed. “I do not believe you.”
“Really?” The Foxian man snaps his fingers, the sound falling deaf to him as the ocean’s waves are louder. Borisin are known to have good hearing, much is apparent by how two more large canines make their way to where they stand, one of them holding something–
Dan Feng’s heart immediately stops as he watches one of the borisin push the ‘object’ of his interest down onto the sand.
“Caelian!” Dan Feng moves to step forward, however the canine’s claws are immediately at Caelian’s throat, ready to rip it out without breaking a sweat. He immediately freezes in his spot, narrowing his eyes. “What do you want from me? Caelian has nothing to do with this.”
The unnamed soldier seems amused. “Step any closer and his throat will be torn. You and I both know how much the borisin love Foxian blood.”
The words run Dan Feng’s blood cold. His eyes meet Caelian’s, those golden eyes full of terror. It’s clear to Dan Feng that they tortured Caelian enough to hurt him but not severely injure him. The urge to unleash his powers and cut down every dog on this beach grew stronger by the minute. But he can’t.
He can’t risk Caelian’s life like that.
“What do you want?”
“More cooperative now that we have your pet, huh? Who knew a Vidyadhara would take so much interest in a pathetic Foxian banished by his own people.”
Dan Feng scowls. “Don’t talk about him that way, you don’t know anything about him.” His voice is full of anger. “You have me where you want me, let him go and we shall settle this the way you wish.”
“And how do I know that once the Foxian is free, you won’t just flee with your tail between your legs, Vidyadhara?” The unnamed soldier muses and Dan Feng still can’t understand how a Foxian could work with these monsters.
“I am the High Elder. It would be cowardice to run from a battle that threatens the safety of not only my people but everyone on the Luofu. I will not run.” Dan Feng replies, standing firm in his spot. He was not going to back down.
“Let the mutt go.”
The borisin twitches, clearly wanting to rip Caelian into shreds but it obeys, dropping Caelian back down onto the sand before backing away from the injured Foxian.
Caelian manages to stand up to run his way to Dan Feng, wanting to be in the embrace of the one he cares for the most. He isn’t able to run fast or properly due to his injuries but it doesn’t matter. Dan Feng came for him, just like he knew he would.
Dan Feng notices a second too late. He’s always a second too late.
“Caelian, move!” Dan Feng yells as he tries to make his way to where Caelian stands.
Caelian makes the mistake of turning his head behind him, the unnamed Foxian soldier drawing back his bow before releasing the arrow with a sick and twisted expression on his face.
Time seems to come to a stop as the arrow pierces Caelian from behind, the force of the arrow knocking Caelian forward. Dan Feng manages to grab Caelian before he hits the sand but is still, his body and mind in shock as he notices the sand below dripping red.
When Dan Feng looks up, the borisin and mysterious Foxian are already gone as if they were never there in the first place. The only evidence being the arrow piercing Caelian’s skin. He quickly tries to pick Caelian up to get him back to the Starskiff, but a lukewarm hand stops him.
“Caelian, what…”
Caelian coughs, small specks of blood on his chin as he speaks in ragged breaths. “It’s already too late for me, Dan Feng… You know it too.”
“No, don’t talk like that.” Dan Feng says, his usually calm and collected voice almost sounding panicked. “I can get you to a healer, it’s… It’s gonna be–”
Caelian shakes his head, tears trickling down his cheeks, which silences Dan Feng immediately. “P-Please. Don’t make this harder for yourself. A healer… cannot fix this.”
Dan Feng realizes that they were never going to let Caelian go but why, what did Dan Feng do to the borisin to warrant such a thing? He doesn’t know, but what he does know… is that they will pay eventually for what they’ve done.
“Look at me, Caelian. Keep your eyes open.” Dan Feng no longer tries to hide the emotion in his voice. The pain he feels.
Caelian’s golden eyes aren’t as golden anymore but he looks. His eyes stay in Dan Feng’s as he tries to laugh a little. Even in this situation, Caelian tries to stay positive. “If… anyone saw you right now, they’d know you’re not just…” Caelian lets out a violent cough, Dan Feng steadying him carefully. “That you’re not just an almighty person with no f-feelings.”
Dan Feng swallows thickly, his eyes avoiding where Caelian was pierced. The arrow was of high quality, clearly made to rip through skin with ease. Yingxing will want to take a look at it later when…
Dan Feng immediately shuts his mind up, focusing on the Foxian in his arms. “Please, don’t…”
“Don’t go?” Caelian finishes with a small, ragged, laugh. It’s clear Caelian was struggling to breathe properly. “I have to go. Foxian’s don’t live as long as Vidyadhara’s.” His voice says in a faux cheery tone as if he doesn’t want Dan Feng to know how much pain he’s in.
Those words break Dan Feng and for the first time in a long time, tears well in his eyes, his vision getting blurry. He blinks them away, the droplets dripping down his own cheeks. Caelian stares at him, his hand weakly moving to cup Dan Feng’s cheek.
Dan Feng can feel Caelian’s nails against his cheek alongside his fingers. His nails were no longer well manicured, but dirtied and bloodied as he fought back against his attackers. “Don’t cry. We… We’ll meet in another life, right?”
He shakes his head slowly, a part of him truly wanting to believe it. “You and I… know we won’t. You won’t reincarnate, we won’t…”
Caelian chuckles quietly. “A fox can dream, right?”
“Right…” He trails off, taking Caelian’s cold hand into his own. The Foxian’s skin is clammy, paler than usual.
“I don’t have much time left. My head is spinning and… the world is getting darker.” Caelian replies, his eyes glancing up at Dan Feng. “At least I can still see you. You… You’re the brightest light in my world. That’s why I can still see you.”
Dan Feng swallows hard, not caring that his white attire is covered in blood. He knows he can’t save Caelian. If they tried to remove the arrow that most likely pierced his heart, the Foxian would die faster, more miserable. He cannot stop this. He cannot…
“I’m so sorry, Caelian. This is my fault.”
“Your fault? Why… would you say that? You came… You came to save me.” Caelian tries to smile. “You made me happy… in my final moments. If anything, I am sorry…”
“Don’t. Don’t say that you’re sorry, you’ve done nothing wrong!” Dan Feng raises his voice slightly, his breathing fast and panicked. He’s trying to keep himself calm for Caelian but it’s difficult.
Caelian’s head thumps against his chest as he speaks, his fox ear tickling the underneath of Dan Feng’s chin. “I am sorry… because we never got to make the chocolate together… and that we didn’t get to… be more.”
Dan Feng nuzzles his nose into Caelian’s hair as he listens to the other ramble. He lets him talk without interruption, knowing this will be the last time he ever hears his voice. “Dan Feng?”
“Yes, Caelian?” Dan Feng says, shifting them both so that he is sitting in the sand with Caelian comfortably planted onto his lap. His left hand is pressed against Caelian’s back, below the arrow, keeping him sat upright. His right hand holds the Foxian’s, his thumb caressing the cold skin. Dan Feng can tell Caelian’s pulse is weakening.
“I… know it’s too early to say this…” Caelian coughs a bit, blood dripping from the side of his chin, landing onto Dan Feng’s clothing. “B-But… It’s my only chance. I want to leave… without regrets.”
Dan Feng’s breath hitches in his throat. “Say whatever you need to Caelian. I’m here.”
“You’re here…” Caelian manages to smile despite everything. “I love you, Dan Feng. I-In our next life… we’ll be together.”
Despite Dan Feng knowing there will never be a next life for them, he doesn’t voice it out loud. Not this time. Instead, he speaks his own feelings. “I love you too, Caelian, and I’m so sorry I didn’t protect you. If I was just a second faster, if I had just noticed the bow and arrow. You’d be alright, you’d be with me. I’m so sorry.”
“Stop blaming yourself, stupid dragon.” Caelian mutters between coughs, his eyes struggling to stay open. “M-My wrist…”
“What’s wrong with your wrist?” Dan Feng quickly asks, knowing their time is coming to a close.
“Bracelet…” Caelian doesn’t realize tears are falling from his eyes as he watches Dan Feng push his sleeve up, a small beaded bracelet of gold and white rests against his skin. “T-Take it… to remember me.”
Dan Feng slips the bracelet off of Caelian’s wrist, putting it on his own as he moves his hand up to Caelian’s cheek, his thumb caressing his jawline. “I don’t need a bracelet to remember you. I told you before, Caelian. I’ll always remember you.”
The High Elder rarely ever shows his tail but for once, he allows his tail to manifest, gently wrapping it around Caelian to keep him secure against his chest. Caelian’s pale fingers slowly trace along the nearby scales. “It’s… longer than my tail.”
“Our tails usually are,” Dan Feng says with a forced chuckle, wanting this last moment of Caelian’s to be memorable… warm. “I never show my tail to anyone unless necessary but, for you, I will.”
“It’s beautiful. Like you,” Caelian replies, their eyes meeting for what is most likely the last time. “D-Dan Feng, I… know it’s disrespectful of a lowly Foxian to ask the High Elder…”
“I’m just Dan Feng,” he cuts off. His title of High Elder means little to him at this moment. “Please, don’t refer to me as High Elder.”
Caelian nods his head slowly. “I never saw you as one. I just… saw you as Dan Feng.” Caelian coughs a bit. “I… I can feel myself slipping into a long, long, dream. Will you kiss me? Just… this once? Please?”
Dan Feng’s eyes widen but he knows there’s no time to discuss this. He nods his head, carefully leaning forward with a sense of urgency.
Caelian’s lips are cold against his warm ones and Caelian is weak, struggling to keep his head up, but that doesn’t stop the Foxian from trying to lightly kiss him back. It’s a bittersweet kiss to Dan Feng–their first and, ultimately, their last. He regrets not kissing Caelian when they sat together, watching the sunset.
“Caelian?” Dan Feng whispers as their lips separate against his own will, the Foxian’s head falling back slightly. “Caelian, please.” His voice doesn’t sound like his own as he repeats Caelian’s name over and over in a panic.
Deep down, he already knows.
Caelian is gone.
He shifts Caelian’s head against his chest to make the Foxian more comfortable despite knowing that his mortal body can no longer feel pain. “You’ll be remembered, Caelian. I’ll make sure of it.” Dan Feng whispers to his lost friend… his lost lover.
If hours pass, Dan Feng doesn’t keep track. He feels frozen in time, his body feels numb. His mind is in disarray. Caelian’s body is completely cold in his arms and he knows that he can’t stay here with him forever.
“Dan Feng!” A familiar voice calls out to him but he barely hears it. The sound of his own thoughts far too loud. He doesn’t know who’s voice he hears but it sounds similar to Jing Yuan’s.
A feminine hand places on his shoulder, the voice quiet yet full of sorrow. “Dan Feng, I’m so sorry.”
It’s Jingliu’s.
Dan Feng knows it’s time to go. “He needs a funeral.”
The group step back slightly as Dan Feng manages to stand up with Caelian’s lifeless body firmly tucked against his chest. No one knew what to say, they’d never seen Dan Feng so detached from reality before.
Baiheng breaks the silence after a moment. “I will get the preparations for The Returning in motion. Let us go. Together.”
/
…Rending my form, setting free
A thunderous roar, a symphony
Soul's depths stirred by tempest's might
Surging waves, an awe-inspiring sight…
In his hands, a paper kite of gold, black, and white rests. Dan Feng stares mindlessly at it.
Baiheng approaches him from behind before standing next to him, admiring the kite in his hands. She smiles, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. “Do you know why we use paper kites?”
Dan Feng wordlessly shakes his head. If he speaks, he won’t recognize his own voice.
“Paper kites are often gifted to children, but as a symbol of spreading one's wings and soaring high up into the sky, they are also a comfort to Foxian pilots. Foxians have an old tradition where paper kites are used to comfort the souls of pilots who can no longer fly.” Baiheng explains, tilting her head up to look at the starry sky.
“You mentioned he was to be a pilot but went against his birthfate to pursue his own ambitions but tradition is tradition… And he was still a pilot at heart, I’m sure.”
Dan Feng remembers the way he watched as Caelian longingly looked at the orange-yellow sky that night.
“Perhaps he was.”
“Come now. It’s time for you to bring his body to the Starskiff. While not normally done by non-Foxians, he meant a lot to you and you to him. I believe this is what he would want.” Baiheng replies, turning to leave.
Foxian soldiers have a ceremony where they place their dead in Starskiffs and then let them drift out into the stars, which is known as "the Returning."
Caelian would finally be returning to the stars that he looked so longingly at when he was alive.
Dan Feng finally follows.
Despite Caelian being disowned by his own kind for choosing his own path, doing what many Foxian’s wish they could do deep inside, the ceremony was attended by many Foxians. Dan Feng even recognized some of the children that Caelian would play with. He had to force himself to look away. He couldn’t bear the sight of the children’s tears.
Caelian’s body was wrapped neatly by golden silk chosen by Dan Feng himself. He now associated gold with Caelian and he wanted nothing but the best for his lost love.
Baiheng takes the paper kite from his hands, nodding her head as Dan Feng takes a deep breath and lifting Caelian’s body close to his chest. His face stays stoic as they walk through the crowd of on-goers and, in a way, it makes Dan Feng glad.
Glad that Caelian will be remembered.
The presence of the High-Cloud Quintet shows significance.
Despite the majority never hearing of Caelian’s name before now, they still came. Dan Feng kept his promise.
“Gently now,” Baiheng replies as Dan Feng tenderly places Caelian into the Starskiff, taking one final look at the golden fabric that holds him, before stepping back. Baiheng bows her head before gently placing the paper kite atop his chest. “May you rest in peace, Caelian.”
Dan Feng is silent throughout the rest of the process.
He’s silent as he watches the Starskiff carry Caelian off into the distance, towards the stars.
“Goodbye, my love.” Dan Feng whispers as the five of them make their way back to figure out exactly what happened a day prior.
The crowd slowly disappears after the High-Cloud Quintet take their leave.
None of them mention Caelian to Dan Feng again.
…Hot blood boiling, chest ablaze
Fangs and claws, burnished glaze
Adorned in starlight, I shall reascend
Above the watery abyss, transcendent…
Baiheng.
The name seems foreign to Dan Feng despite everything.
Baiheng is gone.
Baiheng sacrificed herself in a great battle against Shuhu.
“It’s time.”
“Are you sure about this?” Yingxing asks, folding his arms across his chest. His voice is stoic as always, hard to understand.
“I am.” Dan Feng replies. His mind will not be changed. Yingxing doesn’t try to change his mind.
“Then let us begin.”
A great sin committed. The Sedition of Imbibitor Lunae.
Upset by the endless cycle of death that war brought about, Dan Feng used the Transmutation Arcanum to resurrect Baiheng, while also allowing other races to be incorporated into the Vidyadhara species. His tampering ended up creating an uncontrollable draconic abomination that wrought great destruction to Scalegorge Waterscape.
Scalegorge Waterscape.
The place he–
“Focus.” Yingxing says and Dan Feng bitterly chuckles.
“On what?”
Yingxing assisted Dan Feng in the resurrection process by using Shuhu's flesh, which backfired on him, transforming him into an immortal being struck with mara. Jingliu also developed mara as a result of the incident, however it was likely induced by trauma as she was not involved in the resurrection. She did not come with them.
While Jing Yuan's involvement with the incident was minimal, he is said to have understood the "price" better than anyone, though he did not intervene.
Dan Feng, imprisoned and sentenced to a forced molting rebirth.
Yingxing disappeared, exiled. Jingliu disappeared alongside him.
The High-Cloud Quintet was no longer.
/
The world is black.
“Weren’t their coordinates sent out from the space station?” A male’s voice asks.
“Who cares? They’re here and alive. Do they look like a mannequin to you?” A high-pitched feminine voice asks after, clearly not up to debate with her companion.
The man scoffs. “...Weak heartbeat and pulse. March, you better do CPR.”
“Huh!? Hehe… I–I’ve never done it before! Dan Heng, you do it!” The woman, presumably named March, says in slight panic.
Slowly, the darkness fades and his eyes manage to open. He’s frozen in place, unable to move as he adjusts to the world around him. In his central vision, he sees a man with short black hair much too close for comfort as if… they were about to–
“Wait, stop it, they’re awake!” The pink haired girl pushes the black haired man’s face away from his own. “Are you alright? Can you hear me? Do you remember your name?”
“...I don’t remember a thing.”
“Aw, this isn’t good… Can you try harder? I’m sure you can at least remember your name…”
The gray haired man rubs his forehead, clearly trying to think clearly. It takes him a moment but he glances up at the two strangers in front of him. “My name is Caelus.”
“Caelus? Nice to meet you. My name’s Dan Heng, and this is March 7th.” Dan Heng replies casually, turning away from the two as he begins to walk forward.
Caelus doesn’t think much of it.
…At first.
He simply figured Dan Heng was wary of him because he couldn’t remember anything. Caelus would be suspicious too if he was in their spot… But everyone else on the Astral Express welcomed him with warm arms. Everyone except Dan Heng. The black haired man avoided him like the plague.
“Mr. Yang?” Caelus asks one evening, the train whirring as they travel to their first destination. He sits next to the older man, hoping to get some kind of answer to his crewmates' odd behavior towards him.
“Yes, Caelus?” Welt glances up from his book, adjusting his glasses before bookmarking his page and placing the book carefully down onto the table.
Caelus glances towards the door where Dan Heng’s room, the archives, is located. He takes a moment to ponder his question. “...Does Dan Heng dislike me?”
Welt seems surprised by the direct question. “No, I’m sure he doesn’t. Dan Heng is simply like that, I doubt he harbors any ill will towards you. Give him time to open up to you.”
“...What about his past?” Caelus asks curiously. He felt nosey but there’s something about Dan Heng that interests him.
“It’s best if you ask Dan Heng yourself, Caelus.” Welt replies, leaning back against the red seat. “While we have had Dan Heng here for some time, he hasn’t been overly open about his past. It’s not really honest to pry behind his back either.”
Caelus nods his head, springing up from his seat. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Mr. Yang!”
“...Youth,” Mr. Yang sighs before picking his book up once more.
“You were young and dumb once too,” Himeko points out, sipping her coffee shamelessly.
“...No comment.”
After getting March’s encouragement and remembering Mr. Yang’s words, Caelus finally garners the courage to knock on the door to Dan Heng’s room the next day.
“Come in.” The voice is stoic and to the point.
Caelus heads inside, glancing at the tiny room. He personally doesn’t understand how Dan Heng lives like this but he isn’t here to judge. He’s here to have a serious conversation!
“Sorry for bothering you, Dan Heng. Can we talk really quick?”
Caelus doesn’t miss the way Dan Heng tenses at the sound of his voice. Dan Heng turns to face Caelus, knowing he has no excuse that he could give to not talk to the boy. “Of course, Caelus. What is it you need?”
“Um, I just wanted to ask you a question.” Dan Heng tilts his head, motioning for Caelus to continue. “Do you dislike me?”
Dan Heng doesn’t say anything for a moment. “...Why would you ask that?”
“You’ve been avoiding me.” Caelus points out, fiddling with the yellow strap on his outfit. “And I don’t know if you just don’t like me or I did something wrong or–”
“No! I–no.” Dan Heng says calmly, releasing a heavy sigh. “You did nothing wrong, Caelus. I just… I’m not good at socializing, alright? I prefer to be alone.”
Caelus seems to release a breath he didn’t even realize he held. “Oh, thank god. I really thought I might have upset you.”
Dan Heng shakes his head before turning back to the screen in front of him. When Caelus doesn’t move or leave from the Archives, he glances back over his shoulder. “What?”
“...Can you teach me about stuff?”
“...Stuff.”
Caelus grins and nods. “Stuff.”
Dan Heng is tempted to say no, to tell Caelus to leave and not bother him. However, the eager look on his face makes him cave and he nods, moving over a bit so Caelus can stand next to him. He’ll teach the boy how to at least use the archives properly so he doesn’t break anything in the future.
After a few hours seamlessly go by of listening to Dan Heng talk and guide him through the Archive, Caelus nudges Dan Heng which startles the man. “We’re friends now, right?”
“...I suppose.” Dan Heng replies vaguely after a long silence.
It isn’t until a week later that Caelus has a weird dream. He doesn’t remember it at all, however, he remembers something from it that continues to loop in his mind. Repeating endlessly. It’s starting to drive him insane but there’s a feeling in his gut. One that tells him to ask Dan Heng about it.
So he does in the afternoon.
“Dan Heng? You in here?”
“When am I not?” Dan Heng asks, his back to Caelus as he enters the room. He’s rechecking some of the data he inserted, not paying much mind to Caelus. “What did you need?”
“Actually, I… Wanted to talk about a dream I had a few nights ago.” Caelus admits, his gaze on the ground as he fiddles with his fingers.
Dan Heng pauses, glancing back at Caelus. His interest is clearly piqued and he nods, moving to lean back against the desk slightly. “Okay.”
“You see, I don’t remember any of it.” Caelus starts and Dan Heng looks unamused. “Hey, wait, don’t go back to work yet! I’m not done!”
Sighing heavily and rubbing his nose bridge, Dan Heng nods. “Fine, keep going.”
Caelus nods, knowing he probably sounds stupid to someone like Dan Heng right now. “The dream is a complete blur, none of it comes to mind… Except for one thing that keeps looping in my mind over and over again. I don’t know what it means.”
Dan Heng raises an eyebrow.
“It goes like this,” Caelus says as he takes a breath, speaking slowly. “The one red leaf, the last of its clan, the one that dances as often as it can…”
“...Hanging so light, and hanging so high. On the topmost twig that looks up at the sky…” Dan Heng mindlessly finishes, immediately tensing up as he looks at Caelus. This time directly.
Caelus stares back for a few seconds before a small smile appears on his lips.
Dan Heng finds himself smiling back because…
“Hey,” March’s voice breaks the silence, the door loudly opening as she barges in. She pauses, looking between them. “...Am I interrupting something?”
“No.” Dan Heng replies in his usual deadpan tone, the smile gone from his face before March could truly see it.
“Oh, okay!” March replies, clearly oblivious. “Pom-Pom wanted me to tell you two that lunch is ready and if you two move any slower, I’m eating both of your portions!” She says with a proud smile on her lips as she, quite frankly, marches out.
Without feeling the need to speak, Caelus’ hand ends up in Dan Heng’s as they leave the Archive room, and if anyone else on the express notices the way their fingers are intertwined, no one says anything.
Neither of them needed words at that moment, their actions were enough.