Shattered Glass

by R3d_Topaz

Summary:

Jing Yuan and Phantylia show up to Amphoreus for Phainon. Meanwhile, Dan Heng isnt happy about it one bit. (Very upset actually)

Chapter 1: A Pitiful Reunion

Amphoreus was always a world that struck a great curiosity inside of Dan Heng.

Part of this was due to its existence being hidden from wandering eyes. Well, until Black Swan unveiled it that is.

But, another part of this was because of how full of life it was despite being merely a memory. The people he had met here, they were all so life-like, like they were real living people and not just memories. And the conflict... that felt the most real.

All the people Dan Heng had met here, they were destined to die along side Amphoreus. He knew that, nonetheless, he still felt remorse when they died. Especially when Hyacine had sacrificed herself to save them..

Dan Heng had found himself in the same position as her. Sacrificing himself in order to save his friends. That was something that, ironically, made Dan Heng unsure. The flame reaver should pose no threat to him if they only exist in memory.. right?

Nevermind that, Dan Heng had survived anyways. The flame reaver left. They probably went after Caelus and Phainon. But he will ensure that can't happen. He'll make it to them in time.. surely.

--

"Dan Heng!" Caelus yelled his name, seemingly relieved to see him. Dan Heng expected this.

"Caelus, Phainon. Are you both alright? Y'all aren't hurt, are you?"

"No, thankfully.. we avoided the flame reaver. I assume you got away from them?" Phainon sounded so.. different. He sounded more tired. Of course he was. How could he not be after everything that had happened?

"Good. I'm glad" Dan Heng was relieved to see them alive, even if there was an air of sadness, the only thing he was currently concerned about was their safety.

"Ehem. Lord Phainon, I believe you have a duty to tend to." Lygus cut off their conversation. Obviously, he only cared for Phainon. Part of Dan Heng wondered why. Was it his status as the deliverer? Was it how strong he was?

"Yes.. of course." Phainon seemed annoyed by Lygus' interruption..

Phainon went to return the coreflame. This was his goal. To defeat the titans, and claim the coreflames. This was part of the flame-chase journey. It was fated to happen eventually. Once this was over, once Dan Heng and Caelus helped Amphoreus, they would return to see the astral express. March.. surely she would be awake by now.. Caelus would be happy about that. So incredibly happy.

...

Something wasn't right.. the others felt it too. Someone.. something was here. Was it the flame reaver?

They all turned to face behind them. To face the threat that had entered the vortex of genesis. Or, if this was not a threat, face an ally that regrouped with them. Was it Hyacine? Had she survived? Was it Trinnon? She was alive still, right?

No. It wasn't any of them. Not the flame reaver, not Hyacine, not Trinnon.

No. The face Dan Heng saw made him shake to his core.

Jing Yuan.

How was he here? Was this an illusion? Was Dan Heng seeing things?

He looked different. The black, blue, and silver armor that he wore was a major contrast to his uniform. The headpiece? That was new. His hair was much more neatly put up too. A sure sign that something was different was his eyes. They were so dull, almost fully a single color, without a shine at all..

This wasn't anything like his Jing Yuan.. and yet, it looked just like him..

"Hmm, what an... unexpected gathering of people." Jing Yuan, his voice was so much more.. broken. It wasn't that same soft voice that Dan Heng had cherished so. It was different. What happened to him?

"Jing.. Yuan?" Dan Heng didn't want to sound so weak in front of Jing Yuan. Not ever. But this.. this changed things.

"Oh?" Jing Yuan sounded so surprised to hear him, almost as if he didn't even notice he was there despite his words.

"Ah! If it isn't my dear Dan Heng!" Jing Yuan was.. happy to see him? 'My dear'.. that made part of Dan Heng flustered. It was such an affectionate name.. No. Dan Heng had to focus. Something was off about Jing Yuan. He had to figure out what that wa-

"If it isn't the lovely benefactor and the scion of permanence from the Loufu" Her. Phantylia. Why was she here. Why was she with Jing Yuan. Did she do something to him? What did she do to him? What?!

"Hmm, who would have expected us to see such dear friends when we came here, am I right darling~?"

Darling?! What was she trying to do. Was she manipulating Jing Yuan?! Dan heng would kill her for using that name for his Jing Yuan.

"Indeed.. but I cannot complain.. I was hoping I'd run into Dan Heng eventually..."

"Jing Yuan... what.. happened to you..?"

"What happened to me? Well, isn't that a long story.." A smile became plastered on Jing Yuan's face. No. That was not his smile. This smile was fake. It was forced. Dan Heng was sure of it.

"But, to put it simply.. lady Phantylia had returned to the Loufu. We had a scuffle but, in the end.. she thought it'd be better if I joined her and embraced the destruction. And so.. I did." No. No. No. NO. This can't be right. They defeated Phantylia. They won. She lost. Why did she come back?! Why did she ruin everything?!

"What about the Loufu! You couldn't have just betrayed everyone there! Its not like you at all general!" Caelus was right. Jing Yuan would never do that. Unless that is, he was forced to. And, that seemed like the story Dan Heng was envisioning..

"And so what if I did? They didn't care for me.. why should I care for them? Besides.. they're all gone now.. you can't exactly apologize to someone if they're dead.."

"THATS NOT TRUE! THEY LOVED YOU! And.. THEY AREN'T GONE! THEY CAN'T BE... YOU WOULDN'T-" Dan Heng could hardly control his feelings in that moment.. Jing Yuan knew this.. is that why he chose to lose his smile..?

Jing Yuan grabbed Dan Heng's chin, pointing his head up at him. Dan Heng hadn't even noticed the claws Jing Yuan now bore.. he couldn't bare to not see those soft fingers of his.. the same ones that freed him from his chains in the shackling prison all those years ago... The same ones that he had held when he was carrying Jing Yuan to safety after the fight with Phantylia..

...

"Why do you seem so upset dear? Aren't you happy for me?" What..?

"H-happy..? How could I be happy?! Don't you understand what SHE has done to you?!"

"I do.. she has freed me of the chains that bounded me for centuries.. freed me of the shackles of responsibility to people who merely care about an idea of me.." Jing Yuan leaned down to meet Dan Heng's eyes. The height difference they had now was atrocious.. did Jing Yuan get taller? Or did Dan Heng simply never notice?

"..I thought of all people, that you would understand how it feels to be trapped behind an image that people have made of you.."

Dan Heng did understand that feeling.. all too well. How many times was he called Dan Feng? How many times was he blamed for Dan Feng's actions? Too many.. that's for sure.

"I.." Dan Heng struggled to get a word out. How pathetic.

"That's enough!" Phainon.. his voice cut through the tension like a knife..

"Finally speaking up hmm? I was starting to wonder if you were mute." Despite her comment, Phantylia had been quiet too, amused at Dan Heng's pain and confusion, but quiet.

"What do you two think you're doing here?! Who are you, what do you want?!" Phainon was angry, maybe he would help Dan Heng kill Phantylia if he got mad enough.. but, was he also mad at Jing Yuan? No. Nononono. Dan Heng wouldn't let Phainon hurt Jing Yuan.. no matter what.

"Just saying hi to some old friends~. I'm so sorry we didn't focus on you first.. after all, we didn't mean to offend.." As Phantylia spoke, Jing Yuan fixed himself and faced Phainon, no longer touching Dan Heng.. That hurt Dan Heng in a way.. it made him jealous.. Why was Phainon his focus? Why did he care about Phantylia? Why couldn't it just be them?

"Indeed" Jing Yuan spoke up. "I'm sure you care for them.. don't worry, I could never hurt Dan Heng."

Good. That is good. That means that he still cares for Dan Heng.. but, the fact he specified Dan Heng.. it probably meant he wasn't against hurting Caelus. No. He was probably just focusing on Dan Heng.. he had to be.. he knew how much Caelus meant to Dan Heng..

"Yes. I'm so saddened that you could actually think so low of us~" Phantylia had such a mocking tone, one that only served to anger Phainon further.

"Any how.. you asked why we were here.. Simple answer really!" She paused, glaring at Lygus for a moment, then focusing back on Phainon.

Lygus was being quiet.. too quiet. Had he expected this? Was he annoyed too? Dan Heng couldn't tell.

"Well?! Spit it out!" Phainon was pissed now. Dan Heng didn't blame him, not one bit. Seems Caelus didn't either.. if the look on their face was anything to go by that is.

"Well, we are here for you.. Iron tomb."

Chapter 2: Looming Destruction

Summary:

Continuation of chapter 1, except things get even better! (by better I mean worse)
Trigger warning! Lygus and tear jerking angst!
|
'Some of you may cry.. but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make.'

What?

Iron Tomb?

That is Phainon. Not Iron Tomb.

What is she talking about?

"Iron Tomb..? Who is.. Iron Tomb?" Phainon sounded confused. "I am Phainon.. I don't know an Iron Tomb."

"Phainon.. right. Sure. You must be the vessel then.. weird how Iron Tomb hasn't enacted their 'birth' yet." What the hell does she mean by that?

Was Phainon an enemy all along? Was he lying to Dan Heng and Caelus? But why? For what?

"Excuse me miss, but I believe you are overstepping your boundaries." Lygus was annoyed. At least that is how he sounded.

"And who would you be to question me?" Dan Heng hated to admit it but, she posed a good question. Who was Lygus to speak to a lord ravager in such a way? He must be quite confident or important to do so.

"My identity does not concern you. But please.. do use the name Lygus."

"I don't think I will bother myself with using your name bystander." Phantylia seemed quite full of herself with those words alone. How was she so sure that Lygus couldn't harm her?

Phantylia walked toward Phainon. She had a goal. She wouldn't stop till she reached it.

Phainon tensed up and took a defensive stance.

"Phantylia.. if I may.. perhaps we should approach this situation calmly. We may reach our goal faster if we simply speak with.. Phainon." Oh Jing Yuan.. as reasonable as ever..

"Hmm? You think so?" She looked at Jing Yuan with a smile. She didn't seem a single bit annoyed despite his blatant questioning of her. Perhaps this was a manipulation tactic of hers?

"Well, since it's you who insists.. who am I to say no~?" Why did she talk to him like that.. why did they act like they knew and trusted each other? She tried to kill him. They weren't friends.

"At least one of you has some common sense." That pissed Phantylia off. Lygus probably knew that, thus why he said it.

"hmph." There was her annoyance showing. Good. Dan Heng was hoping she was annoyed.

"You never answered my question! Who is Iron Tomb?! Why are you addressing me with that name?!" Phainon was pissed too. That was probably the only thing everyone in this domain had in common.. well, other than Jing Yuan and Caelus it seems.

"Iron Tomb is a lord ravager with the goal of destroying the Aeon of Erudition, Nous. They are operating an experiment on Amphoreus and are hoping to be 'born' with a human vessel. You, would happen to be that vessel Mister... Phainon." Straight to the point. That was much like the Jing Yuan Dan Heng knew.. like his Jing Yuan..

"H-huh..? What are you.." Phainon was shocked and maybe.. a bit scared. Who could blame him though? Being told your nothing but a vessel for someone else would be terrifying to hear for most.

"Once Iron Tomb completes their experiment, you'll be gone I'm afraid. That, or, Iron Tomb will allow your mind to stay intact.. I doubt that. This must be a lot to hear.. and I apologize profusely for being the barer of bad news." Dan Heng didn't like seeing that dull look on Jing Yuan's face when he spoke.. almost as if he had no remorse at all.

"Y-you.. a-apologize.. APOLOGIZE?! YOUR NOT SORRY FOR ANYTHING! YOU TWO ARE TROUBLE, I KNEW IT FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVED HERE! FIRST YOU TOUCH MY FRIENDS AND NOW.. YOUR LYING TO ME?!" Phainon was very much pissed off. More than Dan Heng had ever seen him be before. Dan Heng should be happy to hear Phainon call him his friend but.. it pissed off Dan Heng that Phainon would dare raise his voice at Dan Heng's dearest Jing Yuan..

"..Lying? Well, how ungrateful." Phantylia seemed pissed at Phainon too. She and Dan Heng felt that way because of how he yelled at Jing Yuan.. but why did SHE feel the same way he did? She didn't deserve to feel that way about this.

"Please Mister Phainon.. understand that I have felt the pain you've felt before.. losing your loved ones.." Oh Jing Yuan.. Dan Heng couldn't bare to hear those words.. nor imagine his love experiencing such pain..

"..but, when I embraced the destruction.. my pain was gone. I no longer needed to feel guilty for hurting those who had hurt me.. I no longer needed to concern myself with pitiful feelings of anguish. If you would allow yourself to join the destruction.. you would feel the same. You would be happy. You would be free." But that's the thing.. Jing Yuan wasn't happy. He was being manipulated.. This wasn't freedom, it was control.. right?

"NO I WOULDN'T-"

"No.." Dan Heng finally got a word out. Took him long enough.

Jing Yuan turned to face him.

".. I apologize if I hurt you Dan Heng.. these words are not meant for you dear." Damn it. Damn it. DAMN IT. Why did Dan Heng care for his approval so much?! Why did Dan Heng feel so satisfied by Jing Yuan's affection?!

...

"Why...?" Dan Heng was a fool for asking that.

And that look on Jing Yuan's face.. he felt hurt by Dan Heng's question.. Nononononono.. Dan Heng hurt him?! He couldn't have.. NO! He shouldn't have.. he-

"Darling, I feel like your being a bit distracted by that annoying little scion of permanence." Phantylia. How dare she speak to him?! How dare she open her mouth and interrupt his and Dan Heng's moment of silence?! How dare she use such an affectionate name?! How dare she even look at him?!

"Annoying? How cruel lady Phantylia.. but.. your right.. I am getting distracted." Despite no longer being able to focus on Dan Heng, he was not annoyed by Phantylia..

What a shame.

"Oh do not worry about being distracted, after all, you no longer need to continue any conversation with lord Phainon." Lygus, you cocky son of a bitch.

"And what makes you think you'll stop us from continuing that conversation? I don't take it your strong enough to fight two lord ravagers. Are you?" Two..? Two? Two?! But if that is the case.. that means that.. Jing Yuan.. Oh no. No. No. No. Why. Why. Why..

"hm, well, I need not fight you.. after all, I'm sure that I am not strong enough to do so.."

"..But I do know that Iron Tomb does not want me dead.. yet." So, he was working with Iron Tomb. Wonderful. Now Caelus and Dan Heng were surrounded by people who aligned themselves with the destruction.. fuck.

Even if Jing Yuan would never hurt him.. he never said he wouldn't hurt Caelus. And if he did attack Caelus, would Dan Heng be forced to hurt him..? No. Akivilli no.. nonono..

"Iron Tomb? Hm.. oh.. OH! Ah, so your their little assistant.. my apologies~" Yep. Phantylia knew of him. Her words only confirmed Lygus was an enemy.

"I am lord ravager Phantylia, and this would be my fellow lord ravager~" Fuck. So Jing Yuan was a lord ravager. But why..? Why did he betray the Loufu and join the destruction? He had to have been forced to. There is no other way. Dan Heng was sure.

"My apologies to you two then esteemed lord ravagers.. I hope I have not angered either of you." Lygus was being a suck up now. Huh.. how ironic.

"If you are here for Lord Phainon.. then it must mean that you have become impatient with Iron Tomb."

"Precisely."

Lygus and Phantylia were now calmly speaking to each other? How easily can they change their moods? Dan Heng wishes he could control his emotions in that way. Maybe then he would have convinced Jing Yuan to betray Phantylia by now..

Whilst they continued talking, Phainon came toward Dan Heng. Caelus did the same.

Dan Heng supposed that Lygus and Phantylia didn't care, after all, they had Phainon trapped, he wasn't going anywhere.

"Are you alright Dan Heng?" Caelus was shaking.. Dan Heng couldn't help but feel horrible.

"I.. I don't.. I'm not.." Get a damn word out, just one sentence to reassure them..

"J-Jing Yuan.."

...

"H-huh? Dan Heng.. you didn't answer-"

"Caelus please, give him some space to process things.." Phainon had saved him from that pitiful confrontation. For that he wishes he could thank him.

Still.. why was he so focused on Jing Yuan..? Did he.. were his feelings.. damn it.

"P-please.. Jing Yuan.."

Jing Yuan faced the three of them, diverting his attention away from Phantylia and Lygus.

"Please.. d-don't.. j-just listen to me.. just for one second.. please"

...

"..What is it that you wish to say Dan Heng? I do hope you do not wish to berate me for my choices.." No. Dan Heng didn't want that. He just wanted Jing Yuan. To see him. To hold him. To kiss him..

Sure enough, Dan Heng had dashed toward Jing Yuan without a second thought. He'd be lucky if that wasn't seen as an act of violence.. especially considering how Phantylia averted her focus to him.

He hadn't been stopped though.. no. He had managed to hug Jing Yuan.. the man he loved so dearly..

Tears. Pathetic. He was being judged surely. After all, he was always told that tears were a sign of weakness. Even now, that sentiment is drilled into his head.

"..Oh Dan Heng.. why do you cry love?" Jing Yuan wrapped his arms around Dan Heng, reciprocating the affection.

"I.. I love you.. please.."

...

He was silent. Had it worked? Had Dan Heng convinced his love to come back to him? Surely he did.. right?

Jing Yuan looked at Dan Heng with a smile.. a sad smile.. but a smile nonetheless.

"My dearest Dan Heng.. who knew you could be so sentimental.." He was being affectionate.. he understood how Dan Heng felt..

"Its a shame we are on opposing ends dear.." It worked?! Yes. yes. yes. yesyesyes-

"..How about this.. if you join me, I can be yours.. for as long as you desire... wouldn't that be nice dear?"

...

Notes:

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR READING! I put a lot of effort into this fic and I'm so happy to even be getting views on this! This has been something I have struggled with building the courage to make so I am very much excited to know that people have read it! Also, I will be making part 3 as well! I have a lot that I want to do for this au so there should be plenty of content for this fic! :D

Chapter 3: False Hope, Damned Answers

Summary:

Frozen on a tempting deal, Dan Heng is forced to choose between his love or his family. (It doesn't go well.)

I will do an alternate ending for this chapter so look out for that in the future!

Join him..?

What..?

No.

It isn't supposed to be this way..

But..

That promise..

The vow that Jing Yuan would be Dan Heng's...

"J-join.. you..? Y-You'll be.. m-mine..?" Dan Heng was appalled to say the least.

"Indeed! I wish to be yours dear, and I know you wish for me to be yours as well!" Jing Yuan was so happy by the thought of Dan Heng joining him..

That happiness..

It only served to further complicate Dan Heng's decision.

"I.. what about the express.. I can't just-"

"Betray them? Oh no, no, no darling! You won't be betraying them!" How not?

How would Dan Heng aiding in destroying the universe not be betraying the express?

Dan Heng's mind was racing with questions, but he dared not to ask them.. not until Jing Yuan stated what he meant.

"They can simply join you! You won't have to be separated from them when they remain by your side after all~"

If only it were that simple..

The express would never join the destruction. Even if Dan Heng were to join.

They would be his enemies by choice.

And if it wasn't their choice..

No.

Dan Heng would never force them to join him on any path. Nor would he let another force them to.

"I.." Mind racing, Dan Heng scrambled for an answer.

"Take your time dear." But Dan Heng didn't have time.

No.

He had an illusion of time.

An illusion Jing Yuan had so kindly given him..

What more would Jing Yuan gift him?

Having Jing Yuan forever.. just the thought of it made Dan Heng's heart flutter..

But what he'd lose in the process.. was it worth it?

Was losing the express.. his friends.. his family, worth it?

...

Caelus couldn't help but watch... unable to stop their friend from being influenced..

But why..?

Jing Yuan was kind.. considerate.. understanding.. merciful..

Why would he suddenly choose to join the destruction and betray the Loufu?

Why would he ask Dan Heng to change his life for him?

Caelus wasn't mad.. they were lost in questions.

They just wanted both Dan Heng and Jing Yuan to be okay..

But would they..?

Or had Phantylia managed to destroy any bond or potential bond between the three of them..?

...

Dan Heng thought about his time with Jing Yuan.

The feelings Dan Feng once had seemed to have carried over at first..

But eventually.. those feelings Dan Heng felt for Jing Yuan weren't Dan Feng's..

No.

They were his own..

His own feelings..

A sign of him claiming his own life for himself.. even after years of mistreatment for Dan Feng's actions..

And Jing Yuan still loved him.

Even though he had rejected Jing Yuan's affection at first.. Jing Yuan still loved him..

Not just Dan Feng. Him. Dan Heng.

His Jing Yuan.. so kind, so understanding..

Then, Dan Heng thought about the express.

About Himeko

About Welt

About March

About Caelus

About Pom-Pom

They had been there to call him family even when he could only see himself as a mistake..

They had helped him find himself..

They had always called him Dan Heng, not once ever calling him Dan Feng..

They loved him, and he loved them..

Dan Heng couldn't lose them, but.. he couldn't lose Jing Yuan either..

Why did he have to choose...? Whywhywhywhywhy..?

...

He let his thoughts settle.

He looked at Jing Yuan for a moment.

Then at Caelus.

Then Back at Jing Yuan.

He had his answer.

"I will-" Dan Heng paused for a moment, thinking again.

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan's face lit up in anticipation, seemingly about to get the answer he desired.

"I.." Dan Heng lingered on Jing Yuan's face.

That warm smile he put on..

Dan Heng had to choose him or the express.

There was no other option at the moment.

He would lose one.

No matter what he chose. It would still break him..

"..I will.. not join you.. Jing Yuan.." Dan Heng didn't face Jing Yuan when he said those words..

...

Jing Yuan looked surprised.. broken..

He didn't seem to understand why Dan Heng wouldn't take his offer..

Did Dan Heng not love him anymore..?

Had he ever loved him at all..?

Why..?

Everything he did for him.. all the affection he gave him..

Why would he..

Betray him?

...

The silence was deafening..

All Dan Heng could do was stare..

He couldn't help but notice Phantylia's smirk.

She knew this would happen.

She wanted to break JIng Yuan's heart using Dan Heng.

She wanted JIng Yuan to destroy the last thing he had that kept him merciful.. that kept him sane..

All Dan Heng could feel toward her was hatred.

He wanted to kill her himself. To make her suffer.

She wanted Jing Yuan and him to suffer. She-

"So I see." Jing Yuan's voice cut through Dan Heng's thoughts like a knife.

It was cold, losing the warmth it once had moments ago..

"You've lost your love for me.. or did you simply not love me at all..?" Jing Yuan..

"NO! THATS NOT IT I-"

"Then why would you not accept my deal? I told you that you were able to bring your friends along.. did I not?"

"THEY WOULDN'T EVER ACCEPT THAT! AND I CANT FORCE THEM INTO IT EITHER!" Dan Heng, despite his yelling, wasn't mad.. he was upset.. upset that Jing Yuan wasn't understanding his reasons..

Why couldn't Jing Yuan just join him?

Why must he cling to the destruction?

"What does it matter? He asked you to join him no? And you chose your friends." Phantylia dared to open her mouth.

"YOU! HOW DARE YOU-"

"How dare I what? State the truth? You've betrayed Jing Yuan.. its as simple as that."

"BETRAYED?! YOU DONT EVEN HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK ABOUT HIM! YOU'VE DONE THIS TO HIM! YOU'VE FORCED HIM TO BETRAY THE LOUFU! AND NOW.. YOUR TRYING TO CONVINCE HIM THAT I'VE BETRAYED HIM?!"

Dan Heng was beyond pissed.

All the anger he had built up was finally surfacing.

He would use this anger to kill that wretched witch.

"Enough." JIng Yuan wasn't pleased with Dan Heng's reaction..

But Dan Heng was tired of JIng Yuan's defense of Phantylia.

"DONT DEFEND HER JING YUAN! SHE TRIED TO KILL YOU! AND NOW SHES MANIPULATING YOU!"

"Manipulating me?"

Jing Yuan started to laugh.. a cruel and mocking laugh..

"Do you actually take me for a fool Dan Heng? Do you genuinely think that I'm that stupid?"

"NO- I- CANT YOU SEE WHAT SHE'S DOING?! SHE FORCED YOU ON THE PATH OF DESTRUCTION AND NOW SHE'S FORCING YOU TO THINK I'M BETRAYING YOU!"

"Oh woe is me.. I'm helpless and naïve.. not even able to notice when someone is manipulating me.."

Jing Yuan was.. mocking Dan Heng..? But.. why?

This isn't like him at all.. he wouldn't-

"Oh, nonono... I'm afraid you've got it all wrong Dan Heng~"

"What are you.. talking about..?" Dan Heng was confused.. it almost made him not want to know what Jing Yuan had to say..

"I'm not being manipulated by anyone. I mean, you are right.. Phantylia did try to kill me, but! That is all in the past now.. I've let bygones be bygones." 'let bygones be bygones'? that didn't sound like something he would say about HER... it wasn't anything like the Jing Yuan Dan Heng knew and loved.. "As for your assumption of what happened to me.. I find it quite rude that your assuming based on bias.."

"Its not bias.. I know you.. you would never-"

"Know me?! Hahahahaha. What a pitiful attempt at negotiation Dan Heng. If I didn't know any better, that might've actually worked on me. What a shame I suppose~"

"THEN HOW DID YOU BECOME LIKE THIS?! WHAT POSSIBLY COULD HAVE HAPPENED THAT MADE YOU LIKE THIS WITHOUT IT BEING HER FAULT?!"

"..." It seemed Jing Yuan didn't have an answer.

Where did all that cockiness go?

If Dan Heng didn't love or care about Jing Yuan, he would have rubbed it in his face.

"What does it matter? I'm happier this way. Can't you see that..?" Jing Yuan was upset now..

Why did he have to side with Phantylia..?

Why did he force Dan Heng to respond with anger..?

Why..?

What happened to him..?

"No. I can't. Your not happy.. not right now. And if this IS the life you wanted to lead.. then I supposed you've seen the consequences of it now.."

"Consequences..? Right.. everything I've done or haven't done.. its always had consequences.."

Was... was Jing Yuan.. about to cry..?

This emotion was unlike him..

Dan Heng had hurt him this badly.. he didn't mean to but he-

No.

He had to focus.

He couldn't falter.

Not even for a moment.

"..Your right about one thing.. I am not happy as of right now.."

Dan Heng wanted to think he had reached Jing Yuan but, after last time, he couldn't believe that right now.

"I had hoped that having you would fix that.. but.. maybe..."

He paused for a moment, lingering on Dan Heng's face.

He was thinking.

"Perhaps.. the thing that will finally make me happy.. will be destroying every obstacle in my way."

"A-YUAN PLEASE! COME TO YOUR SENSES! THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFE! If you can just break free of this control.. you can come with me.. we can travel the universe together and save lives with the express.."

"..Travel.. the universe.. together..?" Jing Yuan was puzzled by Dan Heng's desire to reach him.

"Yes.. just us and the express.. I swear it." Dan Heng was getting desperate.

"..the express.. Of course. It will never be just us with them around.."

"That- that's not it A-Yuan! Please just think about us."

"..."

"I've had enough of your annoyance scion of permanence. Your little mind games aren't going to tear down Jing Yuan's new status." Phantylia was more annoyed than Dan Heng had ever seen her be before.

Good.

Dan Heng was praying she would finally suffer for what she'd done to his A-Yuan.

"Jing Yuan darling, please do remember how Dan Heng COULD have stopped what happened if he had stayed with you on the Loufu. Do remember how he left you as fast as possible for his new little friends.. or should I say replacements?"

"WE DIDN'T REPLACE ANYONE!" Caelus yelled out in argument to Phantylia's claims.

"But you did. Ask your friend, or maybe ask my darling colleague yourself."

"I don't have to ask anything to anyone! We aren't replacements! Dan Heng isn't Dan Feng!"

Caelus knew of the High Cloud Quintet just as much as he knew Dan Heng wasn't a part of it.

Dan Heng couldn't help but thank Caelus in his mind.

"Hmm? Is that seriously what you think? Well, I'm sure you'd agree darling, right?" Phantylia was so full of herself.. she knew Jing Yuan was going to be weak to her words.

He wanted Dan Feng back for so long.. and it took him a long time to separate Dan Heng from Dan Feng.

Now.. she's preying on that weakness.. preying on how many times Jing Yuan had called Dan Heng by HIS name.

"I.." Jing Yuan was at a loss for words..

"Darling.. don't focus on that question if its hard to answer. Just focus on what I told you to remember."

"Dan Heng.. left... me.." ... "He left me."

Jing Yuan started to regain a piece of his composure.

"Hahahaha.. yes.. yes.. YES! I finally understand! Its all so clear to me now!" He had regained that same smirk too..

"He had already chose those the express.. long before this!"

"A-Yuan..!" Dan Heng tried reaching out to Jing Yuan once more.. "Please-"

"I apologize for holding you back for so long Dan Heng.. for trying to love you when you could never love me back.." NONONONO.

"There is no need to pretend anymore Dan Heng.. so please. Do consider me by what I am now.."

PLEASE.

NO.

PLEASE.

NO.

PLEASE.

"A lord ravager. And YOUR enemy."

Notes:

HengJing breakup arc is real y'all.. *sigh*
(They will make up(out) eventually! I think..)

Chapter 4: The Wake of Anguish

Summary:

Tensions rise and feelings get complicated for (almost) everyone.

NONONONONO.

THIS CANT BE HAPPENING..

WHY..?

AKIVILI WHY..?

PLEASE..

THIS MUST ALL BE A BAD DREAM..!

"Now.. we came here for something. I believe we need to stop wasting our time, Phantylia." Jing Yuan wasn't being kind anymore.

He was fed up with everything.

That was surely Dan Heng's own fault.

At least, he thought it was.

"Yes.. of course.." Phantylia was surprised by Jing Yuan's harsh tone toward her.

Dan Heng guessed that they never had any hostility towards each other after what ever happened to Jing Yuan.

Though, it could just be that she dislikes being potentially seen as a problem.

Well, if that's the case, then Dan Heng supposes she wouldn't like to face reality.

"It is time Iron Tomb finishes what they started Mister Lygus."

"Why, your lack of patience is quite amusing at times my lady. But of course.. your concerns will be tended to." Lygus was probably the only one who wasn't angry at her in some capacity now.

Ironic considering how he was so blatantly disrespectful to her earlier.

"Lord Phainon, it is time we depart from your friends. I will let you say your.. farewells."

Phainon was quiet despite Lygus' orders.

He was determined to not submit to any orders Lygus gave now that he knew the truth.

"No. I won't be going anywhere." Phainon spoke strongly.

He wanted to demonstrate his defiance.

"You are quite disrespectful boy. Don't you know your place by now?" 'Know your place'. Of course Phantylia would use such words.

No surprise considering how much she talked down to Dan Heng and Caelus in the past.

She definitely seemed like someone who would view themself as above others, that's for sure.

"Yeah, I do know my place. And it is certainly above vile people like you." Phainon protested.

A bold move.

Perhaps a little cocky, but honestly, Phantylia needed a taste of her own medicine.

"Hm, how annoying.." Jing Yuan mumbled to himself.

"I'd suggest not pissing me off boy. I'd hate for Iron Tomb to need another vessel. Then again, maybe a new vessel wouldn't be so annoying." Another demeaning title.

'Vessel'.

That's all she saw Phainon as.

A vessel.

An object.

Not a person with feelings and memories.

He was just one of Iron Tomb's belongings to her.

Dan Heng called Phainon his friend, so hearing Phantylia talk down to Phainon pissed him off.

"Your getting on my last nerves woman." She wasn't already on Phainon's last nerves?

Phainon must have the patience of a saint if that's the case.

"Lord Phainon. I had given you an order, had I not?" Lygus cut in.

"I already told you.. I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE!" Phainon raised his sword toward Lygus and Phantylia.

He was determined, and Dan Heng knew that.

Caelus stood up too, their lance in hand.

Dan Heng followed suit, though he was still exhausted from his fight with the flame reaver.

There was water all around the vortex of genesis though.

He would be fine in the case of a battle.

"So, you prefer to respond with violence? What a rude gesture Lord Phainon." Lygus didn't seem to care if a fight ensued, but he didn't exactly seem like he wanted one either.

Dan Heng wasn't even sure Lygus could fight.

Then again, they barely know anything about Lygus.

"A battle? Here of all places? You sure have high sprits you three." Phantylia mocked.

She was certainly ready to fight if needed.

Perhaps even a little excited for a fight.

But, Jing Yuan?

He seemed annoyed at the idea of a fight.

A stark contrast to Phantylia's enthusiasm.

"This is pointless. I am in no mood to waste my energy on a childish conflict.." Jing Yuan was in protest to the three's stance.

Dan Heng wanted to think it was because he still cared..

But then again, he did pronounce himself Dan Heng's enemy..

Dan Heng didn't want to fight Jing Yuan or be his enemy in any capacity.

But if it was to protect his friends.. then he would wear the mantle of Jing Yuan's 'enemy', no matter how much it hurt.

"Pointless? Childish? Clearly you don't know the first thing about loyalty or self-respect if you think that protecting people you care for and yourself is childish." That's it.

Phainon was trying to push their buttons.

He was trying to make them angry.

It was a good idea in theory when used against someone with an ego as large as Phantylia's.

After all, Dan Heng figured that if you pushed her hard enough, she wouldn't bother to continue putting up a fight.

But against Jing Yuan? That was a terrible idea.

Dan Heng knew that, despite his friendly demeanor, Jing Yuan had slain thousands of enemies in the past.

And now that he is on the path of destruction and is a lord ravager?

Dan Heng was almost sure that was pushing a line.

Jing Yuan's cold stare towards Phainon was a sure sign of that.

"Your disrespect is blatant Lord Phainon. Please, do come quietly.. I'd hate to anger our guests any further." Lygus pushed back with more orders.

In a second, he had frozen Phainon in place.

That power.. it resembled the dark tide..

Had Lygus been responsible for the dark tide? Or was this the work of Iron Tomb?

"WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Caelus shouted at Lygus.

"What had to be done. I'd suggest the two of you know your odds and stand down. I will be taking Lord Phainon with me." Lygus was walking toward Phainon.

He knew what he was doing, almost as if he'd done it before.

Caelus knew their odds..

Two lord ravagers and someone who worked close with another lord ravager.

They wouldn't stand a chance for more than a few minutes.

But they still chose to attack Lygus..

...

In an instant, Caelus was pinned to the ground.

"Not a smart choice.." Jing Yuan had done it.

He pinned Caelus down.

He had his boot pressed into Caelus' back, one of those sharp heels on those boots he wore now stabbing them.

Dan Heng wanted to aid Caelus.

He wanted to strike at Jing Yuan.. just to get him off of Caelus..

But he didn't.

He was frozen.

His body wouldn't move no matter how hard he tried to move it.

Like he was a child scared of getting in trouble for breaking a vase.

Pathetic.

Caelus, despite their position, still tried reaching for Phainon.

They still hoped they could reach him.

They were brave.

Unlike Dan Heng, who couldn't even move a muscle to aid them..

"Oh? What's wrong? Aren't you going to aid your little friend, scion of permanence~?" Phantylia dared to mock him.

Of course, its not like she wasn't making a reasonable assumption.

Dan Heng should be helping Caelus.

And he wants to.

But him not moving a muscle in order to do so says otherwise.

Phantylia smirked at Dan Heng.

She knew why he was frozen.

But she didn't care.

She wanted to rub it in his face that Jing Yuan didn't care anymore.

And it was working.

Jing Yuan didn't even spare a glance to Dan Heng.

Of course not.

Why would he?

He has no reason to care anymore.

Not when he thinks Dan Heng doesn't care.

"A large deal of gratitude towards you sir lord ravager." Lygus spoke toward Jing Yuan.

He had already reached Phainon and he seemed to have transported Phainon to somewhere else.

That was partially thanks to Jing Yuan, thus his expression of gratitude.

"You are much too kind Mister Lygus. I do not need your gratitude." Jing Yuan said that like it was an insult.

Almost as if he saw Lygus' little kindness as weakness.

Though, it would make sense for him to think that.

"And, if you would, use the name Artemus." Artemus?

Oh.

It must be the name he took on when becoming a lord ravager.

"Of course, my apologies Lord Artemus." Lygus bowed in apology.

"I think it is time we part ways with the express Phantylia." Jing Yuan looked to Phantylia.

"Ah yes, it is a shame but I knew this time would come." A shame?

Like she gave a shit.

Jing Yuan removed his boot from Caelus' back, finally releasing the pressure they had on them.

Caelus gasped for air.

Right on queue, Dan Heng ran to Caelus.

"Are you alright Caelus..?"

"I-I'm.. f-fine." Caelus struggled to find air, but their words still came out clearer than expected.

"I'm glad." Dan Heng flashed a quick smile.

Caelus reciprocated that same smile.

Then, Dan Heng fixed his expression back to one of concern.

Just as he did, he turned to face Jing Yuan and Phantylia.

Jing Yuan flashed him a glance.

A regretful yet hateful one.

That broke something inside of Dan Heng, but he dared not to show it.

"Well, it has been fun but we must take our leave. I do hope to see the two of you again.~" What a bold faced lie.

Of course she'd still mock them even now.

"Hmph." Jing Yuan didn't seem to care about Phantylia's words.

At least he wasn't defending her or outright agreeing with her anymore.

The two of them turned to leave.

"WAIT! Just for a minute.. Jing Yuan.. please." Dan Heng finally spoke up.

"We have no words to exchange Dan Heng.. What is there to say?"

"I.. I love you. Please.. stay.. just.."

Jing Yuan stood still for a moment.

He was thinking.

"Do you.. really mean that..?" Jing Yuan wanted Dan Heng's conformation.

He truly thought Dan Heng didn't love him.

How.. tragic..

"YES! I MEAN IT! WITH ALL MY HEART!" Dan Heng was practically pleading with JIng Yuan.

Maybe it would work this time.

Maybe he could convince him this time.

Maybe..

Maybe.

Jing Yuan laughed.

He turned around.

A grin plastered on his face.

He walked toward Dan Heng.

When he reached him, he cradled his face with his hands.

"I'm afraid I won't be going with you.. And please, call me Artemus dear.~ "

Jing Yuan pulled Dan Heng closer.

"We're enemies, how could you forget that~?"

Dan Heng frowned a little.

"But, I am quite content with a little game of cat and mouse.~" Jing Yuan closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them once more.

"We will see each other again. After all..."

Jing Yuan took one hand off of Dan Heng's face.

"I'm sure you'll come to rescue your little friend.~"

Dan Heng was frozen again.

He wanted to wrap his arms around Jing Yuan's waist but..

They were still enemies..

And Jing Yuan was toying with him.

"It will be thrilling to battle you.~"

Jing Yuan laughed a bit.

"I'll be waiting.. Heng-ge.~"

In a flash of lightning, Jing Yuan disappeared alongside Phantylia and Lygus.

It was just Dan Heng and Caelus now in the vortex of genesis.

Dan Heng's arms fell limp at the loss of his lover.

Jing Yuan had left.

But now, Dan Heng had hope that he could bring 'Artemus'...

No.

Jing Yuan, his Jing Yuan, back.

He has all the time in the universe.

And he will wait until he convinces his Jing Yuan to come back to him.

Even if it takes centuries.

"U-uh Dan Heng.. a-a little help h-here." Caelus!

Dan Heng rushed to help Caelus up.

"I'm sorry Caelus.. I-"

"N-no need Dan Heng.. I get it." Caelus gave him a sorrowful smile.

Dan Heng gave one back.

"Now.. w-we need to find P-Phainon."

"Yes.. we won't leave Amphoreus until we do."

...

Notes:

Villain Jing Yuan toying with Dan Heng is such a fun idea.. They'll be fighting and just have the urge to spontaneously make out
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(Next chapter will be backstory stuff for Jing Yuan btw so buckle up!)

Notes:

Thank you for reading! This took me awhile to decide to write but I finally had the motivation to. Feel free to ask questions about this au in the comments! :D