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“When will you wake and tell me your story?” a man whose words weighed with many ages of wisdom spoke. He looked down at the man still resting in the bed after having help changed his closed. He seemed at peace, skin warm to the touch and filled with youth.
Uncharacteristically so.
The man sighed and sat down on the stool besides the bed. He looked around the room, the little roughly put together trinkets on the shelfs, each better than one on its left. He looked in the middle of the room and saw a mirage of himself and smaller version of the man in the bed. The young child shyly shifted his weight back and forth between his feet. Then the child shook away the fluster and beamed with determination and arrogance as he presented a small bird ceramic in the palm of his hands. The larger man in the mirage moved his hand to pick it up, but the bird flapped its winds and took flight around them.
The scene faded into stardust. The man could only sigh as he looked back at the young man resting in bed.
“Yingxing…” he muttered the name and closed his eyes.
CLANG!
A clash of swords echoed in midst of steam. The icy blade against a fiery one. The wielder of fire melted the ice and pushed the other back. He stood between a barely conscious man in ragged clothes, covered in blood and deep wounds, and the swordswoman whose eyes were wide and dilated like a mad beast, cold and unwelcoming.
He had witnessed the wounded being stabbed brutally that event he once masterfully crafted sword shattered to pieces. The woman reforged her ice weapon then paused. Her expression was difficult to read, but after a pause…
“There is nowhere to run,” she said in an almost hallow tone laced with a chilling venom as piecing as her strikes.
She ran.
However, the one who intervened chose not to chase after her. He waited for her to leave completely before turning to the now unconscious casualty.
His heart dropped.
His eyes traced the face, the hair, and even the parts of the clothes he could make out the designs, especially the flaming lotus on the tail of the coat. An anchor sunk in the man’s heart and soul at such a sight. Carefully, he collected the shattered shards on the snow into a fabric then picked up the wounded and left the scene.
“Foolish child…” The man murmured. “Have you no care for how your poor, old father would feel?”
For the first time in days, Yingxing stirred. The man shifted in response. Yingxing’s eyes fought to open up. One, two, three attempts before those eyelids finally parted.
The man held his breath.
The once periwinkle eyes that sparkled like stars through the skies were now crimson like a candle flame never to perish, only accentuated by its teardrop pupil. There was a haze in them, but the fire persisted though an undeniable ember.
The pupils shifted to take in the room bit by bit, lingering on the black pieces on the neighboring desk, until they then focused on the only other person in the room.
“You’re awake,” the man spoke.
“…” Yingxing did not speak though he kept his gaze. The man placed a hand over Yingxing’s head and felt a normal temperature.
“… You must be hungry. I will return shortly.” He exited the room with the gaze still fixated on him. He closed the door behind him and sighed.
“General Huaiyan,” someone called. The man turned to her. “There is a summoning with the other Arbiter Generals in an hour.”
“Duly noted,” Huaiyan acknowledged. “I will be there on time. I have some other matters first.”
“He hasn’t spoken a word nor reacted much for the past few days…” Huaiyan noted as he walked along side Yingxing, keeping a close eye on the man who seem to be in a daze. They walked through the halls a little each day when possible, passing by the succulents and the workshops. He could see strength returning to those limbs and stride with each passing attempt. His eyes drifted to the bandages peeking around the chest.
The image of the sword in the man’s chest, coated in blood, flashed before the general’s mind.
Huaiyan looked forward with a dullness in his eyes.
“How are you feeling?” Huaiyan asked. “Have your speech left you?” He gently touched a bud on the succulent yet to bloom. It was small and late compared to its brethren. The petals hidden behind the stem leaves were a warm reddish orange.
Much like the eyes of the quiet man.
“Better,” Yingxing answered. Huaiyan turned to fully face him.
“Good,” Huaiyan eased up. “I have much to ask, however a full recovery is in order.” Yingxing nodded and said nothing. There was a distance in how he stood and reacted. Slow and seemingly out of reach. “… Do you recall your name?”
Yingxing paused for a moment before quietly answering, “Yingxing.” The delay. Huaiyan recalled how the man scarce to even react to the sound of his name. There would be a distance stare before turning his attention at the address.
“… Do you recall my name?”
“… General Huaiyan.”
“And our relation?”
“… General.”
“…” He closed his eyes and let out a slow, discreet exhale. “Have you lost all of your memories?” The turn away gaze and lack of words were more than enough of an answer. “I see… Do not fret over it.” Huaiyan bit the inner part of his lip, unnoticeable on the exterior. “I suppose he will not be able to inform me anything of Yinyue Jun’s situation… Although, I suppose he wouldn’t want to either…”
“…” Yingxing held his head. Huaiyan focused on him again. “… There’s… someone in my dreams…” Yingxing paused to groan. His faces as slightly scrunched together. There was a longing in his eyes. His left hand crossed over to his right, touching a lone bracer of fine craftsmanship— a bracer missing its other half. There was coolness to the touch. “Unforgettable azure eyes, beautiful…”
“Could it be… Yinyue Jun…?” Huaiyan thought. He waited for the other to finish.
“Strong, slender arms around a brilliant spear… Azure antler like horns.”
“Do not strain yourself,” Huaiyan placed a hand on his shoulder. “The answers will come to you when the time comes. Your priority is recovery.”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s rare for you to seek an audience with me for my aid, General,” a Vidyadhara with prominent red horns spoke not with sound through the air but clear resonance from mind to mind. The dragon looked out the window at the distance flames burning in each forge. It illuminated the otherwise dark, near-vacant room.
“Yanting Jun, it is a matter in which I carry little weight,” Huaiyan answered. He maintained a distance of a few steps. The High Elder slowly turned from the glass and towards the oldest man alive.
“A Vidyadhara matter, then? It must be about Yinyue then.”
“…” Huaiyan paused. Their tone was collected yet Yinyue was not addressed respectfully. “It is.”
“You are not one to let your personal bias cloud your judgement and yet this matter troubles you enough to seek me.” Yanting narrowed their eyes. “Is it because of Little Yingxing? The two of them in an intimate relationship was a surprise to me.”
“Yanting Jun,” Huaiyan calmly addressed. “I heard the details in the meeting. Yet, do you not find it strange? Sins Yinyue Jun was charged with yet no one bared full witness of the acts nor the conclusive evidence.”
“Their sword champion bore witness and shared her tale, did she not?”
“She was there to provide testimony, yes. However, had you been present in the meeting of the Seven Arbiter Generals…” Huaiyan’s expression became grim. “You would have heard and seen her claims not fully aligning with what was found at the scene. Yet we cannot discount it either as Yinyue Jun refused to speak nor react as well as the fact that High Cloud Quintet were once close. Still, there was a strange franticness and delirium laced in her demeanor I do not recall… Almost akin to mara although I pray that I am wrong.”
“….”
“As I’ve mentioned,” Huaiyan cleared his throat. “Yinyue Jun, he did not fight but appeared resigned with a distant gaze the entire time. Still, he resealed the Ambrosial Arbor despite his current status. And I hear he even faces torture and fruitless interrogation in the confides of the Shackling Prison.”
“…” Yanting winced, fingers clenching slightly.
“Ought we not confirm the truth first? The Ten Lords wish to execute him. I ask you to plead for the just procedure.”
“Truly you possess the righteous heart, time and time again you prove such.” Yanting sighed. “The Xianzhou Alliance… Luofu… Sometimes I ponder if we are merely tools to keep the plague marks at bay yet Luofu is the worst when it comes to respect.” They almost scoffed. “I will speak with Tianfeng Jun.”
“Much appreciated.” Huaiyan bowed. “I will see what I can do on my part. I shall excuse myself now.” He turned to leave with crimson eyes focused on him.
“General.” Yanting called, stopping the other mid-step. “Do you genuinely believe his innocence? Or is it what you want to believe.”
“After all these years, I would hope you understand me by now.” Huaiyan turned his head to meet the other’s gaze. “So as long as there is doubt, then we must be careful to do right by one’s innocence and punish only for the true sins.”
“Very well. I will join Tianfeng Jun in vouching for him.”
“Does crafting interest you?” Huaiyan asked as he stopped working and turned to the man observing from the distance.
“… In my dreams, I’ve seen the forge many a times,” Yingxing answered and held up his hands. “Thousands of masterpieces coming to life from these hands.”
“Come, my child. Why not try it out in reality?” The General beckoned with a wave of a hand. Yingxing approached. “Give it a try, let your heart guide you.” The older man said no more and neither did the other. He watched his apprentice take up the hammer and gave a swing against the metal on the anvil.
It was rough. It wobbled. However, each succeeding swing steadied and echoed its former glory. It wasn’t long until those eyes glowed a focused haze fixated on the scrap before him.
The muscle memories awakened.
The flames that snapped at him soon bended to his will.
He stood there, working, embodying the essence of the Furnace Master.
Huaiyan observed him. Beknownst to him, a smile crept up on his face like a proud father. In his eyes, an illusion of that small child first picking up the craft, a little haphazard but brimming with talent. Passion burned in their gates to their souls. He saw that child growing up, honing his skills, thriving. That child was before him now almost back to his prime.
“Yingxing…” Huaiyan half mourned.
“He will not be executed,” Yanting informed the general that morning. “Tianfeng Jun fought tooth and nail to spare him. I gave my support as well. However, the other High Elders remained silent on the matter… Regardless, without direct opposition, they agreed to allow Yinyue to be rebirthed anew.” They went to a silence, lip trembling to continue.
“What troubles you?” Huaiyan asked.
“They never found Little Yingxing’s body… And with how Yinyue refuses to speak…”
“… He knew his time was limited but was more than willing jump into the flames of war for his goal. His life blazed like the brightest star.” The two of them fell to quiet mourning. “… About Yingxing however… He is alive.” Yanting dropped his crossed arms and closed the distance between them.
“How fairs he?” Yanting asked in almost a whisper despite speaking telepathically. “He ought to be reaching the end of his lifespan, no?”
Huaiyan leaned in to whispered as if the private room’s walls had ears., “He lost his memories and is only recalling vague fragments. However, the most concerning part is that he has returned to his youth.”
“…!” Yanting’s eyes widened and jaw dropped to an ‘o’ shape. “How?”
“I do not see signs of mara yet his grave wounds have healed significantly over the past week.”
“Abundance?”
“For his special case, surely it’s not only abundance least he’d soon transform into a tree.”
“You say he returned to his youth?”
“Indeed, Twenties or thirties in mortal years.”
“… Perhaps.. Yinyue has blessed, or cursed, him with permanence…?” The dragon tapped their finger against their chin and foot to the floor as they pondered.
“… Regardless, I don’t believe it’ll will be anyone’s best interest if that information spreads.”
“I agree. So, what will you do?”
“… I will keep him close under my wing until the opportunity comes. However, if possible, I’d wish to reunite him with Yinyue Jun for them to start a new life elsewhere. I don’t believe the people will let him rest even after rebirth.”
“By tradition, they have to. But what if Yingxing regains his memories but Dan Feng does not? It would be cruel, no? To chase after a shadow.”
“I believe they would find love anew.”
“Hah!” Yanting let out a laugh. It was one of the rare times their voice could be heard aloud. “I did not take you for a romantic. Well, I will keep an ear for news of Dan Feng.”
“…” Huaiyan closed his eyes, hand rubbing against them. “What does fate have in store for you, my child?” He opened his eyes to see Yingxing put together a little music box. It was little rough around the edges, a far cry from a seasoned veteran’s product, yet legions away from that of an amateur.
Yingxing twisted the key with a slight creaking click. Play a gentle almost melancholic melody, the lid opened to show the spinning center piece of a blooming lotus. The inner lid was a starry night that opened to reveal a full boom when the lotus is at full bloom.
“Well done,” Huaiyan praised, ruffling the talent’s hair. “What inspired this design?”
“… That person in my dreams,” Yingxing said with one hand—the one with a single bracer— moving to his chest, clutching the fabric tightly. “A mysterious, ethereal beauty whose mere visage is enough to send my heart ablaze even in the strongest storms. A strange sensation I am unsure how to address.”
“Love, not that you fully recall,” Huaiyan answered in a thought.
“Whoever this person is, I know must be important to me.” Huaiyan didn’t respond. Yingxing continue to stare at his creation until the melody came to a stop.
Suddenly, Yingxing ran out of the room. Huaiyan stood up and listened to the fading footsteps that soon grew again. He eased back into his seat, fully rested just as Yingxing returned with a wrapped-up parcel in his arms. The man sat them down on the table, uncovering several broken shards.
The shards of a sword that were left by his once battered body.
Yingxing didn’t say a word as he began to melt gold. Huaiyan watched his every move. There was that focus and determination. There was that familiarity with the environment. There how he glued the shards back together with gold, reforging an old yet new blade.
Not a word left either of their mouths during the session or even after.
The look in the craftsman’s eye was not one of arrogance or pride. That downward cast, that breath of the void among a faint glint from his own reflection. The blade shown his face and body, cracked into pieces from that day.
His fingers slowly traced along its side, feeling the imperfections against an otherwise smooth surface. It left a glowing trail where brushed.
Fractured yet patched and forged anew.
“Even things seem worn and worthless once had their prime,” Huaiyan broke the silence as he stood and approached. “However, being brought to one’s lowest point does not mean that is the end.” He gently lifted the heavy sword up on both hands and faced Yingxing. “Should one wish and strive forward past come what may, then one can blossom into even grander heights with a tale only strengthen by one’s bountiful experiences.” He offered the sword. “Will you not blaze forward? Do you not think there is a new beauty you’ve bestowed upon this sword?”
“…” Yingxing swallowed the weight that clung to his throat. However, once he did, his demeanor changed. He took hold of the weapon with confidence. He stood tall, burying the meekness in his shadow. The scorching flames returning to his eyes. “I suppose it was time for a new look for it,” he joked for the first time.
“Haha!” Huaiyan let out a boisterous laugh that threatened to tremble the entire room. He gave the younger two firm pats on the shoulder. “Good. With that attitude, you’ll be back in your rhythm and giving everyone a run for their money in no time.”
“Yes, master,” Yingxing nodded.
“… As you set off on your new path,” the humor faded from his voice. It was back to the stern, almost grim tonality. “There is a matter to address. Your current condition and your future.”
“What is it?” Yingxing pressed.
“I do not know the extent of your condition nor how it came to be, however….” Huaiyan crossed his arms. He could see how Yingxing grimaced, bracing what was next. “It is highly unusual and will not go unnoticed should you leave this establishment. For a mortal who lived and visibly aged ‘til the tail end of their lifespan and to suddenly rejuvenate their youth… Not only that but to survive several fatal wounds….” He winced ever so slightly as that frigid scene flashed in his head. The once sword champion mercilessly stabbing into Yingxing who lacked memories nor the strength to fight back. “It is possible you’ve become immortal.”
Yingxing’s eyes widened. There was a hollowness yet a heaviness that dropped within him.
“It is one of the ten unpardonable sins to covet immortality or be bestowed it. The Alliance would not be pleased in the slightest. Unfortunately, I will have to request you remain here. Only those trustworthy know and even then, only a few who must know.”
“… Why do you take such risk?” Yingxing asked.
“That I would ask you leave it to your recollections to determine just what kind of person I am.”
“… In truth, I already know whether or not my memories return.” Yingxing sighed. Huaiyan patted him on the head just as he used to do all those years ago.
“Then why ask?” Huaiyan jested. “We’ll take the situation step by step. Now onto the second matter. A name.” Do not doubt what your birth name is, however going forward, it would be best to address you by another name should anyone overhear.”
“…”
“I will leave the choice to you.” The general turned around. “Take your time to think—”
“Ren. A blade that has become anew and will cut through the obstacles to come. A blade that will not stay shattered. A blade that will shine brighter than ever before.”
“Is that your decision?” Huaiyan asked.
“Yes.”
“Very well, Ren.”
“They agreed to the hatching rebirth,” Zhuming’s High Elder informed Huaiyan. They sat nearby Ren crafting away, paying them no heed. “However, I haven’t received any news since… Luofu is being quiet about the matter. Same goes for the preceptors…”
“Strange, isn’t it…” Huaiyan nodded with his eyebrows furrowed. “Everything about this case raises suspicions…” He kept his voice low as he responded to the Vidyadhara.
“I will keep an trying to pry information from them.”
“As will I, although I cannot promise much.”
The two of them went silent as they watched Ren work.
“What a fine student you have although I don’t see the master doing much teaching,” Yanting said to both of them. Ren paused for a moment when the sudden voice echoed in his mind. He snapped out of it when his master let out a rumbling laugh.
“Is he not? He is the best and easiest apprentice I had,” Huaiyan bragged. “All I must do is give a little encouragement, and he is well on his way.” He could see a stifled smile peek from Ren’s face.
“Well, I learn from the best,” Ren said.
“Teacher’s pet,” Yanting joked.
“That’s my son, alright,” Huaiyan continued to laugh. Ren turned his head away, back to his work so that only the flames could witness his expression.
“What in the ancient sea is the Luofu consuming?!” Yanting collapsed onto the floor and sprawled out all their limbs, including the tail. The general walked around them to the table, picking up a few documents.
“Like a cat…” Huaiyan thought. “Please elaborate with clear context.”
“I managed to weasel out some information from that new general. Apparently, he was an old friend of Yinyue.” Yanting rolled over onto their stomach. “Yinyue wouldn’t speak to anyone, not even him. Even up to his rebirth… Except something strange is going on with the rebirth… He wasn’t permitted to return to the sea… yet was able to hatch in the prison…?”
“One must return to the ancient sea for rebirth, correct?” Huaiyan flipped through the files in his hands. Documents from the Ten Lords yet none of it pertained to Dan Feng. “It is why many journey back to Luofu when it’s time.”
“Correct. So, it is strange… Even if the prison is under the Scalegorge, we require the sea itself.” The High Elder got up. “They’re up to something…”
“… How fairs Dan Feng’s reincarnation— or rather,” Huaiyan lowered his papers and made eye contact with the dragon. ”Dan Feng himself?”
“Still in prison… When he should be free of his crimes after rebirth… Yet he was denied rebirth and thus denied everything else…”
“… They’re keeping him prisoner… must be planning something.” The general looked through the window of his office into the inner hall. He could see his apprentice working away at the forge as he had all those years ago and all the recent decades.
Not a single wrinkle or blemish on his skin save for a few scars across his chest.
Huaiyan saw another head emerge on the reflection. Yanting peered through, following his gaze all the way to the craftsman.
“He truly has not aged… Physically anyways.”
“Little by little he regains his memories in his dreams,” Huaiyan replied. “Much of his childhood is recovered, including his homeland.”
“…” The High Elder said nothing though the twist of lips said more than enough.
“… Each passing day…” Huaiyan sighed and turned from the window. “He still thinks of Yinyue Ju, though he hasn’t quite fully recalled who he is. There is a great yearning channeled in his crafts.”
“That would explain all the items that look like the man.” Yanting looked at the plethora of items from vases to ceramics to music boxes, to decorative ornaments and so on. All gathered beside Ren forming the illusion of Dan Feng, save for his face. “Is he trying to piece it together?”
“Yanting Jun,” Huaiyan called with a stack of papers in his hands. “If you plan on loitering around here to avoid your duties then you can aid me in these documents.” He handed over a pile towards the dragon.
“Well look at the time!” Yanting rotated to the clock and practically saluted to it. “I’d love to, but I must truly get going before my people cry.” They hurried to the door but slowed to pause. “I’ll let you know if I hear anything else.”
“Uncle!” A girl leaped onto Ren’s back as he was carrying a box of minerals.
“Yunli,” Ren lightly chided beyond his chuckle. “You got to stop doing that least you want an accident to happen.” Still, he set down the box and spun the girl around. Huaiyan only smiled into his teacup as he watched from a distance.
“Weren’t you just bragging the other day that you don’t create accidents but miracles?” Yunli pouted.
“Am I wrong? I’m not the cause for accidents to happen when a projectile launched herself onto me.”
“Get better then.” She hopped off. “Take a break and come train with me!” She took out her claymore, Ren’s latest creation.
“Doesn’t sound like a break to me,” Ren commented. “Seems more like you’re eager to test that blade on me. What happened to being your favorite uncle?”
“You are my favorite uncle.” Yunli grinned. “You’re also my only uncle so therefore, also my least favorite uncle if you want to think of it like that.”
“Hmm,” Ren crossed his arms and leaned his chin against his knuckles.
“… Why are you considering it…?”
“Being the unfavorite means I don’t need to spoil you. Then I shall leave you be!” Ren turned around with an arm raised as he began to walk away. Yunli hopped in place and chased after him.
“Uncle! You just want to craft while thinking of your dream guy!”
“Indeed.”
“I want to meet this guy too.” Their voices faded into the distance.
Huaiyan chuckled to himself as he watched the two. Navy hair with a slight ombre, both passionate and a master to their craft. One could actually mistake them to be blood related. “It appears I have a favorite type to care for.”
The general let out a sigh and refilled his tea. His eyes glossed over the letter on the table.
A letter that read: He has been exiled… Perhaps, it is for the best after all these centuries… That is all that can give you, my friend. I must return to the ancient sea now.
Huaiyan closed his eyes.
“… May fate be kind to you both in this lifetime…”
“Guests from the Astral Express,” Huaiyan greeted the party that stood in front of the half destroyed. “It’s unfortunate to hear that you were attacked, however, at the very least you all are unharmed.” His eyes studied each and every one of them. Though he only permitted his gaze to linger a second longer on one of them, especially the familiar bracer on his left arm.
There was no mistaking it.
The Express’s archivist…
“We greatly appreciate your understanding and kindness despite us crashing onto your ship with warning barely sent,” the Astral Express owner, Himeko spoke, bowing.
“I heard some laughing when that asteroid hit us,” a silver haired traveler whispered to the others.
“Now that I think about it…” the pink haired girl said. “I did hear something like that too or some weird crying laughter. I wonder if my photos are ok…”
“They should be,” the black-haired man assured. “That car is mostly intact. I will have to reorganize all the books in the archive however…”
“Our train….” A large rabbit stared and sobbed at the disaster that fell the Express.
“You’re on ship of artisans,” Huaiyan said. “Your Express is in good hands.” At that assurance, the rabbit perked up and turned around. “For now, please enjoy your stay on the Xianzhou Zhuming. I will see to the arrangement for loggings and repair diagnosis.”
“Is it really alright to trouble you with this, General?” an older man with spectacles asked.
“This is a particular case, and I will require you all to complete some documentations. Therefore, I might as well be the one to take care of this matter. Come along.” Huaiyan turned around, leading the party away from the express now quarantined away from access.
“Do we have the funds for fixes?” the silver hair person asked as they continued to follow General through the streets.
“We do have emergency funds for such occasions,” Himeko said. “Although, this is a hefty damage that will consumes most of it.”
“…” the rabbit let out a big sigh. “Pompom will buy less cleaning supplies…”
“Is everything ok, Dan Heng?” the older man of the group asked as he noticed the archivist fidgeting, switching back and forth between alert and awe.
“Hm?” Dan Heng looked at them. He caught Huaiyan’s gaze in the process and cleared his throat. “I’m just taken aback by the sights. There is a rich history of arts here that I should record into the database.” He continued to gaze at everything that wasn’t the General.
“Workaholic,” the two younger looking crewmates teased him. Dan Heng ignored them, letting his hand rest on top of his bracer, warm upon touch.
They stepped onto a boat as Huaiyan gave an overview of Zhuming, “We do have some of the best food of the Xianzhou Alliance. I would highly recommend trying some during your stay.” The silver haired on took aggressive, vocal sniffs into the air.
“I can smell it!” they declared with drool practically slipping from their lips.
“Wipe your mouth, Trailblazer…” the pink hair girl said as she passed them a handkerchief. “I know it smells really good but your drool is getting everywhere…”
“It won’t kill you, March.” Trailblazer leaned towards her who crawled away to the other side of the Himeko. The older man, Welt, gave a stern look of disappointment to Trailblaze, instantly ceasing their mischief.
Their attention soon shifted as a massive structure checkered into view. Its doors drew open, allowing them passage. The boat slowed to a stop at the dock. One by one, each person disembarked from the vessel.
Huaiyan waited for them to stretch out their legs before walking up the stairs. As they were walking, they peered over the ledge to see a grand forge in the center.
“Be careful,” Huaiyan warned. “That is the Flint Emperor who could paralyze and possessed you.” Everyone side stepped away from the rail. “Normally only I and my authorized apprentices tend to it. My protégé has implemented some extra security measures so we are safe from this distance.” The General touched furthest the door at the top of the stairs. It lit up in a spiral of flames waving out.
Click.
The door opened, slowly swinging inward, revealing a large office space. Walls of books outline the room with a large desk of organized supplies and papers sat in the back center. In front of that desk were two couches perpendicular to each other and a coffee table adjacent to it.
“Please have a seat,” Huaiyan gestured. “I will need you to finish out your visitor forms. The repairs details will be provided once a full inspection is completed.” He explained as he checked through the cabinets, grabbing the necessary documents as he went. He brought the papers to his table first, filling in part of the paperwork. He walked around the table and handed them each their own set and a pen.
Dan Heng accepted the items and noticed a smaller square of paper on top.
A note reading: I am aware of your origins and identity, however do not fret. I have no intention of turning you in. I am grad you are safe and in a better place.
Dan Heng looked up at Huaiyan, who was already absorbed into some other paperwork and sending scrolls through a window panel. The contents disappear but different rolls of papers turned through another panel. Dan Heng carefully folded the note and tucked it into his pocket before completing the documentation.
It wasn’t long until everyone piled their finished files onto the center of table. Huaiyan stood up and collected the documents, giving them a quick once over. “Very good,” The General acknowledged and set the papers onto the table and picked up a stack of cards. “Here are your hotel keys. I will take you there before inspecting your vehicle.”
“How much are the expenses for the accommodations?” Welt asked as he took the key.
“For the first three days, it is on the house for housing along,” Huaiyan explained. “You are responsible for food expenses and anything else. However, I encourage you to use this time to explore our grand ship.”
“That’s kind enough already,” Himeko bowed her head.
“It is certainly one way to receive a positive impression,” Dan Heng acknowledged. His eyes studied the man. He didn’t appear familiar, but there was a vague hint laced in the name that itched the back of his mind. “Is he simply just a General?” he wondered.
“I will reach out to you with a diagnosis and expected repair expenses when ready,” Huaiyan continued. “It will be a letter to your hotel room along with instructions on how to reach me when you are ready to proceed or have questions.”
“Everyone, where are your manners?” Pompom the rabbit chided the crew all of a sudden.
“Thank you,” the entire crew said in unison. Huaiyan only laughed heartily.
“Come along, let us go,” Huaiyan headed to the door first and waited for each of them to exit the room. They went towards the same way the entered. As they made their way towards the stairs, the door closest opened with a blur of a girl dashing out.
She bumped into March, causing them both to squeak. Another figure followed soon after, bumping to Dan Heng as well.
Huaiyan opened his mouth to scold them but stopped.
Dan Heng and the large man stared at each other, breathless.
“It’s you…” the man, Ren, uttered. “The one in my dreams…”
“Why…?” Dan Heng muttered, neither of them taking their eyes off of each other. “Why do you feel so familiar…? Sound so, so familiar…?”
Yunli glanced at them then zoomed in on the bracer set of bracers on their arms. She nudged everyone else around towards the stairs, but careful to not trip them over. Each of them shuffled down the steps, glancing back up every once in a while. Huaiyan was the last to leave, though a smile echoed on his face.
“I’ll come back and show him the hotel later,” Huaiyan assured.
“You all saw that right?” Trailblazer whispered. “They’re wearing the same thing.” They pointed to their arm.
“Did you see the way they were looking at each other?” March joined the gossip. “There’s something going on.”
“Chemistry,” Welt said.
“Ahem!” Pompom cleared their throats then stomped one foot. “Passenger Dan Heng will tell us about it when he’s ready.”
“Yes, Pompom,” everyone choired.
“it seems they know each other, so let’s let them take their time to catch up,” Himeko said. “Why don’t we go check in then walk around.”
“You can tell Dan Heng all about it later,” Welt said.
“Are you coming with us, Yunli?” Huaiyan asked.
“I don’t want to be alone here with them, Grandpa,” Yunli said. “Uncle talks about his dream guy like a lovesick grandpa still yearning his long-lost wife.” Huaiyan slowly blinked and did not comment on that.
“Grandpa? Uncle?” Trailblazer repeated. “Wait a minute…”
“I shall explain on the way,” Huaiyan cleared his throat and led them out.
Huaiyan watched from the corner of his eyes. Ren and Dan Heng were sitting side by side in the garden, mouths moving as they conversed almost endlessly. It was the fifth day in a row they spent their time together. From the second forge away from the Flint Emperor, to the garden, to the library, to any other accessible space.
The general could see the fondness in their eyes, that glimmer of pleasure.
He tore his nosy eyes away and smiled into his work.
“Perhaps fate brought them together. Written in the stars after such tragedy,” Huaiyan thought. He flipped through his stack of documents, policies, complaints, and proposals.
“Pairs of objects are destined for eventual reunion.” He recalled Ren telling him. “This has a pair. I can feel the warmth of the other owner… One day, we will meet again.”
“Hmph,” he chuckled to himself. “And so you did…”
He immersed himself in work. Even so, his body felt much lighter. The weight that anchored him for years finally fluttered away. He made grand progress until the scene changed at the edge of this peripheral vision.
“Master,” Ren called. Huaiyan looked up to see him and Dan Heng still attached to his side. He could see the younger looking man keeping an eye on him but also Ren.
“What is it?” he answered.
“Dan Heng wishes to speak to you.”
“First,” Dan Heng said, clearing his throat, “I want to thank you for your hospitality. Second…” He hesitated. His eyes flickered for a moment, but Ren’s hand on Dan Heng’s back steadied him. “How much… do you know about me? Why are you kind to me…?”
“…” Huaiyan took a glance at Ren first then returned to Dan Heng. “Do you wish to speak in private or here?”
“I am aware of my words.” Dan Heng glanced at Ren and took in a deep breath. He closed his eyes as water consumed him. The water disappeared, leaving a Dan Heng with long pointed ears, long black hair with teal under layer, majestic jade horns on his head, and entirely new outfit in a fashion similar to the residents. His eyes opened to reveal bright jade eyes. “Here is fine.”
“… Then, I am aware at the accusations on you. I am aware that you are Dan Feng.” Dan Heng winced for a bit then softened. “I am aware of what sort of person you were and are by your many merits and words from my son during your time together before that incident. I choose to trust the ones I know,” Huaiyan looked at Ren who took in a deep breath, “and cast doubt on how others treat such a situation. I alone cannot change the final judgement. However, I can offer you solace here as one of the people who fought for you.”
Dan Heng swallowed the emotions that bundled at his throat though much of his expression hid it. “Thank you,” he said quiet over trembling breath.
“… I have a request to make of the Astral Express…” Huaiyan confessed.
“What is it?” Dan Heng asked.
“If possible, I would like you to take Ren with you.”
“Master…?” Ren muttered, looking at the man who cared for him.
“Being confined here is no way to live.” Huaiyan stood up. “The Xianzhou would not take too kindly to your unique situation. However, the choice is yours. You may stay or you may choose to leave. The Zhuming will always open its arms to the both of you.”
“Knowing the Astral Express,” Dan Heng spoke as he took Ren’s hand in his. “I know they would accept him. I will ask them formally.” He turned to face Ren. “Let me know your decision. We’ll be here for another two days.”
“Dan Heng…” Ren looked at his beloved. Huaiyan took in a deep breath and swallowed the emotions the swelled in him. His eyes flicked to the side, spotting something in the distance.
“Yunli, come here,” Huaiyan called with a warning tone. Obediently, the girl approached. She turned to her favorite uncle.
“You should go,” Yunli said. “But come back and visit. We’ll show you some new wonders.” She winked.
“Heh, I bet,” Ren grinned and ruffled her hair. She swatted his hand. “I’ll go, but how do you plan on sneaking me on there?”
“I think we got some big boxes like the one for our new refrigerator,” Yunli grinned.
“Are you sure he’ll fit in that?” Dan Heng asked, eyes outlining Ren’s body and contemplating.
“Hey…” Ren warned.
“We are artisans,” Huaiyan reminded. “We can make a bigger box.”
“Master?!”
“Farewell, son. May you enjoy the rest of your new life,” Huaiyan said to his once apprentice as they stood at the steps of the Astral Express in the middle of the night.
“See you next time, Uncle,” Yunli gave him one last hug.
“Farewell, master, Yunli,” Ren nodded to them.
“Have a safe trip, friends,” Huaiyan addressed the whole crew. “Come back anytime. I would hope my boy doesn’t give you any trouble. Arrogant, but an otherwise polite boy.”
“…” Ren doesn’t say anything though others snickered, including his own partner.
“I don’t think we’ll have anything to worry about,” Himeko chuckled.
“Can we put them in the farthest room?” Trailblazer asked. Welt covered their mouth.
“All aboard!” Pompom called. Everyone gave their last goodbyes and boarded. Dan Heng looked back and gave them a nod as he entered the train. Ren lingered at the door. He looked back at his family who waited there patiently.
“Thank you,” Ren said and closed the door behind him.