A/N: Quite pleased with how this one turned out~
Do hope you enjoy~
Light
Chapter 9: Pride
The Seat of Divine Foresight wasn't a new sight to Dan Heng.
He'd been to see it a few times over the years, and more recently during the Express's stay at the space-faring ship for various small matters, though he made a point to not be there unless absolutely necessary. While he was to an extent pardoned for his past crimes, they never truly went away. Just like how a murderer could serve their sentence and be free, they would always carry their sins with them, and people would judge them for that.
Likewise many of the Vidyadhara still judged him for his past sins, regardless of his atonement. He knew he wouldn't be changing their minds anytime soon and thus didn't even try to, opting instead to avoid them where possible – alongside the higher authorities on the Luofu. He did admittedly feel a pang of guilt for that, especially for Jing Yuan... but, ultimately, he wasn't Jing Yuan's friend. He was the reincarnation of him, yes, and he held some of his memories, yes, but he wasn't the same person. Acting as if the were friends was just insulting to the both of them.
Could they become friends? Sure. But their past did not automatically make them so, despite what Caelus and March seemed to think – not that he blamed them. Reincarnation was a strange thing even for Vidyadhara, let alone short-life species.
After a second he shook off his heavy thoughts and marched forth further into the room. Cloud Knights lined the pillars and watched him curiously, their gazes going from his face up to his horns and murmuring between themselves. He didn't glance their way though, his eyes solely on the man at the other end of the room who stared right back – not a word said between them until Dan Heng reached the top step, coming to a stop before the General.
''Dan Heng.'' The General's deep voice welcomed him. ''Had I known you would have been visiting, I would've prepared some tea.''
''There's no need, I won't be staying long.'' The Vidyadhara Elder dismissed politely. ''I am afraid my visit isn't a social one.''
''As far as I recall, you haven't made a 'social' visit in quite some time.'' Jing Yuan countered with the barest hint of mirth.
Dan Heng shifted at that. Jing Yuan just chuckled, waving his hand. ''Regardless, please, what brings you here?''
''Official business with regards to the Astral Express and Xianzhou Luofu.''
''Oh?'' That made the smile disappear; a seriousness overcoming the General's visage. ''Do tell.''
''A comrade of mine is currently being targeted by an Aeon and its followers. Specifically by the Aeon of Finality, Terminus.'' Dan Heng relayed simply, watching the General for any reaction – but his poker face was absolute. ''...as such, I come to request aid for his protection against the Aeon's followers.''
''Myself, I assume?''
''No. You came to mind, but you are needed here at the Luofu more than anywhere else. If you were to fall in battle, it would cause even more problems.'' Dan Heng shook his head.
''Then whom-''
''Jingliu.''
The silence that followed made those nearby shift and squirm, the sudden tension causing the skittish to flee, even if they weren't privy to the conversation itself.
''...she was sentenced for numerous crimes against the Luofu, to say nothing of her Mara-struck state, Dan Heng.'' The General's severe tone held an authoritative weight to it, one that made Dan Heng grimace. ''You yourself saw her prior to her imprisonment. An imprisonment, I would note, she requested.''
''I know.''
''Then you must also know she might not even be sane of mind, anymore.''
He closed his eyes. ''I know. But she is one of the Luofu's greatest warriors in its history, and isn't tied down by ongoing duties like you are.''
''And if she was to perish on the battlefield, few would care.'' Jing Yuan pointed out bluntly.
Dan Heng pursed his lips but nodded all the same. He didn't think of her as a suicidal soldier or anything – he'd much rather she come back safe. But if he had to choose between the General and Jingliu, he'd choose the latter. Not only because of her prowess, but also because if she fell in battle – a very real possibility given their foes – then fewer would be impacted compared to the General. Hell if anything it might let her die with dignity, as opposed to rotting away in a cell all alone.
The General reclined into his chair, sighing. ''This is a big ask even for you, Dan Heng. One does not escape the Shackling Prison without numerous court hearings and decisions by the Ten Lords. Yet, I imagine you want her out swiftly.''
''Time is of the essence.'' Dan Heng nodded grimly. ''We might not even have a full day.''
''Even worse, then. Even with all my authority, I'm not sure I can-''
He fell silent however as Dan Heng reached behind his back – and from a pocket, pulled out a peculiar item. One he laid before the surprised General.
''This is...''
''The Jade Abacus gifted to the Astral Express.'' Dan Heng said quietly. ''I have discussed the matter with Mr. Yang, and he agreed that exchanging this for Jingliu is worth the price. If it means greater protection for Caelus, it is worth it.''
Jing Yuan stared at the device for a long moment, contemplation furrowing his brow. ''...you would exchange this item, one of priceless value, in exchange for Jingliu?''
Dan Heng silently nodded. In truth while the full might of the Cloud Knights was indeed a formidable force, arguably dozens of times more than what Jingliu could bring to the table, the problem laid in the logistics. Their opponents were few in number but high in strength; as such, ordinary Cloud Knights would just be lambs to the slaughter against such a foe, literally lining up just to be culled. Jingliu on the other hand, while only one person, had the strength needed to fight and hold her ground.
Jing Yuan drew in a slow breath and let it out just as gradually; plucking the Abacus up and twirling it around in his fingers. ''Truly, the Astral Express is never short on surprises. Many worlds would kill to have an item of such value, you know?''
''Then it speaks to how dearly we wish for Jingliu's aid, does it not?'' Dan Heng remarked.
Something that drew a chuckle out of the man. ''Indeed it does. Very well.''
His throne creaked as he arose from it. ''Had anyone else come to ask I might well have refused, given Jingliu's own desire for sentencing. However since it is you... I will allow you the chance to speak with her. Convince her to aid you and she may, until the crisis is resolved. Fail to, and she will remain. Are these terms acceptable?''
''Yes, General.''
''Very well. Please, follow me.''
Dan Heng complied.
And in the back of his mind, he reflected on the fact that perhaps, just perhaps, bonds of kinship were not so easily severed. Even across lifetimes.
X-x-X
The Shackling Prison was one of the best-kept secrets on the Luofu.
Oh people had heard rumours of it, and if you dug deep you could find conspiracies and theories about it, but few even in the Cloud Knights could ever truly point to where it was located. Some said it was at the very bottom of the ship, located within a gravity well and far away from the artificial sun. Others proclaimed it was at the highest point, so small that it was but a blip in the sky to even the trained eye, while others said it was under some random shop to remain inconspicuous.
Only those who devoted themselves to the Ten Lords Commission knew its true location and guarded that secret with their life, on the penalty of death if word was ever shared of it. Unsurprising, given the Shackling Prison held some of the worst criminals the Luofu had ever known. Had it been possible, he didn't doubt that the Heliobus Ignamar would've been sealed within it as well, though why he wasn't was probably known only to the wardens of the prison itself.
Dan Heng himself, naturally, was not allowed to know of its location either. A special blindfold was put over his eyes, his ears were plugged and a collar lined with Jade Abaci was put on him – blinding and deafening him along with removing his sense of orientation, leaving him feeling as if he was floating in space. Mercifully he wasn't expected to walk in such condition and was moved on a platform of some kind, but despite agreeing to this it remained one of the most unpleasant things he had experienced in his long life.
He made a mental note to never be sentenced to the Shackling Prison, if this was but a taste of what it held in store.
The disorientation finally ceased after an unknown amount of time – the sensation just as jarring as losing it in the first place, as his body suddenly remembered what was up and what was down. He staggered slightly but didn't complain, his grunt the only noise of protest as two Ten Lords officers removed the earplugs and then at last, the blindfold. When it came off though the walls that greeted him were a dismal grey in colour – in pristine condition, yes, but terribly dull. The same could be said for the room around him; dull and quaint.
''It's not exactly beautiful, is it?'' Jing Yuan remarked – voice sounding so loud after the absolute silence that Dan Heng grimaced. ''Haha, sorry, I'll try and keep my voice down. You'll adjust within a few minutes, don't worry.''
Dan Heng grunted and nodded, eyeing the two nameless guards who stared back without flinching. ''So... where to now?''
''Jingliu isn't far down. Though her crimes are grave, they are not deserving of the deepest layers of the prison.'' Jing Yuan stated simply – and the Scion of Long couldn't help but notice he avoided saying lowest or highest, only deepest. Hiding the specific location of the prison even now.
'The General didn't get this far by being foolish, I suppose.' Dan Heng mused privately.
At the General's gesture one of the Ten Lords officers began to lead the General down. Dan Heng followed, peripherally aware the second officer was keeping a respectful distance behind him – close enough to deliver a crippling slash to the spine but far enough to keep up the pretence of politeness. He was under no delusions about how dedicated the Ten Lords were, however; or how quickly they would be willing to disable him if he so much as hinted at causing a prison breakout.
Considering the audacity of his request, however, Dan Heng tolerate it. With his head held high he followed the General down the narrow, winding staircase; barely big enough for a person to move along and at such an angle that pikemen would have an advantage against escapees. The stone walls, flooring and roof too felt immovable to the touch, and he wondered if he could smash through them in a single attack if he really tried to. Somehow he doubted it... not that he was going to test it out, that is.
Their descent carried on for what must've been ten, possibly fifteen minutes – time impossible to calculate in the barely-lit stairwell, only lit torches around to illuminate their pathway down. No chatter was to be had and though the General's countenance started amused it became more severe by the moment, and in the back of his mind Dan Heng realised that the General perhaps never anticipated on meeting Jingliu again. Least of all in these circumstances.
But then again, desperate times called for desperate measures.
The stairs soon ceased as they reached a flat plateau – hosting only a single jail cell. Which couldn't quite be right; the Shackling Prison held many prisoners, and the staircase should've led them down to a whole network of tunnels and cells... unless there was some spacetime trickery involved. Or perhaps there was a separate staircase for each prison to minimise the chance of collaboration between prisoners during a breakout. He didn't know and after a second banished the thoughts, opting instead to follow Jing Yuan up to the cell's bars.
They were thick as a clenched fist and marked by numerous, unfamiliar symbols – fortification runes if he was to guess, though he was never adept at the Luofu's arcane arts beyond the Cloudhymn Arts. No natural lighting reached this far down but a narrow tunnel on the ceiling let a false moonlight illuminate the interior, bathing the old brickwork in its silver gloom.
Illuminating the woman sat at the far wall, back to it and head low, but her lifting chin telling she heard them enter.
''...to what do I owe the pleasure, Jing Yuan, Dan Heng...?'' Jingliu's voice was a rasp, even more than he last heard – the mental erosion mixing with a scratchy, dry throat. ''I hadn't ever anticipated I would see you two again...''
''Nor did I.'' Jing Yuan remarked evenly, turning his head to look at Dan Heng. ''But it was a request of a friend, you see. A friend with a very... dire situation on his hands.''
''Oh? So dire you wish for my guidance? Or perhaps, you seek to use me in some manner, while I still have some semblance of sanity within me?'' Jingliu croaked out, a small quirk of a smile lifting the corners of her mouth. ''How charming. Can't a woman die in peace these days?''
Dan Heng stepped forth, daring to get as close to the bars as possible. ''Jingliu... I want you help in protecting a friend of mine.''
''Is that so? And rather than the esteemed General of the Luofu or the wise diviner of the Matrix of Prescience, you chose me. Your old, mad, dying comrade.'' Her laugh was like sandpaper on his ears. ''You must be joking.''
''There is nobody else.'' Dan Heng informed. ''The General cannot afford to leave his post and the Master Diviner, while wise, is not well-suited to guard duties. You-''
''And Jing Yuan's protege?'' Jingliu cut him off, her smile faint as she lifted her head. ''Had you not given him thought, too? He may be young yet but his potential is considerable, should he mind his temper.''
Dan Heng pursed his lips. ''...I had not considered him, no.''
''Unfortunate, though for the best.'' Jing Yuan spoke curtly. ''Though I agree with your assessment of Yanqing, he is not yet ready for such a task.''
''Is that so.'' The swordswoman mused aloud, rising to her feet.
Slow, unsteady footsteps carried her closer to the bars. Now that she stood more in the light he could see the effect the Shackling Prison had on his former comrade – bags starting to form under her eyes, her hair dishevelled and unwashed, her red eyes uncovered by her blindfold yet stricken with such madness; sanity a luxury afforded only in this moment. It was that teetering sanity that made her such a risk, but it was one he was willing to take.
''Do tell, what kind of threat do you face that requires my aid?''
''Would an Aeon be sufficient?''
A long pause.
Dan Heng continued when she said nothing, meeting her eyes. ''My friend invoked the ire of an Aeon for the crime of saving someone he cared for. He... he is someone I consider a brother-in-arms – a comrade who will always have my back. I cannot disgrace his trust by not giving up everything needed to return the favour.''
The Scion of Long lowered his head, regal horns parallel with the floor – and before Jingliu, he bowed with his forehead nearly touching the ground. His pride as a High Elder laid before him.
For it was not worth anything if he couldn't protect those he dared call family.
''Pick up your sword one last time, Jingliu.'' Dan Heng implored, eyes shut. ''Not for the Luofu, not for myself, but for two innocents caught up in an Aeon's schemes.''
…
''...hmph. You're lucky I don't like Aeons.'' Jingliu exhaled. ''Get me my sword and a change of clothes, then we will talk.''
''As you wish.'' Jing Yuan hid a smile behind his hand; gesturing to one of the guards who dashed back up the stairs.
Dan Heng raised his head. ''Thank you.''
Jingliu didn't acknowledge his gratitude, but that was fine by him.
So long as she helped protect Caelus, he could endure her coldness.
X-x-X
''So this is the Matrix of Prescience Ultima... it's much larger than I expected, albeit not on the scale of the IPC's planetary arrays.''
Caelus hummed an agreement to Ruan Mei's comment, soaking in the interior even as he made his way up the steps towards the main platform. Researchers and diviners passed them by, some slowing to glance their way – but it spoke to how busy the area was that even those that recognised him didn't stop to welcome him. Considering they were divining the future, he wasn't surprised; they probably had a never-ending workload.
Mercifully Fu Xuan was easy to pick out from the crowd; her bright pink hair and pastel-hued clothes helping in that regard. Tinkering away at some Jade Abacus-powered tablet she seemed very immersed in her work, and it was only when he called out to her that she paused to raise her head – a soft 'ah' escaping her as she finally laid eyes on him.
''Trailblazer.'' Though her voice was soft there was an undercurrent of formality ever-present in her tone. ''It is good to see you again. And you as well, Ruan Mei.''
''I see my reputation precedes me.'' The genius remarked, hand on her chest as she did a light bow. ''It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Diviner. I imagine you're very busy at this time of day, so we won't waste your time.''
Ruan Mei gestured towards him with an expectant look, and had he been a lesser man Caelus might've quailed at being put on the spot. Bigger worries did a good job of quenched any form of stage fright, though. ''We need to borrow the Matrix for a divination.''
''Is that so?'' Fu Xuan crossed her arms. ''And pray tell what brought you here for such a request? Surely not something trivial, as the Matrix is of such high importance to the Luofu.''
''Would an angry Aeon be a good enough reason?''
Fu Xuan blinked, frowned, then sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. ''Explain.''
And so he did. For what felt like the tenth time that day alone he regaled her with a quick summary of the mess his life had become the last week – and how he had an Aeon gunning for him and who could strike at basically any moment, given how Aeons operated. For all he knew Terminus would show up in person and cut him down, maybe they'd just obliterate half the galaxy, he didn't know and with how scarce information about Terminus was, he doubted anyone else did either.
By the end of his explanation Fu Xuan was left shaking her head in disbelief; a sentiment he might've shared had this been the first time he was learning of it. Mercifully it didn't take the diviner more than a few moments to shake off her incredulity, murmuring something about idiots and getting into trouble before she beckoned them to follow; leading them towards then along the walkway towards the Matrix.
It was then, of all times, that his phone decided to ring.
''Oh sorry, er...'' Pulling it out he was surprised to see an unknown number on it. ''Weird... mind if I take this real quick?''
Fu Xuan waved dismissively. ''It is fine. It will take several minutes to calibrate the Matrix regardless.''
Thanking her he scooted away from the two women as they engaged in conversation – something about botany, though he quickly tuned them out as he hit the 'accept call' button. There was a brief second of interference, the static and clicks of long-range radio arrays working their magic. And then a familiar voice crackled through.
''Caelus, can you hear me?''
''Firefly?'' A smile came to Caelus's face almost unconsciously. ''How did you...?''
''Miss Himeko gave me your number.'' The shy lilt to her voice was as endearing as ever. ''I'm sorry, is this a bad time?''
''No. no, not at all.'' Caelus assured and glanced around, making sure nobody was listening in. ''Just waiting for the Matrix to power up so I've got some time to kill. It's... it's good to hear you again.''
A giggle tickled his ear. ''Same. It feels like it was forever ago we last saw each other...''
''It's only been a few hours.'' He huffed at the thought. Several hours that took him across two locales and had him get beaten up by an Aeon – though Firefly didn't need to know that, lest she worry. ''How are things on your end?''
''Not bad. Miss Himeko treated me to some ice cream – I never knew Penacony had so many flavours!'' The elation in her voice warmed his heart. ''When you get back you need to try some, okay? I've written down the flavour names so you know which ones to pick. Oh! And Miss Robin is getting very friendly with March, heehee~''
The little giggle hinted at something more than just friendship, making his brows rise. ''Really? Though given March is a big fan of her, probably not that surprising...''
''Good point. Though I have to say, Miss Robin really is too kind, it's a shame she's had to deal with all of this right before the Charmony Festival – I'm not sure if they'll even continue things. They seem to be going ahead, but...''
''But...?''
''...no, it's nothing. I guess I'm just worried about it all.'' She laughed sheepishly. ''I hope if they do go ahead with it, you'll be here to see it. It's really a once-in-a-millennium event you know? Many people don't live long enough to see it. I know I can't wait.''
Caelus hummed at that. ''Record it for me then?''
''Aw, but I want you to be here with me when it happens.'' The pout was audible in her voice, as was the demure neediness, one that made his cheeks feel hot. ''Seriously though, try not to miss it? It... t would mean a lot if we could sit together while it goes on. A-Assuming it's still going ahead of course!''
''I'll try.'' Caelus answered softly. ''I will, really.''
Firefly hummed and a brief quiet overcame them, the distant murmur of conversation audible around him. Even though they were a million miles apart hearing her voice in his ear made it feel like she was next to him again, making it easy to envision her warm against his side, her heartbeat in his ear, her arms around him.
''Caelus.'' Ruan Mei's voice jarred him out of his reverie. ''The Matrix should be ready momentarily.''
Glancing over he noted she was alone, the diviner further along the walkway as she made her way to the central platform. ''Right, thanks. Sorry Firefly, I'll have to go now.''
''Understood. Just... please, be safe?''
Caelus chuckled. ''Always.''
''Okay... and, um... l-love you.''
''...love you too Firefly.'' It was a miracle he said it without stuttering. Perhaps that was only because she wasn't there to see him blush.
She giggled all the same as if sensing it, and with a click the call ended, allowing him to pocket his phone. He looked up at Ruan Mei and the graceful woman merely gestured ahead, mercifully not the teasing type and granting him the space needed to cool his head. The winds that brushed over his form helped with that as he marched his way towards the Matrix's centre, watching as the whole construct began to light up.
Reaching the main platform he needn't say a word as Fu Xuan turned to face him, eyeing him over once before nodding. ''I see you have concluded your business.''
''Yeah. So, everything ready?''
''Indeed. Step into the centre of the platform – Miss Mei, please stay behind me.''
''Understood.''
The genius backed off but eyed her surroundings with interest. Caelus for his part though was a bit busy quelling his nerves; deep breaths helping with that as he marched up onto the central disc, the 'eye' of the machine floating ominously overhead.
''Clear your mind of all thoughts and close your eyes.'' Fu Xuan called out to him, her voice soft yet sharp as ever. ''Release yourself of your burdens, abandon your fears and dispel your doubts. Leave nothing to ponder between your mind and spirit, and allow the Matrix to see into you.''
Caelus didn't bother answering but did as he was told as best he could. It was easier said that done to clear one's mind though, especially when he had so much to worry about – but for the sake of the divination he tried anyway. Thoughts of Firefly, of Terminus, of the Astral Express; everything was gone from his mind as he just breathed, focusing only on the slow cycling of breath in his chest,. Air in, air out. A slow, rhythmic cycle.
Dimly he felt himself be lifted up but didn't allow it to distract him, didn't allow it to tamper with his forced peace. Steadily he felt what could only be described as a tendril enter his mind, ethereal yet snakelike, probing into his brain as the Matrix sought out answers-
When he saw a pair of purple eyes in the darkness of his mind.
And then it all went wrong.
In an instant abyssal energy erupted out of Caelus, a shockwave rippling through the Divination Commission and blowing several diviners off their feet, their startled screams matched by their panicked fellows. An ominous weight crashed down on those left standing and sent some to their knees as the malevolent energy poured into the very air – a deep, pulsating cocoon rapidly ensnaring the helpless Caelus.
Far above the artificial sun of the Luofu darkened as if eclipsed by a greater presence, the entirety of the Xianzhou Luofu plunged into night and Jade Abaci malfunctioning left and right. Starskiffs found their navigation systems malfunctioning, radio signals cut off abruptly, image boards flickered on-and-off and Cycranes fell from the skies as if culled by an invisible scythe.
Fu Xuan grunted, arm raised to blot out the miniature black sun that had formed – a swirling, churning vortex sent blustering winds at her and Ruan Mei. ''W-What is this...?!''
In the distance, faintly heard by only those paying attention, a gong echoed.
Ruan Mei gazed up at the ecliptic sun with narrowed eyes. ''I take it this isn't normal.''
''No! Not in the slightest!'' Fu Xuan barked back.
Rapid footfalls travelled down the central walkway, only to slow as they saw the cataclysm forming before them.
''Dammit...'' Welt grimaced tightly. ''Don't tell me I'm too late...''
Something about the energies brushing against him though made him reach out to the vortex, lips pursing as he tried to channel his power – but was rebuffed just as quickly, his attempt at sealing it foiled so very easily. Yet the taste of the power remained on his fingertips.
'This feels... so very familiar...' Welt gripped his cane. 'Even in this universe, you...'
Both his thoughts and the thoughts of everyone else, however, ceased as a second gong echoed throughout the Luofu – a dull, reverberating sound that sent a chill down the spines of all that had the misfortune to hear it. A gong that preluded the sound of glass breaking as a jagged crack splintered through space just beyond the Divination Commission, like a vertical split into the universe itself.
Fu Xuan stared at it with wide eyes, the expression mirrored by the genius behind her. Not for the crack in space – for that could be related to so, so many things – but its appearance alongside the fateful gong. The winds blew at her harshly but she couldn't take her eyes off it, not least as tiny fragments of space chipped and cracked away from the space ahead of them. For all those who knew of the Aeon Terminus knew of what the gong foretold.
Death? Only by association.
The thought snapped her out of her fright, her eyes finding those of her diviners further behind her on the walkway. ''D-Don't just stand there! Yanqi, contact the General and request his presence immediately! Beihe, declare a state of emergency and call back the Orbital Fleets! Liling, coordinate the evacuation of civilians from the surrounding-!''
Fu Xuan spoke no further before a third, haunting gong echoed out, the reverberation a physical wave that shook the bones of all present – and with it, inspired a deep, paralysing dread.
Space itself shattered down the length of the crack, shards of folded space disintegrating to reveal an abyssal void beyond.
A void that looked back.
From the darkness came a hand as white as bone, fingers elongated and borderline skeletal as they clutched onto the edge of the shattered space and hauled out a long arm. A second hand followed, pulling forth a head crafted solely of bone with only scraps of skin to be seen, its angular nature more reminiscent of an wolf than a human – only with a singular, bulging black eyeball, the purple iris in the centre gleaming with a mad delight. Befitting a wolf in a den of sheep.
Its gargantuan body climbed out of the void it came from, body draped in an ethereal black cloak that fluttered in an unseen breeze, like a macabre priest brought forth before an unwilling congregation. For they were the first of the heralds, the speaker of the divine they were commanded by.
For they were the closest thing that Terminus had to Emanators.
Thirteen in number.
Monarchs in their domains.
Their names scarcely known, but to those that did...
...it invoked nothing but terror.
Herrscher.
[END]
A/N: Hehe.