#collective.fic

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 12 | An Old Friend

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"Right on time."

Kafka smiled, looking into Dan Heng. There was so much Dan Feng wanted to say and yet, he remained quiet. If anything, he watched cautiously through Dan Heng. He gulped nervously, though he didn't see any of Dan Heng's companions.

"It's time to pay the price!!" Blade laughed maniacally, "IT'S TIME!!!"

Dan Feng shivered, guilt eating him alive. As much as he'd like to look away from Blade, he doesn't want anything to happen to Dan Heng out of his watch. Afterall, all those crimes are his fault. Dan Heng shouldn't have ever had to be dragged into this mess.

"Watch your back, Dan Heng," Dan Feng whispered.

"You think changing your form will help you escape?! Escape…" Blade cackled "...I have told you and that woman many times, I am Dan Heng," Dan Heng huffed, "I have nothing to do with your past." "Dan Heng… You think another name and face can blot out the sins of your past?"

Dan Feng huffed. He almost completely forgot how delusional Yingxing- Blade has become. It bothers him, but the Yingxing he knew no longer exists. Blade is nothing but a stranger now, an enemy even. He took a deep breath in, as long as he remained calm, Dan Heng could remain calm and focused.

"...I will force this suffering upon you, "Dan Heng". You will know the pain of death!" Blade declared. "Hmph, not on my watch," an unfamiliar voice came.

From behind them, a young boy in blue walked towards them. He had blonde hair in a ponytail. Dan Feng couldn't help but tense up. This is bad, he thought to himself, he'll be in danger. The boy declared that Blade would be coming with him. That was when Blade mocked him, revealing to Dan Heng that the boy was with Jingyuan.

"Jing… Yuan?" Dan Feng whimpered. "Dan Feng? Is something the matter?" Dan Heng raised a brow. "Hgh- DAN HENG, LOOK OUT-"

Before they knew it, the conversation was cut short with Blade clashing against them. The dark haired man laughed and laughed. Demanding him to reveal his true form. Despite Dan Heng's agile moves, they still clashed against each other. What he didn't expect though, that Blade threw his sword, stabbing him in the heart.

Dan Heng's breath hitched, his body began trembling. His vision began to blur and shake. Dan Feng's voice was muffled in their mind. The last thing he remembered was being surrounded by cloudhymn magic.

"DAN HENG- ," he froze, "what…?"

Dan Feng looked into his hands as Blade laughed. It couldn't be… though the body he's stuck in solely belongs to Dan Heng, he never got the chance to control it. His mind went blank, a mix of emotions and thoughts swirling his head, yet he can't seem to hear anything from Dan Heng.

"You…" he glared at Blade.

Dan Feng didn't get the chance to say much, as the boy began attacking the both of them. With a tired and pleading expression, he looked into the boy's eyes.

"Kid, please- I… I'm not here to stoke conflict-" Dan Feng tried to explain. "Save it for the Shackling Prison!" The boy exclaimed.

Dan Feng tried to steady his breath. It had been so long since he had used his cloudhymn magic, perhaps way too long. Still, he held back from attacking the boy. He was careful not to gather his full energy. Afterall, he could feel his body throbbing in pain.

"What's wrong? Afraid to hurt the boy?" Blade laughed, "c'mon, unleash your full power, Imbibitor Lunae!!" "...Unleash my full power?" Dan Feng twitched, "fine, since you crave it so much."

It was almost uncalled for. Instead of targetting the young boy, Dan Feng used his cloudhymn magic at the shape of a dragon to attack Blade. It almost went unnoticed, but there were tears at the corner of his eyes. The attack even managed to confuse the boy. Though just before the boy could take his chance to attack them, Kafka stepped in.

"All of you listen to me! Stop," she demanded.

It was as if the world around them actually listened and stopped. Dan Feng held his head, it was the first time he felt a quiet buzz in his head. He shook his head before looking away, putting his hand to the side. Yet there was still no sound coming from Dan Heng. He'll have to remind himself to find him in their headspace. Just before he could demand Kafka for an explanation, he heard a familiar, small laugh coming in. Turning behind him, there Jing Yuan stood with the usual cat-like smile he used to adore. He merely glared at him.

"Jing Yuan…" Blade muttered.

Just then, Dan Feng closed his eyes. His eyebrows twitched, showing his annoyances. Though to think after all these years, he never thought that he'd get annoyed seeing the hotshot general. He knew that he must've wanted him from something. He didn't care enough to listen to whatever small talk they're on though. It was only after both Blade and Kafka left that he opened his eyes.

"It has been a long time… Old friend," Jingyuan smiled. "...So you knew," Dan Feng grumbled, "you knew that I'm still around."

His tone was rather in disbelief. It was clear he was mad- no, he's fuming. Dan Feng folded his arms, acting all grumpy- like a divorced wife. His eyes twitched as he glared at him. For once, he finds the general a scoundrel menace.

"Get to the point, General," Dan Feng's voice brews venom, "...I need to make sure Dan Heng is alright." "You sure care a lot about him," Jingyuan hummed, "...I'm sorry."

The apology seemed to shoot him down. It's not that he didn't seem genuine… of course not. Though, the General had that melancholy in his eyes. Now it's just making him feel bad. Dan Feng shook his head.

"Just tell me why you're here," Dan Feng sighed. "Your… Astral Express friends are waiting for you in Scalegorge Waterscape, shall we go together?" Jingyuan offered. "...I see, but… I'll have to pretend to be him," he muttered, "please don't inform them of my existence."

Jing Yuan seemed rather confused by the request, surprised even. Just from watching his eyes, Dan Feng could tell Jingyuan didn't see that coming. A simple request, yet a surprising one. Jingyuan sighed, nodding.

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 11 | Looking Back

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"I miss my husband," Dan Feng sighed out. "...Dan Feng, you're not even married," his companion commented.

Dan Feng gazes into the distance. There's a yearning look in his eyes. His companion sighed in slight annoyance. He tied his long, white hair to a bun. Yingxing was his name, he had always kept Dan Feng in company while Jingyuan was away for Cloud Knight duties.

"Dan Feng… ," the Vidyadhara repeated, "...he used to call me that." "THAT'S BECAUSE THAT'S YOUR NAME, IDIOT," Yingxing yelled.

Yingxing at this point, began strangling Dan Feng. The High Elder didn't seem to be bothered though. If anything, he was being shaken around like a ragdoll. It wasn't long until they heard footsteps coming in, Dan Feng could recognize it anywhere.

"Jingyuan!" "Dan Feng."

"Dan Feng?" Dan Heng's voice called out. "Hm…? Dan Heng?" Dan Feng stirred awake. "Were you sleeping?" "Apparently… where are we-" "Artisanship commission, I managed to shake off the Cloud Knights." It was almost strange, at least to Dan Feng. To think he still has the ability to sleep in their headspace. And that dream… It's making him feel homesick. He shook his head. There's no time. They need to get going and Dan Heng might need him. It was… odd though. There was fog everywhere as they walked their way. Dan Feng couldn't help but have a bad feeling about… whatever is happening. Just then, they began to hear echoing voices. "What a huge cauldron…""This Cauldron is driven by the cloudhymn magic of our people- the Vidyadhara…" "Hngh…" Dan Heng groaned, holding his head. "Hey, are you okay?" Dan Feng asked in worry, "c'mon… keep going, we need to get out of here." Dan Heng nodded, looking like they're just taking turns worrying about each other. His steps began to slow down a bit; but then he stopped, seeing an echo. He gripped onto his arm, shaking a bit. "...But I don't need any sort of device to help me command water…" "You are indeed the chosen one with endless potential…" Dan Heng stood there, trying to listen to the voices of the echoes. It was almost odd, ever since they came across the echoes, Dan Feng had been silent. Maybe he was too used to him commenting on everything when he's paying attention. Before Dan Heng could say anything, Dan Feng interrupted him. "...I'm fine, let's just ignore these echoes and go." Dan Heng can't help but to feel small. Why did Dan Feng's voice sound so… icy? Something tells him that these echoes had to do with him. He shook his head, maybe he should listen for now. Dan Feng sounded like he's about to have a meltdown. "...Okay." Silently, Dan Heng walked through the bridge. It bothers him how quiet it is without Dan Feng's usual self. At least he knew he should be able to take a starskiff if he'd just… keep going. But then, they were stopped by one of those echoes. "This surging power… it's you, you've returned, High Elder." "Something terrible is happening in the Scalegorge Waterscape…" Dan Feng tensed. Now he realized how serious things would be. He quietly laughed to himself, staring into his hands. It's odd, is this fear? Or thrill? He was never good at telling the differences, honestly. Before he knew it, Dan Heng finished his conversation with the mirage echo. "...Ah, you're done?" Dan Feng tilts his head, "let me guess, you chose to keep going?" "...Yes. Let's go," Dan Heng nodded. With mutual agreement, despite the shaking from Dan Feng, they hop on the starskiff. He stood at the edge as they crossed the ocean. By the time they arrived, both Kafka and Blade were already waiting. " ...He's here ," Blade uttered.

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 10 | Remembrance of the Winds

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"Let's rest here." Dan Heng sighed, leaning back to a corner. What a hassle… the starskiff ended up taking them to the Artisanship Commission. It was a good time to gather his thoughts as his other two temporary companions chat away. As much as he'd like to hear what they're saying, he needs to talk to Dan Feng. After all, he's the one that seems to know this place like the back of his hand.

“Eh? You still want me to lead you?” Dan Feng questioned “You're the one who seems to know this place…” Dan Heng stated. “I suppose you're right, this place was where Yingxing used to work.” “That's not what I mean.” Dan Heng huffed quietly in annoyance as Dan Feng laughed it off. He was careful not to be heard by the others. He folded his arms as he leaned back, closing his eyes in order to focus. The teasing laugh stopped, as Dan Feng cleared his throat. 

“ Okay, okay- Well, according to what we know, the meridian pin is malfunctioning, causing us to dock where we're not meant to be.” Dan Feng collected himself “That much we know… I lost the signal again, so I can't check up on Stelle and the others. We'll need to come up with a plan.” Dan Heng muttered Dan Feng hummed in thought. It's not like they could slip away, not now at least. If he remembers correctly, Sushang should be taking them where the Cloud Knights are to be stationed. Their thoughts were interrupted though, as Dan Heng perked up on the topic the other two talked about. "My mum calls the Vidyadhara "Long's Scions"," Sushang reminisced, "When I was young, she told me stories about how the Vidyadhara could turn into dragons…" "...It's true," Dan Heng interrupted. "What do you know? Silent but Deadly speaks." "Your mother is right, the Vidyadhara are Long's Scions… They are descendants of the Aeon of Permanence. That's why some, but not all, could turn into dragons." And that was when Dan Heng folded his arms together, he began rambling away. Dan Feng, on the other hand, smiled watching him. He was at least glad that Dan Heng took interest in the Vidyadhara, even if just a little bit. He sighed fondly, listening into the conversation. All these talks with companions made him miss his so-called home. It's a shame he could never return home. Before Dan Feng knew it, they were already moving on. It caught him off guard for a bit. That was the first time Dan Heng felt Dan Feng flinched as he noticed his surroundings. He seems unaware that Dan Feng was zoning out. “ What's wrong?” Dan Heng checked up. “Ah… nothing. I just zoned out is all…” Dan Feng reassured. “You can zone out?” Dan Heng was teasing, he knew that very well. Still, that doesn't stop Dan Feng from yelling at him in his mind. Dan Heng held back a chuckle deep down as he made his way through with Sushang and Luocha. It wasn't too long until they got caught in some trouble- or more like someone did, and they had to rescue her. Dan Feng could tell it's a woman but… he can't help but feel something strange about her. Well it doesn't matter. "Enough, let's go!" Dan Feng snapped back to reality, hearing Dan Heng called outloud. He was zoning out again, not even realizing those other two people were bantering with each other. He shook his head, he needs to be on guard… just in case Dan Heng needs his assistance. In the end, he didn't have to worry too much. He can't help but notice, watching Dan Heng be so capable lit up his nonexistent prideful heart. He sighed in relief once they got rid of the mara-strucks. He watched as Sushang checked up on the girl, only to find out she's a puppet, one of the judges of the Ten-Lords Commission. “ Shit… Are we going back to the Shackling Prison?” Dan Feng groaned. “…Please don't say that.” Dan Heng shivered. Before they could say anything else, Luocha offered his help. He claimed to have some medical knowledge. Though, Dan Feng had a bad feeling about it. Either way, he lied the girl down as he held up his amulet. Everyone there except for Luocha himself was rather surprised it worked. The abundance…? "...The abundance." Dan Heng repeated Dan Feng's thoughts. "...Very good- we no longer need to return to the Realm-Keeping Commission…" The girl stated. Dan Heng could feel it, Dan Feng was rather stressed out after watching that. He could feel his breath hitching. On the side, he frowned as he glanced away. He knew he should try checking up on Dan Feng. “ Are you alright?” D an Heng checked up. “No… I mean- I'm fine.” Dan Feng reassured once again. “Are you sure-?” “Yes. Hey, look. If you don't hurry up, they'll leave you behind.” “What-” Before Dan Heng knew it, the judge led them upstairs. He was at least able to catch what she was saying while he tried to check up on Dan Feng. She mentioned something about a fugitive and… a strange accident. When they reached the top of the stairs, his eyes widened. “ …The Ambrosial Arbor?” Dan Feng whimpered. “But… that can't be.” “What is exactly going on?”

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 9 | To the Starskiff!

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As the three of them ventured through Cloudford, they had to watch for their surroundings. Of course, Dan Feng sometimes gives a comment here and there. Sometimes he gives advice on where to go. While Sushang talked to a nearby Cloud Knight, Dan Feng noticed the road ahead was blocked by a giant container. "Dan Heng, look," Dan Feng spoke up once again, "do you see that blocked off road? Use the control panel, we should be able to make way for us." "...Hm," Dan Heng shortly hummed.

With Dan Feng and Dan Heng working together, they used the control panel to move the conveyor belt. Dan Heng can feel it, he's starting to synchronize with Dan Feng a lot more ever since he got on the ship. In reality though, Dan Feng merely looking out for him. He doesn't like to let him know, but he found himself to care a lot about him. On their way through, they saw a few Cloud Knight's weapons with some strange ice on the ground. "These Ice…" Dan Feng pointed out. "March's six-phased ice…" Dan Heng muttered, "there was a fight here…" It at least confirmed his companions had been through here. Though, as he was unable to find anymore clues, they continued on. The closest to a clue they got was a mara-struck Cloud Knight but… they were already down. Dan Heng could feel Dan Feng's piercing gaze towards the mara-struck. Eventually though, they had to stop as their way was blocked by containers. "There was supposed to be a passage… why can't I see it?" Sushang muttered. "Somebody used the Cloudford control panel to block the roads with containers," Luocha observed. "Ugh, who did this?! I'm terrible with machines and stuff… Hold on, how did you know?!" "I'm starting to get tired of their banters…" Dan Feng huffed, "c'mon, you see that way to the side? We should be able to find a different way…" With Dan Feng's guidance once again, Dan Heng quietly wandered off. In which, it took Sushang a bit to notice him. She was too busy bantering with Luocha to notice, after all. Luocha was the first to notice Dan Heng walking a different way. He had to point it out to her, like pointing the obvious. "H-Hey wait the minute! Wait for us!" Sushang called out as she chased him with Luocha, "control panel… where is the control panel?" "Is that the one?" Luocha pointed out in the distant. "Let me see… Whoa, Luocha! You got sharp eyes!" It was… however, guarded by a mara-struck. But as always, it's nothing they couldn't handle. With Dan Heng's Cloud-Piercer and the help of his new allies, they made a quick work to the mara-struck. Dan Heng sighed, he was starting to get tired but… they must be get going. He ccan only hope he'll be able to see his companions soon. "Don't worry, we're almost there…" Dan Feng reassured. As they went through a passage after moving the conveyor belt, they managed to get to a navigation compass. It was a bit complicated though. To make matters worse, Sushang admitted she was never good with machines. Dan Heng merely sighed as he took a look. At least with Dan Feng's guidance, he was able to figure it out. "Phew, thank goodness," Sushang sighed in relief, "there's one starskiff left." "W-Where does it go?" Dan Heng stuttered. "Judging by where it's docked, it must be heading for Central Starskiff Heaven," Sushang thought outloud, "nice, we'll be safe there." "That Luocha… He's oddly quiet," Dan Feng commented once again, "does he not want to get there? Nevermind…" "C'mon, let's climb aboard," Sushang suggested. Following what Sushang suggested, he got on the starskiff with the other two. It would be a long ride, so he pulled out his phone. He was lucky this time, there's a bit of signal. Last time he tried texting, there was no signal. With trembling hands, he began to type out a message to Stelle. All that fighting made his hands tremble. Something happened just now. I just arrived at the Xianzhou. Are you alright? It wasn't even a minute when Stelle replied to him back. "What are you doing on the Xianzhou? Is the Express okay? What happened?"

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 8 | Merchant of the Stars, a Foreign Trader

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"If… the shipping passages in Cloudford changed even a little…" Dan Heng muttered, "the entire route would be drastically altered." "That is… if i remembered correctly," Dan Feng added in his thoughts. The three of them were still discussing things in Cloudford. Of course, Dan Heng couldn't have gathered his thoughts about the information of the Luofu without Dan Feng's help. After much thinking, Dan Heng had to admit, he might need the help of Sushang and Luocha.

"...Do you two know the way?" Dan Heng asked "I… do not," Luocha admitted. "I came this way, I know it like the back of my hand," Sushang laughed, "just follow me."

"Um… So, Silent But Deadly…" She cringes before reminding him, "let me know when you're ready so we can set off."

"Ah, Dan Heng, wait-" Just when Dan Heng was about to get ready and talk to Sushang, Dan Feng stopped him. He was confused, that was the first time he stopped him from doing something… that is, when it's not about fighting. And so he paused, standing in place. He seems to be glancing back at nothing. He didn't notice, but Luocha seems to find it odd. Though, it didn't last long, as he almost immediately went to do his own thing, waiting to the side. "What is it?" "It's just… That Luocha," Dan Feng muttered out, "you think you can talk to him a bit? He feels… odd." "...Fine…" With Dan Feng's guidance, he approaches Luocha. He quietly stared at the blonde man. At first; Luocha didn't notice him, until he got close enough. What was he even supposed to talk about? Before he can say anything, Luocha was the first to speak out. "Do… you hail from the Luofu, Master Dan Heng?" He questioned. "..." Dan Heng remained quiet. "...Apologies, forgive my curiosity," he apologized, "I do often straggle the boundaries of small talk- I hope I haven't offended you." "Why… did you stay silent?" Dan Feng questioned, "that was really awkward…" "I panicked, okay?" Dan Heng defended, "what am i supposed to say? You said he feels odd…" "...Right." Despite the internal banters, Dan Heng tried to put it aside. Of course, he's still there for a mini quest. A request from Dan Feng specifically. This would be the first time Dan Feng wanted him to actually chat with someone. He can't help but to appreciate Dan Feng slowly opening up. It reminded him that maybe, he should start opening up too. He shook his head, this is no time to contemplate about that. "I'd… like to ask you something…" Dan Heng indirectly asked for permission. "Please do," Luocha smiled. "How much do you know about the Luofu being sealed off?" "Almost nothing, I was scheduled to leave the Luofu when I heard there was a disturbance," he admitted, "Miss Sushang here is a member of the Cloud Knights, you could try asking her." "So he doesn't know…?" Dan Feng contemplates, "but… is he telling the truth?" "Are you saying he's suspicious?" Dan Heng questioned. "Well, I don't have any evidence…" "I… see, well let's talk about you," Dan Heng tilts his head. "Me?" Luocha raised a brow. "You don't seem like you're from the Xianzhou," he muttered, "where have you come from?" "Merchants don't belong anywhere- we wander and make the stars our home, but if you're curious…" he trailed off, "within the Alliance, I'm registered at the Xianzhou Yuque. Within the IPC, I'm registered at the Star Unity Mall Branch at the North Valley Star." "That's some long introduction…" Dan Feng sighed. "You're the one who wants me to probe at him," Dan Heng complained. "...Therefore, Luocha is just the name I use within the Xianzhou," Luocha explained more, "outside of the Xianzhou, I use something more difficult to pronounce. I'm guessing you want to know that name too?" "N-No… Nevermind…" Dan Heng unintentionally stuttered out, "err… what's in the coffin?" "Ah, a story of ill luck… I found myself embroiled in a conflict and ended up owing a favor…" He sighed, "now I must assist in delivering these remains back to the Xianzhou." "Remains…?" Dan Feng questioned, "whose remains though… and why?" "Should I ask him that too?" Dan Heng asked. "No… No, don't do that, we don't want to probe too much." "...Very well." "It would seem I am a magnet for such misfortunes…" Luocha sighed, "I thought I would be safe on the Luofu but now…" "I… see, well nevermind then… Excuse me," Dan Heng bowed. "Of course." Quietly, Dan Heng went over to Sushang. He waited for Dan Feng to speak up, but since he never saying anything… It was a cue for him that they were ready to go. He stares into Sushang, though unaware that his stares might be a little intimidating. Still, at least Sushang shrugged it off. "Silent but Deadly… Are you sure that nickname isn't annoying you?" Sushang tried making sure. "...Not at all," Dan Heng reassured. "Huh… I should learn to be this easygoing." "...Well, let's go."

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 7 | Old Places New Faces

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"The Luofu…" Dan Heng was quiet as he walks around Cloudford. He doesn't like to admit it, but he began to apprecciate Dan Feng's company for once. So far, nothing seems to have changed, if memories served him right. Though as he walked through, Dan Feng was the first to notice something. Two people cornered by mara-strucks.

"Wait, careful-"

Dan Heng didn't heed it’s warning however. Instead, he rushed to their aid to hold them back. He could hear Dan Feng sighing, but he didn't pay any mind to it. With his Cloud-Piercer, he tried his best to attack the mara-struck. Though the brunette ponytailed girl, one of the two people cornered; managed to get hurt in the middle of the fight, and Dan Feng was the quickest to notice. "Dan Heng wait, that girl is hurt."

"...You're hurt." "It's okay!" She reassured, "phew, this one's strong alright…" As the fight goes on, the mara struck managed to take down the girl. Though, suddenly a healing aura began to surround them. "With you two risking your life for me, could I really… stay where I am?" The other person spoke up after unsheathing his sword. He's a blonde man with quite fancy clothing. With the three of them working together, the fight had gotten a lot easier. It took some time, but at least no one was fatally wounded. After it was over, the girl sighed in relief. "Are you two okay?" she turned to the two. Dan Heng and the blonde man looked at each other before nodding. To the girl, it was a relief to hear.

"Good. I'm Sushang of the Cloud Knights- I was just transferred here from the Yaoqing!" "I did tell you to let me handle it," she frowned, looking at the blonde man, "I don't have eyes at the back of my head- what if i accidentally hit you?" "Forgive me, miss… but you were too busy being hit yourself," he excused, "it's a good thing I joined the fray." "Ha, I was protecting you more like," she huffed, "it's a Cloud Knight's job to protect others." "Scolded by a Cloud Knight… what an embarassment," Dan Feng snickered, before he ended up scolding Dan Heng himself, "but… you really shouldn't have ran off like that! Least you could do is come up with a plan!" "This area is under martial law, I'm escorting all citizens to safety," she explained, "follow me." "That was some impressive Cloud Knight spearmanship," She turned to Dan Heng, "which unit are you from?" "Uh oh…" Instead of answering her, Dan Heng merely shook his head. "Huh, okay… You're a civilian then, come with me!" "Miss Sushang, what exactly transpired here?" the blonde man questioned, "in all my trade visits, I've never seen Starskiff Haven in such a state." "I, uh, I can't comment on that… I was just ordered to rescue the civilians." She stammered, "actually, I have no idea either. Anyways, you two just need to come with me." "Hey, you're pretty quiet. What's your name?" she turned back to Dan Heng, "I've got forms to fill out- can't put your name down as blank." "My name is Dan Heng, I'm a traveler. I'm on my way to meet up with my friends," Dan Heng introduced himself, " I appreciate the help, but I can leave the port on my own." "No can do, mister- it's way too late. You won't find anyone in Starskiff Haven," she shook her head, "if your friends made it out, then they'll already be in the safe zone. No need to worry, you'll see them when we get there." "Aren't you gonna take my name too, miss?" the blonde man interrupted. "You already said it while we were busy fighting!" she tries to remember, "Luo… Something… Luocha! Is that it? I remember it!"

"Luocha, huh…" Dan Feng contemplates. "Let's go! Stay close, you two," she announced, "Cloud Knight Sushang will guarantee your safety!" "Ah, one more thing," she spoke up as they walked together, "I need you to write your names down later. I don't know too many characters, I might make a mistake…"

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 6 | The Hunt Begins

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"Of five people, three must pay a price." "You are one of them."

It was that dream again- Dan Feng's guilt manifested as a dream. As usual, it was realistic enough to pull Dan Heng awake. He took in deep breaths, trying to catch up with his own breathing. Though there wasn't enough time until he heard a knock on the door.

"Hold on, I… I'll be there soon," Dan Heng called out.

"The conductor wants us to attend a warp navigation meeting," March's voice can be heard, "same old location apparently, and we can't be late~"

Dan Heng huffed. They'll have to forgive him… He's going to be late with this one. He's still taking a breather, waiting for March and whoever she's with to leave. Once he was sure they're gone though, Dan Heng sighed.

"Are you alright?" Dan Feng chimed in. "I will be, just give me a moment."

Sadly, it wasn't long until March came back, followed by Stelle. March explained to Dan Heng what happened in the meeting; a Stellaron Hunter suggested going to the Xianzhou Luofu and a vote must be made to make a decision. March expressed they should vote against it. Though in the end, she voted to go along with it. Seeing that, Stelle tried to protest. March meanwhile explained how she had calmed down and thought about the situation which sparked a small argument before Welt came and separated the two.

"Alright, alright… I think we're all used to March's modus operandi by now…" "So, Dan Heng, you want to stay here?" Himeko asked. "Yes… I'm staying this time."

At first, he doubted himself. But there was no time for that. He stayed put for a bit and watched his companions before going back to his room. He's worried, but he can't risk his life like that. But in the end, he couldn't get anything done. Not work, not sleep…

"You're worried aren’t you? Scared too maybe?" "Are you saying you wouldn’t be? What would you do then?" "I'm unsure…"

It almost felt sudden when Himeko emerged to approach him.

"You've been standing here for almost half an hour," she commented, "it's rare to see you like this." "...Himeko," Dan Heng paused, "...did you keep a copy of the Stellaron Hunter's transmission? Can I have a look?" "...Sure."

In the end, Dan Heng was quick to change his mind. That is, after watching the transmission. Panic flew through his body. A sudden urge of both pain and regret.

[mikasbubs]

Remnants of a Healer

Chapter 5 | What Once Was

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...

"You're awfully quiet tonight."

The voice seemed to make Dan Feng jump a bit. His eyes couldn't believe it. Jing Yuan? Here? That can't be, can it? Still, a part of him wanted to cling onto that hope even if it really is an illusion. But there's something odd about it.

"Do you miss watching over him," it laughed.

"Who... are you?" he questioned, being cautious. "You sure have sharp eyes..." it sighed, "don't worry, I cannot hurt you." "Then... what are you? What do you want?" "I am but your illusion of desire," it shrugged, "is it not your desire to see him again?"

Dan Feng's eyes widened. While it's true, he can't just... Wait, what about Dan Heng? They share the inner world afterall. He didn't want to bother him with his memories when he's already bothering him with memories of Yingxing. He shook his head.

"I... don't need you." "Are you sure?" "Yes."

It tilted its head, there was a sad yet proud expression on its face.

"You surely have grown, Baobei." "Don't. Call me that," he growled, "you're not him."

In a panic, he whipped his hand across. What he didn't expect was the feeling of fog being lifted. What's worse is that he was greeted by Dan Heng. He seemed concerned of his well being.

"Are you alright?" it was the first thing he asked of him, "you've been in that fog for quite some time." "Seriously...? Wait, what are you doing here?" "The trailblazing expedition is over... I was trying to check up on you previously," he paused, "but that fog... It seems to make me lose my sense of thoughts." "...I see." "Do you at least know what is it?"

Dan Feng took a deep breath. He watched him lose track of time, there is no reason to keep it a secret now, is there?

"I'm not sure myself but I think... It's my desire based on my memories..." "looks like i got caught up in it, I lost track of time... apologies." "Stop apologizing already... It doesn't fit you."

Dan Feng lets out a chuckle.

"As you wish... I suppose you'll be around to rest for a bit until the next expedition then?"