Work Text:
It was just another day on board the Astral Express. Dan Heng had a long day of collecting data on the Data Bank, so he sat down to do some reading.
He remembers his goal, to live on for Yue.
“I should keep reading Hotaru’s diary, maybe there could be something about my past..” he thought.
Star Calendar Year 7377
Dear Diary, today was another lovely day. I strolled around Central Starskiff Haven, hoping to grab a gift for my beloved friend Baiheng. The shops didn’t really have anything interesting for me to grab since I wasn’t sure what she likes.. but then I remembered that she always wanted a little flask to bring with her on our adventures. So I went to the shops again but they didn’t have any. I remembered that I was friends with Yingxing, so surely he could help me with my request! I went to his place at the Artisanship Commission hoping to find him, but he wasn’t there. Instead I found another Vidyadhara who seemed shy at first, but then I told her that I was a good friend of Yingxing. She introduced herself as Yi Ling, and she was very sweet to meet. I was honestly surprised that the Furnace Master had an apprentice working under him.. I wouldn’t be surprised if the High Elder was the same. Maybe it’s just my intuition. I looked over and noticed she had a commission list, just exactly what I needed. I requested a lilac flask with a rose design because I know Baiheng loves them and they are very pretty. She was very understanding, and asked me how I knew her master. I told her that Baiheng was the one who introduced me to her master and the rest of the High Cloud Quintet. Which frankly it did sound like I was bragging at first but she believed me. If I were to say that to anyone else, they would think I’m actually insane. But alas my time is limited and I’m getting sleepy, so I have to end this entry.
“Huh? Since when did Yingxing have an apprentice? I didn’t remember even seeing her..” Dan Heng wondered.
Star Calendar Year 7378
Dear Diary, today was a very special occasion!
I went and picked up the flask I commissioned for Baiheng, and they say that like an apprentice, like a master, Yi Ling did such an amazing job! I strolled through the Artisanship Commission heading on back to see Baiheng, when I came across the High Elder. He was still a little intimidating but at least he’s very friendly and really cares about Yingxing.. are they just friends? I mean why would they both be together when I visit them with Baiheng? But I shouldn’t let my curiosity get the best of me.. that is until he asked me. “Yue, what are you doing here?”
And I said, “I could say the same, your highness.” He was like, “no need for formality, Dan Feng is just enough.” To which I responded, “Dan Feng.. ok got it!” He’s so sweet once you actually get to truly understand him, it’s a shame he’s buried under such great responsibility.. which I’m glad that I was never born in that position.. but enough dwelling on sadness. I went back to Central Starskiff Haven and found Baiheng hehe.. and I gave her the flask! She actually loved it and really said it reminded her of Yingxing’s handiwork. A gift to my dear friend, my cherished beloved. I told her about Yi Ling, the apprentice of Yingxing who was the one I commissioned from, and then Baiheng told me something very interesting about Dan Feng, she actually encountered his apprentice Yi Nuo during her trip to see Dan Feng as per usual at the Alchemy Commission, so I guess my intuition was right after all. I wished this moment would never end, but I have to end it here otherwise PomPom would get mad at me..
Dan Heng looked at the diary, then started to cry.
He wished he could have done something about the past, but then realized that he could live on for a better future, to carry on the legacy that Yue left behind, towards a brighter future.