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The first time Yingxing sees Jing Yuan, he looks like he's about to cry.
Yingxing is on his way to Aurum Alley - he's ahead with his studies, he's ahead with his workload, and he's thinking very happily about the bowl of noodles he's about to purchase, when he catches sight of him. Short and slight with a crop of shoulder length wild white hair, crumpled but not poor quality clothes, and a furtive look in his golden eyes. In his hands, he's fiddling with a jade abacus that's had the battery pulled out of it. He watches as the kid stares at it with a conflicted expression. He puts the battery halfway back in before abruptly changing his mind, shoving each in a separate pocket. He sinks down against the railing he's been leaning on and puts his head in his hands. His shoulders heave with a sigh, or… is he crying?
Yingxing really shouldn't. It's not his business. The kid - because really, he looks to be a little younger than Yingxing, which is to say he looks around thirteen but is probably much older, like most Xianzhou natives - is probably just having a rough day. Maybe he broke his phone and is just worried about his parents being angry. Sure. That's plausible. That's probably what the passersby think as they skirt the child, glancing in curiosity and then moving on their way.
But Yingxing knows better, like a sixth sense. The clothes are crumpled in a way that suggests they were slept in. The abacus isn't broken - he's just scared to put the battery back in it. He raises his face quickly every few minutes, looking around like he's expecting someone - like he's dreading someone.
Yingxing knows enough about being on his own - and about getting away from people - to recognize it in another. That's what drags him forward, walking up to the boy and looking down at him. He shrinks in on himself as Yingxing approaches, trying to subtly rub his eyes. When Yingxing stops, he looks up, a tight smile plastered on his face.
“Uh- hi? Sorry, am I in your way?” He asks, as if he could possibly be in the way of anything, tucked into himself like this.
“I'm Yingxing. Come with me.” He says, holding out his hand. The kid stares at him. He sighs, and shakes his hand in emphasis. “I'm an apprentice in the Artisanship Commission. You're in trouble, right? You'll be safe there for now.”
“I'm not in trouble,” the boy says very quickly. He's still smiling, and it's starting to annoy Yingxing for some reason. “I'm just- lost. Lost! Yeah. Could you maybe point me in the direction of the nearest Cloud Knights recruitment office?”
Yingxing blinks at him.
“Aren’t you a little young for that?”
“I meet the requirements for the junior corps,” He responds. Perhaps seeing Yingxing's stubbornness, he grabs the hand finally and lets himself be pulled up. He's a full head shorter than Yingxing. The taller boy squints at him dubiously. He emphasizes, “I'm sixteen.”
“Isn't that like a baby by Xianzhou standards? I'm sixteen, and you look like you're… maybe thirteen.”
That gets the smile to drop into a scowl.
“I don't look that young - and that's not even a big difference at all,” he huffs, crossing his arms with petulance. He definitely looks thirteen. “And I'll tell you since it seems you aren't one, but not all Xianzhou people age super slow. Some of us age like short lifers until we hit puberty. Then we shoot up real fast!”
He tilts his head up, smug, and dammit that smile is back and worse than before.
“I bet that by this time next year, I'll be taller than you!”
“Hah! Yeah right,” Yingxing snorts. “Fine. Whatever. You want to sign your life away, go ahead.” He pauses, thinking for a moment. “You… have the battery out of your phone because you don't want your parents to catch you before you sign the papers. Right?”
Jing Yuan looks startled at being found out, but he sheepishly nods.
“I've tried and tried to tell them what I want, but they just get more angry. My dad especially… We, uh, had a really big fight. I packed myself while he was asleep last night and left.” He sighs, rubbing his eyes. His right one has been covered by his unruly bangs the entire time, but they part briefly with the movement, allowing Yingxing to see a sliver of bruised skin around a swollen eye.
Oh.
“Uh, hah… Yingxing, right? Hello…?”
Yingxing blinks, not realizing he's gone silent. He shakes his head.
“Sorry. Just thinking. Okay, nearest Cloud Knights recruitment office. Yeah, I can take you there. It's actually on my way.”
It’s a lie, but now he feels really invested in making sure this kid gets to his destination.
“My name is Jing Yuan,” the kid shares after a moment. “Thank you for helping me.”
“It's no problem.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Uh, sure?”
“What made you want to join the Artisanship Commission?” Jing Yuan asks. “I guess that means you like making things right? What things do you make?”
“Weapons,” Yingxing answers. Of course, lots of people are curious what draws a short lifer into the Alliance. Besides, well, the illegal temptation of the secrets of long life. But Yingxing doesn't give a shit about that.
“I make weapons that will be used to kill the Abundance. If you join the Cloud Knights… then I guess we'll share the same mission.” His vehemence in hunting the Abundance, as a short lifer unaffected by Yaoshi's curse, is also often questioned, so he elaborates, “Borison destroyed my homeworld. My father was a smith, before he was killed. I worked in his shop with him. I’ve never really been a fighter, but I have always been good at metalworking. So, I will put my weapons in the hands of soldiers that will bring the Abundance down.”
Jing Yuan has gone quiet. Yingxing doesn't look at him. Everyone always looks at him with pity after he tells them, and he hates it. He's sure Jing Yuan is about to say something like “I'm so sorry” or whatever, when instead, the boy lets out a small, light huff.
“Then… I hope I become good enough to use one of your weapons one day.”
Yingxing stops to look at him, eyebrows raised. Jing Yuan is smiling at him again.
“Will… I see you around, you think?” He asks. Oh, they've made it to the recruitment office. Right.
“Probably. Come to the Artisanship Commission in Zhuming once you get back from boot camp in a year. It’s easy to get shuttle passes as a Knight. I’m only here for the summer. If you haven't gotten axed for being too small, then I'll buy you lunch.”
“And you'll let me see your cool weapons?”
Yingxing huffs at that, feeling his ears turn pink, but he nods. That seems to bolster Jing Yuan into something more confident as he heads to the door. He stops and smiles back, his fingers on the handle.
“Thank you Yingxing. I appreciate it.”
“No problem-”
“And when I come back from camp so much taller than you, I will be sure to get you all the things too high up for you to reach, gege .”
He cackles, disappearing behind the door before Yingxing can find something to throw at him.
Brat.
⚔️🐱
He doesn't see Jing Yuan again in a year, or two, or three. No, it isn't until five years later, when he's being sent to the Luofu as the Zhuming’s youngest Master Artisan, that he sees him again. See, he could have had his pick of ships in all honesty, but the Luofu stuck out to him so immediately that he had hardly hesitated before giving General Huaiyan his answer. On the one hand, the Luofu falls under the Divine Foresight, currently General Teng Xiao. The Divine Foresight is largely responsible for more specialized war efforts, and thus, he would get more specialized projects. It would allow him the creative freedom to truly test what his intellect could conjure up and his hands could shape, all while funded by government commission money. On the other hand, it would also allow him to grow outside of General Huaiyan’s shadow. He was more grateful to that man than he could express with words alone, but it was just an unfortunate reality that he would never be able to grow past the reputation of being the General's apprentice while they shared a ship. He had promised to visit as often as work allowed, and the General signed his transfer papers. So, with a little homesickness and a lot of anticipation, Yingxing enters the Seat of Divine Foresight.
He's only been in the Luofu for a few days, long enough to get settled into his new workplace and his new lodgings, when he is summoned with his first specialized commission. Maybe his renown has preceded him, or maybe General Huaiyan put in a good word for him, because receiving an order from the Divine Foresight himself is a high honor. Only a few days into his new position, and he already has most of the other Master Artisans seething with jealousy. Oh well, it would have happened anyway.
“Master Yingxing of the Zhuming, I presume?” a deep voice calls out to him as he enters. It's a large, open space that looks halfway between a palace and a command center. Up a short platform sits a massive desk - and at the massive desk, sits a massive man. He's broad, his skin tanned and weathered from the elements, with a scar under one of his eyes and a rather impressive mustache and beard. He looks almost like the rugged mountain dogs Yingxing remembers from his home planet, before.. well.
“Arbiter-General,” he greets, bowing low enough to be appropriate. He can't let his arrogance kill him before he shows this ship what he's capable of.
“No need to be so formal,” the General waves his hand, gesturing for him to sit. He does. “Just General is fine, if you must.”
“Very well. To what do I owe the honor?”
“I see you live up to your name,” he says with a chuckle. “Quick and committed, like a comet. That reputation you’re building is why I have asked you here. I need an artisan willing to troubleshoot a very pesky problem with one of my finest soldier's weapons.”
Yingxing can't help but perk up. “Oh? And what is wrong with their weapons?”
“Well, you see, she can’t stop shattering her swords on her enemies. We’ve gone through enough swords that involving a master swordsmith became necessary - and now that we’ve gone through four previous Master Artisans, I thought it might be time to think outside of the box, as it were.”
Yingxing nods along, though he wonders what the catch is. Reinforcing sword metal isn’t a new or incredibly complicated task. Either, this is more complex than it looks on the surface, or the Master Artisans of the Luofu are terrifyingly inept.
“Is it just her strength shattering them? Is it against her enemies’ weapons? Is she exerting an elemental force on them that’s compromising the metal?” He immediately goes into interrogation mode, like a researcher with a fresh case. He is like a researcher, in a way - a researcher of better, sturdier, and even more aesthetic weaponry.
“I think you’ll understand for yourself in a moment,” Teng Xiao says, amused about something, as Yingxing hears the door of the Seat of Divine Foresight open once more. Immediately, it’s as though the temperature in the room drops several degrees. He’s not sure if it actually does, or if it’s just the way several aides immediately gulp and busy themselves with tasks, pointedly trying not to draw the eye of the woman who just came in. Yingxing turns to face her - she’s an average height, with pale skin and hair, dark red eyes, and a flowing dress that he definitely does not think is uniform, but he’s certainly not going to speak that thought.
“Champion,” Teng Xiao greets, standing. She looks between him and the General.
“Is this the latest sacrifice from the Artisanship Commission?” She asks. Teng Xiao scoffs.
“He’s General Huaiyan’s boy-” Teng Xiao says, and Yingxing’s eye twitches because he is a grown man, thank you very much, “-and his record is impressive. Don’t shoot him down before he’s had a chance to try.”
“I don’t need to try,” Yingxing asserts, crossing his arms. “I will make you a sword that you can’t shatter, or I’ll hang up my title as a craftsman.”
The Champion and General look at him, blinking. He thinks some of the aides are too, but they’re still trying to play flies on the wall.
“That… is not necessary,” Teng Xiao says gently, but Yingxing just feels coddled by it.
“You called me here because you thought I could do it, so I will do it.” Yingxing says firmly, looking back and forth between the both of them. “I don’t make promises I can’t keep, and I don’t hand off weapons unless they’re perfect.”
Jingliu considers him silently, not exactly approving, but like she’s appraising him with a new light. That’s fine. He’ll wow her when she’s able to use the full force of her legendary ice powers with the sword he will craft for her. Teng Xiao only considers him for a moment, before he grins and laughs. Yingxing doesn’t know if it's approving or mocking either, and he’s feeling the telltale signs of a headache coming on.
“You did come on glowing recommendation,” Teng Xiao concedes.
“Of which I am grateful to my Master for, yes,” Yingxing acknowledges.
“Oh, Old Huaiyan? Well, yes he did second the recommendation when I called him to confirm, but he isn’t the one who put your name forward for this project.”
Yingxing blinks, frowning.
“Who…?”
“He said he was an old acquaintance of yours, and that he could swear by your skill, intellect, and determination.” Teng Xiao says, still looking amused for some reason. Jingliu lets out an exasperated sigh.
“Of course he did.”
“He’s a natural lieutenant, and will likely rise much higher with that quick brain and silver tongue.”
“I’m well aware of what my apprentice is capable of. You aren’t allowed to steal him from me yet, General.”
“Forgive the interruption,” Yingxing says very insincerely. He hears the main door open again, and ignores it, “but who recommended me?”
“He’s here!”
It’s a man’s voice, and rapidly approaching. Yingxing watches as a man in pale blue Cloud Knight fatigues walks confidently up the steps and then just as confidently clasps him on the shoulder. He’s got a tan on his skin from the sun, his hair as white as Jingliu’s but absolutely flyaway around his face, tied haphazardly back with a red ribbon. A bright golden eye peeks at him between his bangs.
“Jing Yuan,” Teng Xiao greets. The name bounces around in Yingxing’s head for a moment, before it clicks with the man’s face.
“No way.”
“Ah, you remember me!” Jing Yuan grins impossibly wider. “You’ll have to forgive me for not coming to see you in the Zhuming as I promised, but as you can see, I became quite busy.”
“As the apprentice of the Sword Champion.” He supplies, still stunned. The crying kid he helped to the recruitment office… is now studying directly under the most revered swordfighter in the Luofu - and potentially the entire Xianzhou, if he’s being honest.
“I am very grateful for gege’s help,” Jing Yuan says. “I would not be here if you had not stopped that day.”
“You would have found your way there,” Yingxing deflects, sputtering only a little. Gege? So familiar, in front of his Master and the General? Jingliu gives Jing Yuan an unamused look. Teng Xiao looks to Yingxing with a raised brow. Yingxing does not meet his gaze.
“Ahem, Lieutenant,” he addresses Jing Yuan, who immediately snaps to attention. “Did you gather what I needed from the Ten Lords’ Commission?”
“Yes, General. I have it right here,” he says, and oh, he’s been carrying a long, narrow box.
“Good, let him have a look.” Teng Xiao says, and Jing Yuan sets to work unlocking several seals and mechanisms. “On a recent front, we were blessed by one of the Reignbow Arbiter's arrows leading us to a hard-won victory. The shattered pieces have been gathered. One now sits before you.”
Jing Yuan opens the box, and sure enough, inside is a purple shard of ore, its intense pressure immediately weighing on him as soon as the last seal is cleared. He’s looking at a piece of Lan’s arrow, of THEIR power.
“You will have a material at your disposal that we did not have with our previous attempts,” Teng Xiao explains, “And based on your record, your work ethic, and your Master’s glowing recommendation, amongst others-” he casts a look to Jing Yuan, who smiles, “-I have decided to allow you to try and craft Jingliu’s weapon with it. You will only get the one shard though, so work with it wisely.”
Yingxing is silent for several long, long moments.
“...I’m going to need a strong furnace.”
“Easily arranged.”
“And an assistant - one that actually knows what they’re doing.”
“You’ll have your pick of the lot.”
“I-” He pauses. Looking up at the General. He raises his eyebrow. Does he ever lower it?
“Second thoughts?” That snaps Yingxing out of his stupor.
“Hardly. Just wondering how soon I’ll be released to begin work.”
That gets another laugh out of the General. He picks a scroll up off his desk and hands it to Yingxing. The crest of the General seals it in wax.
“There. Give that to Master Xia Mei, and she will ensure you have everything you need.” He decrees. The General waves his hand to Jing Yuan, who begins resealing the box. “Lieutenant, I trust you will see this artifact and Yingxing safely back to the Artisanship Commission?”
“Yes, sir!”
And then, as soon as he’s given the appropriate bows and goodbyes, he’s being very unceremoniously tugged out the door by Jing Yuan. He does release him once they’re outside, still grinning.
“It’s good to see you again, Yingxing,” he reiterates, soundly a little less cheeky this time. “I was excited to hear your name when Master was talking to the General about more craftsman candidates. I had to recommend you!”
“I appreciate you returning the favor,” Yingxing says honestly. Jing Yuan shakes his head.
“It’s hardly a favor when it’s the truth. I’ve kept up with you on and off these years - your work speaks for itself.”
“If you kept up, why didn’t you reach out?” Yingxing asks. He’s curious now. Jing Yuan, surprisingly, looks a little embarrassed.
“Well I didn’t exactly have your number, and we only knew each other so briefly. After all, I was just some kid you helped with directions. I didn’t want to seem like a stalker, to hunt your contact information down across ships.”
“You’re… an odd one, Jing Yuan,” Yingxing says after a moment, shaking his head, but he has to admit he’s amused by the other man. Well. It won’t hurt to have a somewhat familiar face around as he settles in.
“I’m a lot of things,” Jing Yuan boasts. “The most important being that, like you, I keep promises. Except, well, visiting you on the Zhuming, but that was beyond my control.”
“Oh?” Yingxing says, eyebrow raised. What did Jing Yuan promise him? Did he promise him anything? He can’t remember.
Jing Yuan grins, and comes to stand directly in front of Yingxing. At this distance, he can see the different rings of yellow in his eyes, and that he has a mole under the left one. They’re pretty eyes. Wait, huh? Yingxing pushes that thought away. Jing Yuan meanwhile puts his hand on top of Yingxing’s head (what on earth is he doing?) and slowly slides it forward until it hits the middle of the lieutenant’s forehead. His soft, sincere smile turns absolutely shit-eating.
“I promised I would be taller than you, gege .”
Jing Yuan runs down the steps of the Seat of the Divine Foresight two at a time, as Yingxing pelts after him, cursing and threatening the Cloud Knight with all kinds of bodily violence.