Chapter Text
“This is your new attendant,” the voice of Preceptor Suguang rang out clear in the room. He moved an arm to show off the man in question. The man had stunning lavender eyes, yet they were weathered by time. His hair showed his age just as well, now a snow white instead of whatever color it was before. It surprised him that they would employ a short-life species to watch over him.
Dan Feng only nodded at the Preceptor. Preceptor Suguang looked Dan Feng over. He shouldn’t be fatigued yet. He nodded back before he left the room. The man, his new attendant, glared over his shoulder towards the retreating form of the Preceptor. However, he walked over to Dan Feng and stopped a few feet away. He bowed respectfully, “Yingxing, your highness. It is nice to finally meet you.”
“You as well,” he replies politely. This man seemed to have so much to say. There was something hidden below the lavender. What did this man hide? What were they planning now?
Dan Feng was not stupid. The Preceptors always had some sort of plan. However, he was helpless in stopping it. Whatever actions he made could hurt the people, he only wanted to protect them. He looked at the shackles on his arms then back to the man. “You may sit.”
“I have no need to at the moment.” He replied simply. Yingxing stood back up and put his hands by his side. He wasn’t relaxed, but also not completely on guard either. Did the man know about his current state? What did the Preceptors tell him? Nothing about this man’s posture or look gave anything away. It intrigued him.
“Then tell me, Yingxing, what do you know?” Dan Feng questioned and moved his head to rest against his hand. He had to know at least something. He was starved of information. Perhaps he knew of the people’s plight. He could at least assist the people in some way. He had a little more to give everyday, not that he would tell the Preceptors this.
It made the corners of the man’s lips twitch into a smile, but not one of humor. “I know enough. I am your attendant, Dan Feng, Yinyue-Jun. That is all you need to know of me for now. Perhaps at a later time I can tell you what I know.”
Dan Feng huffed at the dismissal. What did this man know? Why couldn’t he answer him? Now it was just infuriating. He did not need a babysitter. He stood suddenly from the chair and walked out of the room. Of course, Yingxing followed him. Dan Feng rolled his eyes as he heard the man behind him. He had half of a mind to demand an explanation from the Preceptors, however, they would just tell him it was for the good of the people. What good did it do the people to have their deity babysat? He was not causing any troubles. The people were his main priority.
Instead, Dan Feng stormed over to the library. He knew most of the books by now, if he didn’t give the knowledge himself. He scoffed and walked to the section that got updated more often. He did not ever get a newspaper or anything current. They were starving him of information. Why? What was happening out there? He picked up the latest books that were added before he walked to the window. He peered out from it. He couldn’t see the people from here, by design he’s sure. He sighed and moved to sit in the windowsill.
“Why were you looking out there?” Yingxing suddenly spoke. It took a lot to not show that he was startled. No attendant had spoken so outright. He also spoke infront of other staff. The others were terrified of the other staff. They would go tell the Preceptors everything. Yet this man didn’t seem the least bit scared at all.
“Enjoying the day.” He replied simply and opened the first book.
“No, I know that look on others. You were looking for something. What are you looking for?” The man pressed on. This was also another thing no other attendant did. None ever talked back or questioned him.
It caused Dan Feng to scoff at the man. He closed the book suddenly. “Perhaps I was, so what?”
“Looking for a way to escape?” The man questioned, almost amused. It took him aback.
“Excuse me?” Dan Feng glared up at the man. “Absolutely not! I would not do that to the people. They need me!” What was this man accusing him of?
Yingxing chuckled at him. “It’s what they’re worried about. Well, one of many things, that is.”
Dan Feng looked at him strangely. “You are a strange one, Yingxing.” He shook his head to clear it.
“I’ve heard worse.” Yingxing shrugged him off. “If you’re looking for a better view, then I can take you there instead.”
“Can you show me where the people gather?” He asked hopefully.
“Of course.” The man grinned at him. “Are you going to check out those books?”
“What?” Dan Feng looked at the book in his hand. “Oh, no. I will put these back.” He then stood to do just that.
Yingxing followed him. Now the bastard just looked smug. This was going to be difficult, but new and interesting. He wanted to know more about the man. What could he gleam from these conversations? He started to put the books back. The man was clean looking, but everyone here looked that way. He didn’t seem to be hungry either. Did that mean the people were really okay?
Dan Feng then stood back up and looked to Yingxing. “Well? Where is it?” He questioned the man and crossed his arms over his chest.
“This way.” He stated simply. He then turned and walked out of the library. Hopefully this wasn’t the mistake that he thought it was going to be. He followed Yingxing to a different wing of the castle. He wasn’t typically allowed in this section, but Yingxing led him confidently. He wouldn’t question it.
Yingxing stopped infront of a door. “Don’t worry, it’s empty. They use this wing for the guests.” He reassured him. He didn’t need reassuring. The man opened the door and motioned for Dan Feng to enter. He followed directions and looked at the giant windows. He didn’t have this view. His eyes widened at the groups of people infront of the castle. They all looked like they were yelling, angry. What happened?
“You look surprised.” Yingxing suddenly spoke up from behind him.
“Why are they like this?” He looked back at the man, genuinely shocked and concerned.
“Ah, so you really didn’t know anything about this?” He huffed and shook his head. “They don’t like the Preceptors and,” Yingxing points a thumb behind him, “they use you as a figurehead. You have a lot to learn. Though, most of it would be best learned out there.” He points to the crowd. “So, we have a lot to do.”
“I’ve… been lied to…”
“Yes, you have.” Yingxing’s voice was cold.
“How do I-?”
“Fix it? We have a plan. You just have to listen to me and pretend things are fine.”
“I don’t trust you, but I have no other choice.” Dan Feng growled. How could they do this to him? How could they do this to them?
“That’s fine. We just need to work together.” Yingxing crossed his hands over his chest. “Deal?”
“Deal. I cannot be rid of you anyway.” He huffed and let his shoulders drop as he looked to the floor. He had let them treat him like this for so long, and they lied. They lied. They Lied.
“Alright. Let’s get you back to the main areas. They’ll probably be looking for you soon. Something about specific times needing to take something?”
“Yeah… Energy… Power… They use it to help the populus, or that’s what they told me.” Dan Feng looked at the shackles around his wrist.
“Of course.” Yingxing sighed. “Lead the way, your highness.”
Dan Feng glanced at the man, but did as asked. He left the room and headed to the garden. He needed some fresh air and to think. Was what this man said true? He saw the people with his own eyes. Yingxing didn’t have the time to warn a mob to show up like that. They looked genuinely angry. The guards were forcing them back. They were using his power to do it. It made him clench his fists at his side in anger. How dare they?
Dan Feng looked to the sky. It was starting to darken with his foul mood. He sighed heavily and released his clenched fists. He took a few deep breaths as he stepped infront of the water fountain. He looked into the water and glared at his reflection. How could he be so stupid and naive to believe these people? He growled and thrust his hand at his reflection.
“Was there something in the water?” Yingxing asked at his side. His tone was too light and amused for Dan Feng. How did he change feelings like that? Just a moment ago he was so cold and harsh, now he was teasing again. He did not understand this man.
“No.” He growled out lowly to Yingxing.
“Shame. I bet you could have caught a fish like that.”
“I have no need for fish.”
“Maybe not, but it would be amusing to have seen you catch a fish like that.” Yingxing smiled at him.
Dan Feng huffed at him. He turned to leave the garden when he heard the door open. A small team came towards him. Yingxing stood between him and the group.
“It’s fine, Yingxing, stand down.” Dan Feng mumbled to Yingxing. “They are here for the energy.”
Yingxing reluctantly stepped behind Dan Feng just as the people stopped infront of Dan Feng. One smiled brightly at him and offered her hands. Dan Feng gave her his hands.
“How are you feeling today?” She asked him with a voice of optimism.
“The clouds speak for me today.” Dan Feng answered, voice not wavering as the chains began to glow a slight blue.
“Ah, I see. What troubles you?”
Small talk. They did this everytime. “I am missing information on how the people are doing.”
“They are doing just fine! You have a day out coming up in a week so you can see for yourself. Don’t be so down.”
“I do?”
“Oh, was it just approved? Yes, you have a day out next week. Then every two weeks for a little while.” She chirped happily at him.
Dan Feng glanced back at Yingxing. Was this his doing? Who’s planning for him again? Yingxing didn’t give any reaction back to him. He used to only be let out when he almost begged for it, threatened for it, or for festivals. There were no festivals anytime soon, and he hadn’t begged or threatened. It was the only conclusion he could come to, anyway.
“Well, I’m glad then. I would be happy to have more time with the people.” He sighed heavily.
“You sound off. Did I say something wrong?”
“No, I appreciate the information. I just have a lot on my mind today.”
“Understood.” She stated as she took her hands back. “I’ll see you again later tonight.”
“Alright.”
She bowed to him and nodded to Yingxing before she walked away. Dan Feng watched as Yingxing nodded back to her. Did they know each other? They always switched out these teams. It was to keep him from getting too used to one group to escape. He always found it annoying. He needed something static. Guess that’s what his guard was supposed to be. They fired the last one.
Dan Feng waited till the entire group was gone though to question. “Do you know her?”
“No. Just a friendly little goodbye.”
“Okay, then…” Dan Feng trailed off in thought. He turned to leave once more.
“Worried about it?” Yingxing half teased.
“No.”
“You’re lying.”
“I am not.” Dan Feng stepped away from Yingxing.
“Yes, you are. You want to know who is on what side.” He prods.
“I do not need to know this information. You will get yourself caught.”
“No, I will not.” Yingxing grinned at him.
“You know so much more than I do.” Dan Feng huffed.
“Of course I do. And we have a lot to go over, your highness, before your next outing.”
“Was this your doing?”
“No, but it gives me opportunities.” Yingxing’s grin seemed to widen somehow.
“I do not like that look.” Dan Feng glared at Yingxing.
“You don’t have to. You just have to go about your typical.”
“I don’t like you.”
“You again don’t have to, but I know I will grow on you.”
“You will do no such thing.” Dan Feng huffed and entered the dining room. This was one of the few times that everyone was together. The Preceptors all sat together, then him at the head of the table, and whatever guests they were entertaining at the table. The guards stood nearby, but were not typically needed. Dan Feng took his seat at the head of the table, ignoring the whispers of the guests for the moment.
“Let us begin.” A loud voice rang out throughout the dining hall.
~~~~~~~~~
The dinner was mostly uneventful, thankfully. It was just the typical. The guests asked him a few questions then got to work with the Preceptors. He dismissed himself back to his room afterward and began his nighttime routine.
“Are you going to watch me sleep?” Dan Feng asked as he set down the comb. He looked at Yingxing through the mirror.
“Yes, technically.” Yingxing shrugged.
“The correct answer was no.”
“Hah. They want me to make sure you don’t escape, not just protect you.”
“I cannot escape.”
“So you say.” Yingxing looked to the shackles on his wrist, something he used to wear with pride. Now he hides it within his sleeve. “Does it hurt by the way? Them taking your power and energy, I mean?”
Dan Feng looked to his side. “It used to. Now it just feels cold and tiring. I have lived a long time and through many of these ceremonies.”
Yingxing nodded. Dan Feng looked back at him through the mirror. It seemed Yingxing caught onto something. What was he thinking?
“Well, I can’t wait to take you outside. I have a few people that want to see you.”
“That is foreboding.” He glared at Yingxing.
“Don’t worry. They won’t hurt you. Especially not with my information.”
“How are you going to get information to them?”
Yingxing grinned once more at him. “Don’t worry about it.”
Dan Feng, infact, was going to worry about it. This man was going to be so much trouble for him. He sighed heavily though and stood from the vanity. He walked over to his bed and climbed in. “Do not cause trouble for me.”
“I won’t.” Yingxing reassured him. “Sleep well, your highness. I will speak with you in the morning.”
“Good night.” He answered simply and pulled the covers over himself.
~~~~~~~~~
“Good morning, your highness. Today is the day of your outing.” Yingxing’s bold, yet fond, voice woke Dan Feng from his slumber just as the curtains were drawn back.
Dan Feng bit back a groan at the sudden bright light flooding his senses. He had learned a lot about the state of the people from Yingxing in the week leading up to this. He had also gotten very close with the man. He had caught feelings for him, but was unsure if the other felt the same.
He learned that Yingxing was part of a rebel group. They called themselves the High Cloud Quartet, well, Quintet with Dan Feng as a member now. It was started all by Jingliu, a master swords woman that used to be part of the Preceptor army. She brought in Baiheng, a pilot for the army that had been discharged. Baiheng grabbed Yingxing, who was an artisan that made a lot of the weapons for the army before being a guard, then Jing Yuan, a rookie in the army who was being trained by Jingliu.
He had not met them yet. He had heard Jingliu and Yingxing talking one night though. Everything seemed to be going to their plans, but they were both worried for the outing, not just for his sake. Yingxing did warn him that Baiheng tended to be a little much, so he was prepared, or so he thought. Yingxing did show him a picture of all of them. They were all smiling at the camera, it was cute. He didn’t have anyone close like that. Yingxing said they could get a picture all together sometime. Supposedly he was going to get to meet Baiheng today, since the others were in the barracks or otherwise busy.
There were miscellaneous groups that gave their support or got support from them. It seemed like so many people hated the Preceptor rule. It was why he needed a guard when they went out. Yingxing being part of the rebellion would help quell any attacks against him, especially when he showed them a signal. Yingxing knew who to signal to. It was almost flawless.
Yingxing led Dan Feng out of the palace after he had gotten ready for the day. They were going to enjoy some of the street foods instead of eating breakfast in the palace. Dan Feng was excited to try something new. However, both men noticed that there was a lack of protests infront of the palace. They looked at each other at the same time with the same look of concern. They couldn’t talk about it infront of the palace, too many eyes and ears.
“Anyway, this is the best breakfast place I know. My friends and I typically come here before work.” Yingxing offered and started heading to the shop.
~~~~
The outing had been wonderful so far. Dan Feng had been close to Yingxing, even holding onto the other man’s arm sometimes, as if they were a couple. He wished it so. This would make for a romantic date, after all.
Dan Feng stopped suddenly when a glint of jewels caught his eyes. “I want to look here.” He said suddenly. He then rushed over to the stall. He looked over the different pieces of jewelry in awe. Each piece was more dazzling than the last. He almost wanted to buy the whole stock, but he had to be careful. He would only get one thing. He looked up as the shopkeeper moved closer to him.
“See anything you like, your highness?” The shopkeeper questioned politely.
“Yes, this hairpin.” Dan Feng motioned to the hairpin with a white flower.
“Good choice.” The shopkeeper picked up the hairpin. “Is there anything else you would like?”
Dan Feng looked over the jewelry once more before he shook his head. “No, that will be all, thank you.” He pulled out the money he brought to pay the shopkeeper.
“No, no. I couldn’t possibly take anything from you. Just having you here will boost my sales. Take it. It’s yours.” The shopkeeper handed him the hairpin.
“But I insist.” Dan Feng took the hairpin but dropped a handful of coins to the shopkeeper. “You need it much more than I. I couldn’t bear not paying someone for their hard work.”
“You’re too kind, your highness, but thank you. Enjoy the rest of your day.” The shopkeeper waved Dan Feng and Yingxing goodbye as they left.
Dan Feng looked at the hairpin with a small fond smile. He pulled Yingxing into a small alley. “Here, this is for you.” He offered it to Yingxing before he moved to put Yingxing’s hair up with the pin. “I thought of you when I bought it.”
“You didn’t need to get me a gift.” Yingxing teased him, but didn’t stop him.
“I know, I wanted to.” Dan Feng insisted. “There.” He moved infront of Yingxing once more and smiled fondly at him. “It fits you well.”
“Good. I’ll wear it proudly.”
Dan Feng smiled a little more bashfully. “I’m glad you like it so much.”
“I should get you one too.” He offered and moved a piece of Dan Feng’s hair behind his ear. “We could match.”
He chuckled in response and leaned into the gentle touch. “I have no need for it. You need to be able to see better.”
“Hmm… Fair enough then… I will get something for you someday.”
“I’m sure you will.” Dan Feng teased him lightly. “Now, you have more to show me of the town.”
“That I do, your highness. This way. They have a garden I believe you will enjoy.”
~~~~~~~~
“No!” Dan Feng struggled against the guards that held him tight on his knees infront of the Preceptors.
Their plan had failed. The Preceptors caught wind of the rebellion and caught all of them. Now here he is with his beloved infront of him for the crime of treason. Yingxing had gotten the shackles off of him, but something had happened to him. He got hit with a blast and his hair had begun to turn dark again.
“Don’t touch him!” Dan Feng continued to struggle as the Preceptors stepped towards Yingxing. Dan Feng snarled, a monstrous sound that echoed throughout the entire throne room. Yet, they paid him no mind.
“For the crime of treason, this man will be executed.”
“No!” He screamed and scrambled to get to Yingxing. However, it had already been done. A blast went through Yingxing. It tore through his front. Yingxing’s body slumped forward, mouth open in a silent gasp. The guards let go and the body hit the floor with a wet thump. The hairpin that Dan Feng so carefully put in his hair fell to the floor and broke in two pieces. The flower landed infront of Dan Feng.
After a moment of silence Dan Feng shrieked and transformed to his more dragon form. “How could you do this?!” He shrieked. “You killed him! You hurt the people you promised to protect with my help. I curse your lands. I curse your hands. I curse your bodies. You will never find another power like mine. You will never have power like this again!” He slammed all those in the room into the nearest wall. He looked to the body of his beloved and let out a sorrowful cry.
He slipped out of the palace and ran. Where could he go? He had to get away before they captured him again. He had to continue Yingxing’s mission. The people of the Luofu must be freed from the Preceptors. One day, he promised, I will come back. I will finish your mission.