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"…I'm tired…"
The words echoed through his ears, and they could only watch as they helped Dan Heng to move down towards the waters of the Vortex of Genesis.
He had used the last of his strength to help them with the bleeding, he had told him. It was why he was so weak the entire battle.
And yet he never took a break.
Even when he was "resting", he still gathered up the courage to input data from Amphoreus to the data bank when they return to the Astral Express.
If he returns.
The reality was heart shattering, but neither of them could avoid it. After all, Dan Heng still exerted his energy and efforts in keeping them safe. Even in those ridiculous quests they did for the citizens of Ohkema, even when they were managing the Chimeras, Dan Heng was never too far behind.
He was there when they needed him.
He was there when they were in trouble.
…
And yet, what could they do when he needs them?
They should be heading to the Grove of Epiphany with Hyacine for a way to help Dan Heng the same way he was looking for a way to help them when they were "dead".
They should be searching for a way to place energy back into his body to prevent him from draining himself.
They should be doing anything, absolutely anything, but helping him ready his rebirthing process.
Because they knew what happens at Vidyadhara rebirth. And they… they weren't ready.
They weren't ready to say goodbye.
"Hey…"
The fingers gently brushed against their eyes, golden meeting grayish-turquoise ones that had lost their glow. A weak smile stretched across his face, face growing paler by the minute as he was set down just near the water. He gave a soft chuckle.
"I'll be back… you know that, right?"
"…" They couldn't contain the sob that followed their shaky breath. "But… But it won't be you."
Dan Heng's breath hitched slightly. "I… I know," He lowered his head a little before looking up once more. "But I know that you'll take care of him and protect him as you protect me… right?"
"…Dan Heng…" Their tears were flowing, and their chest felt heavy, limbs trembling. "Please don't go…"
"I'm… I'm sorry…" Dan Heng's eyes softened. "I'm tired… I need to go…"
He was tired…
He was already growing old, even if his face says otherwise.
Pair it with his lack of energy… he was bound to go.
"I'm not ready…"
"…" Dan Heng hummed. "No one… No one ever is…" He curled up slightly, head laying on their chest. "I'll miss you…"
"…I'll miss you too…"
They finally caved in, and the tears bellowed from their chest, the waterfalls spilling from their eyes and to the waters below them. They felt Dan Heng shake in his hold, and they had to gently set him down.
Just in time, as they turned away, not bearing to see what would happen. When they turned back, a large lotus-like egg appeared in Dan Heng's place, similar to the eggs they saw in the Scalegorge Waterscape. They fell onto their knees, and they felt the tears return, heavier than before.
Goodbye… Dan Heng.