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After the run-in with the Legion, Caelus has made it his own personal mission to actually try and keep the prince in his line of sight at all times by closing the physical distance between them. A little sacrilegious when one thinks about it, but Caelus thinks he's allowed to up his protection after a scare like that.
The prince, for once, doesn't seem to have any objections to his closeness. If anything, Prince Dan Heng has made it a habit of carrying his own weapon of choice to help with Caelus’ newfound protectiveness.
“Caelus, wait. You're sporting an injury,” that's another new and recent change from the prince's side. Before, Caelus would only be addressed by his titles – Hero, Knight, a mere shadow on rare cases. But never by his name.
(He's not sure whether that's a good thing or not.)
Prince Dan Heng sounds equal parts worried and chastising when he tentatively grabs Caelus arm, and it's thanks to his stony control that Caelus doesn't yank his arm back at the thought of the prince putting his hands on someone of lowly birth.
His Majesty would have his head if he ever caught word of his brother's actions and the fact that Caelus had allowed it.
They both found themselves around one of Jing Yuan’s territories in Death Mountain near the region’s designated stable after a routine check-in with their Champion friend.
Upon descending the mountain, Caelus had spotted an ilk of Nanook’s making loitering too close to the mountain’s stable for comfort.
Normally, he would've put the prince’s safety above everything else, but it was as if these bloodthirsty hounds have a keen sense of smell when in regards to the royal bloodline. He had to dispatch the group before they could even reach the prince.
It was just his luck that one of those bastards managed to nick his arm, so now here Prince Dan Heng was: sitting him down on a neighboring rock to wrap the wound before it could get infected.
Caelus is busy directing his attention to their surroundings when he hears the prince sigh beside him. “You should be more careful. You may be brave, but you're still mortal at the end of the day. If not for yourself, do it for me if that helps.”
He knows an order when he hears one alright.
“...Thank you for your efforts. And for allowing me to do my part and fight by your side, though… I'm aware how much it pains you. But as you can see, I am unharmed.”
It's not that Caelus doubts the prince in that regard. His spearmanship was quite unparalleled if not a little rusty from lack of practice. Cloud Piercer makes for an imposing weapon, and they have Yingxing to thank for forging it.
Or, at least the prince does. Caelus would rather sever his own finger than stoke the guy's inferiority complex by his mere attention.
He returns his attention back to the downed forces, a calculative gaze set on him. There was just something off about the recent dangers that have been brewing lately. They've been happening too frequently.
“I sense you noticed it too,” Prince Dan Heng cuts through silence with a low cadence. Caelus is relieved when he finally gets his arm back, looking down at the carefully wrapped wound and making a gesture of gratitude. It's the least he could do. “Our enemies are not only growing in size but in strength as well. It certainly feels like a warning of what's to come.”
Of that they can both agree on.
There's nothing they can do but continue in their efforts to get those sealing powers awakened for the prince. A Herculean task considering Prince Dan Heng is nowhere near close to achieving that feat yet, as much as it pains Caelus to admit that to himself. But it's the unfortunate truth.
He's silent, but Caelus is not oblivious to the rumors that are circling around regarding the lack of progress on the prince's end. The pressure is slowly building, expectations growing heavy.
Prince Dan Heng is doing everything he possibly can. Caelus can see that every day. “We must be prepared for anything, so I propose we go out there and find a new solution to our current problems. What do you think?”
Caelus, as usual, says nothing, but Dan Heng gets this small, self indulgent smile on his face that makes Caelus’ heart feel lighter than usual at the thought that maybe the prince is slowly coming around to learning how to read him of all people.
(Perhaps… No. Maintain your expectations low.)
(It's safer this way.)
“Let us set off, then.”
—
Caelus has never felt so… awkward while in the presence of the prince.
“You have a very big appetite, it seems.” Prince Dan Heng commented from across the fire pit, noting the subtle look of amusement flickering across his face as he watched Caelus indulge himself in breakfast.
He had assumed that the moment they shared on Death Mountain was nothing but a farce and the prince would return to his usual tense silence. Caelus was famished and he merely wanted to stuff himself full before the prince could see him, but he should've expected the delicious aroma would've woken him up.
As if sensing his quiet panic, the prince waved him off. “Well don't hold yourself back on my account,” he smiles. “We have a very busy day ahead of us, so I would rather you keep your stomach well fed in case we run into any unknown variables on our path. Pass me the waterskin? Thank you.”
Caelus swallowed, focusing all his attention at his own plate while still keeping an eye on the eggs sizzling on the pan. He had a second pot on the side with rice and cooked meat.
They usually never wake up at the same time, with Caelus rising alongside the sun and the prince an hour or two afterwards. So really, no one can fault Caelus for feeling out of the sorts by the sudden change in routine.
Breakfast. He should just focus on serving the prince some breakfast. Caelus has already filled his stomach enough anyway.
(Oh how embarrassing it was to be caught stuffing his face in that manner.)
“Caelus,” his grip on the spatula tightens at the name. He continues watching the egg and goes to transfer it onto the plate. “May I ask you a question?” Let it be a simple yes or no question.
He nods.
“You – I mean, you're not obligated to give me a response but I do wish to know why you're so quiet all the time? You always carry yourself so steadfast and have even garnered a reputation from it, but I want to believe it wasn't always this way. Forgive my presumptuousness.”
Ah.
That was most definitely not a simple yes or no question.
How… incredibly presumptuous indeed. Why now? Why get to know him after everything he's been subjected to all these years? Is this a new trick to mock him? (Impossible. The prince doesn't seem like that type of person).
Caelus doesn't want to get upset, less of all with the prince, because as much as he loathes to admit: he's incredibly lonely. He can't blame it all on the people around him despite that childish voice inside his head screaming at him that they should be blamed.
(But then where would that put you? You, who simply gave up on everyone else instead of fighting back to prove you were more than the sword.)
(You failed yourself just as you failed everyone else. You're no saint either.)
Caelus takes a deep breath, blinking away the growing haze threatening to fog over his mind.
He glanced at the prince, finding his eyes looking at Caelus with such patience that wasn't befitting for a royal such as himself. It was better having to face Dan Heng’s frustration, because now Caelus is left stumbling through life with all these… soft gestures he never would've expected to receive.
He must've made some sort of expression because the prince had tried but failed to conceal his amusement behind a cough. “I apologize, it's just – that's the first time I've ever seen you appear even remotely flustered. It makes me believe that… that perhaps you don't seem to hold any sort of contempt for how awfully I've treated you over the years.”
Conte– Is he mad?
Caelus hands Prince Dan Heng his serving of breakfast whilst shaking his head resolutely. Gods above, he would be beheaded if Caelus were to ever voice any sort of resentment towards the prince, and even then, no such intense emotions such as contempt of all things have ever existed inside him towards Prince Dan Heng.
…Then again, it's not like His Highness could've ever been made aware of Caelus’ thoughts.
Instinctively, he opens his mouth to refute such a scandalous statement but immediately clicks it shut, anxiety gripping his vocal chords that have gone without being used for a long time. What was he thinking? Anyone could be listening.
“Ah, you don't have to go to such lengths,” Dan Heng leaned back and pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil from his satchel. “You can just write it down if it's easier for you.”
It would be.
But… Caelus feels like he owes it to him to try. They're both on the same boat when it comes to duty and responsibility. If– If anyone could understand, it would probably be the prince.
However, his inner debate seemed to fall flat the moment his ears register a pair of incoming footsteps. The familiar mask once again falls into place, rising to his feet with one hand on the hilt of the sword in case the situation called for it.
Beside him, Prince Dan Heng makes a sound of surprise when he notices their company. At the cave’s entrance sits a little armored Pomeranian bearing the familiar flower insignia on its chest. “It’s a Peppy. Could it be from Madame Herta?”
Doubtful. She's probably nose deep in her own research to bother sending anyone a message. It's probably from Lady Asta or Arlan.
The little dog lets out a yip, and on its little pack it carries a scroll that it was tasked to deliver to them. The Peppys were a subdivision for the Violet Clematis Flower tribe, loyal devotees to the Gods hired by the king to delegate menial tasks to. Such as deliveries in this case.
“What?” Caelus comes into attention at the prince’s shock, eyes wide as he finishes reading the missive with conflict stirring in his expression.
“We're being recalled back to the castle. Lotus Forge village has been struck.”
Well, shit.
—
He'd rather be anywhere else but here right now.
“Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in today,” Caelus hears Yingxing before he can see him, and it doesn't take long for the man to enter his line of view by force seeing as how Caelus was adamant to not give him the time of day if he could help it. “Our hero. Finally decided to grace us commoners with your presence?”
The blacksmith gave him a critical eye. “Nothing to say? Typical. Not even a tragedy is enough to get you speaking.”
“Master Yingxing, please compose yourself.” On Caelus’ left stands the princess of the Glamoth Palace, Firefly.
…And also Caelus’ childhood friend.
“Princess Firefly,” losing some of his attitude, Yingxing gave a courteous greeting to the princess, sparing Caelus a withering glare. “I hope your travels were smooth.”
“Thank you, and they were thankfully. I assume since you have the time to make conversation,” at her tone Yingxing hitched his shoulders ever so slightly. “You may also spare some of your invaluable free time to go find Master Jing Yuan at the gates? I believe he requires some assistance.”
The princess has donned herself in her warrior’s plugsuit, a rather rare sight to see outside of battle but he figures that's exactly where she came straight out of before arriving at the castle.
Her intervention was a welcome gesture regardless of intention, sure, but Caelus didn't need her stepping in where she wasn't needed. He knows how to effectively send the Lotus Forge’s heir away through his own means. Besides, it was just Yingxing's anger doing the speaking. Gods know that he would be on the same boat if half of his home was razed to the ground after a surprise attack like that.
Still. Caelus has just begun to get on Prince Dan Heng’s good side, the last thing he wants is to (unintentionally this time) rile up his fellow Champion while they're in the castle. Especially considering the nature of having all the Champions recalled to the castle and what it entails.
For the sake of appearances, he maintains his gaze firmly away from Yingxing. Though, even that seems enough to send the blacksmith into an aimless tirade about how “cocky” the hero has gotten lately. At least he heeded Princess Firefly’s words and left the scene as soon as he entered, stiffly excusing himself.
…Why was she still here anyway? She had a meeting to be present for.
“Recent attention has Master Yingxing under a lot of pressure. He needs an outlet to release all of his stress.” the princess shatters the tentative silence. “I’m sure you've heard the news. Tensions have grown, resources are scarce. I believe that is partially the reason why we've been called back to the castle by His Majesty.”
He's heard rumors of an attack while they were visiting the stables, he just wasn't expecting Lotus Forge of all settlements to be the one struck given their high vantage security posts. He wonders why the Violets had taken that long to send the missive.
Something inside Caelus stirs restlessly, recalling that incident both he and the prince dealt with back on Death Mountain. Could they be related? That occurred on Jing Yuan's territory, and now they've taken action against Lotus Forge. Perhaps they were aiming to weaken their strongest forces.
The Nameless already had the Legion to deal with, so that only left Glamoth and the Luofu as the remaining standing villages that haven't seen direct conflict on this scale in their respective settlements.
Princess Firefly bore a weary frown after a beat of contemplation. “This war is only getting more dire by the day. I fear that even with our current allegiances we may not be able to provide much help to Master Yingxing’s people. The following negotiations will be tough, but I am hoping for the best for all parties involved.”
“May the Gods bless us all.” The princess prayed and then her eyes finally landed on Caelus, a rare smile stretching across her face. “It’s not my place to say this, but please continue watching over the prince, and do keep yourself alive. I'd hate to lose my precious friends before we can see peace return to our lands.”
“Good day, Caelus. I shall see you soon” And she was gone.
Lingering memories of their childhood days flitter across his mind. It felt like it was just yesterday when she had shoved him into Glamoth’s icy waters for nicking her arm with a stick whilst sparring.
(“We’re always going to be best friends forever, won't we?”
“Of course! Even when I become queen, I will always treasure our friendship!”
“Then it's a promise, future queen of Glamoth, Firefly.”
“Right back at you, future knight Caelus.”)
They have both grown so much since then. It was useless to think they could go back to those carefree days. They've changed.
(You've changed most of all.)
For better or for worse? Caelus can't tell.
—
(A funeral was held for the deceased.
And for once, Yingxing couldn't bring himself to be confrontational and for that Caelus was greatly thankful for.)
—
His Majesty’s presence commanded attention wherever he went.
Even now, as he was berating his own brother for his supposed “failings”, all Caelus could do is simply kneel and advert his eyes despite all of his instincts screaming at him to do something.
But he was of lowly birth and a mere Knight. He had no power, no voice to stand for the prince’s honor.
“When will you stop treating this as some sort of childish game?” King Dan Feng asked, his words scathing and laced with disappointment.
His guards were stationed a few feet behind, but Caelus could practically smell the air of cockiness radiating from them at the sight of Prince Dan Heng's shame. Like vultures scavenging for any signs of weakness.
How insolent.
How dare they?
“I'm doing everything I can,” came Prince Dan Heng's terse reply. “I've prayed to the Gods – devoted myself to try and harness those sealing powers you covet for via training day and night. We plan on visiting the three lakes to—”
“Then why do you still linger here in the castle? Time's wasting away, Dan Heng. You need to be dedicating every moment you have to your training.”
“With all due respect, I already am. Don't you see – there's nothing more I can do!” The prince’s frustrations were much more pronounced when in the presence of the king. It's easier to vent out your grievances in the presence of family. Whenever they're alone, the prince seems to restrain himself from baring his insecurities for Caelus – for anyone – to see.
Yet here they were. The king and the prince accompanied by their own retinue.
He doesn't doubt he'll likely be asked to keep this confrontation under wraps. It's already embarrassing enough that mere knights are forced to listen to their discussion, but it's not like Caelus has anyone to gossip with about it. Even if he did, it would be considered utterly disrespectful and insubordination for spreading rumors about the prince considering Caelus’ birth.
“My hope is that you'll allow me to contribute here in whatever way I can.”
“No more excuses, Dan Heng!” (Control yourself, Caelus. Maintain appearances) “Stop running away from your duty. As king, I command you to focus on your training and your training alone,” he heard King Dan Feng shift his stance. “Are you aware of how the gossip mongers refer to you? They are out there at this moment whispering amongst themselves… that you are the heir to a throne of nothing.”
“Nothing but failure.”
(Caelus hears His Majesty’s knights quietly snicker amongst themselves.
He memorizes their faces. Flashes the Master Sword just a tad bit in a rare show of anger by their audacity.
They stiffen, realize who had caught them, and sneer down at him with contempt.)
“It is woven in your destiny that you prove them wrong. Do you understand?”
The prince spun on his heel and walked off without a word, his anger palpable from where he kneeled. Caelus swiftly rose to his feet, taking a moment to bow one final time to His Majesty before following after Prince Dan Heng.
—
(“Spar with me.”
Caelus hesitates.
“Please, just grant me this favor. Spar with me.”
He shouldn't. Dan Heng was too wound up to maintain a level head suited for combat.
…But that damned sentimental heart of his just couldn't bear to leave the prince stewing in his own bitter resentment.
So Caelus draws his sword.
Dan Heng summons Cloud Piercer.
And they begin.)