Beyond the 4th Wall

Prompt 31: "It's not your fault."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings:  Mild spoilers for Jingliu’s character quest

Stelle was concerned. First that mysterious letter for Dan Heng had arrived and then he had vanished. Himeko had told her he had returned to the Luofu that required his attention so the woman had let it go. She knew that if Dan Heng needed any help from the Express crew, he would have asked for it.

Still, it didn't rid her of her concern. Anything involving those from his past was rarely happy and anybody he might be going to see casually, such as Bailu or Jing Yuan, wouldn't require a secret letter and a vague explanation about leaving. Not that she could do anything about it unless he called for help. The Luofu was a massive ship. He could have been anywhere.

Stelle opened the door to the Archives, stepping into the now dimly lit room. A flip of a switch brought the lights up and she made her way over to the data bank. It was late by now but she found herself too keyed up to sleep. Perhaps reading would help quiet her thoughts enough to rest.

Was this what fear felt like? She didn't think so. Her friends and books had described the feeling of a knotted stomach, racing heart and an inability to think of anything. All she felt was worry over Dan Heng's wellbeing, hoping he was safe. Jing Yuan had revoked his exile but there were enough people who remembered his last incarnation. With a sigh she pulled up a number of entries on legends of the Xianzhou. Her friend might not have had much personal experience with the culture of his homeland but anything written down he had incorporated. She liked to think that her tendency to scavenge for anything that looked interesting contributed to his "dragon hoard"

Settling into the one chair in the room, she sat back to read. She must have dozed off given that she seemed to have lost some time since she had last seen the clock. It was very late, the lights once again dimmed from the lack of activity. Glancing about it was obvious that Dan Heng had yet to come home. What had woken her then if not the entrance of the room's resident?

Her phone pinged. Oh. That's it. Picking it up she squinted at the message and blinked in surprise. She knew that icon. Jing Yuan. Why was he texting her at this hour?

I'm sorry about my mentor's rude entry.

Mentor? Wait, hadn't she read something about this? Still staring at the messages Stelle struggled to coax the memory out of her mind. A name fluttered into view; the High Cloud Quintet, the Luofu's best warriors that had decimated any abomination of the Abundance. She knew that Jing Yuan was the last member that had managed to keep himself intact. Dan Feng had been another with Blade's former self alongside him. Another name fluttered in her mind's eye. Jingliu. The Trailblazer's eyes widened in realization. Jingliu, the previous Sword champion of the Xianzhou, erased from the records for her crime and Jing Yuan's mentor. But wasn't the woman dead? How, no, why had she come aboard long enough to drop off a letter for one of her former friends? Probably nothing good.

The hiss of a door brought her out of her thoughts and she looked over. Dan Heng stood there, looking absolutely exhausted. He so rarely showed what he was feeling that this heavy weariness was startling in its obviousness. Stelle immediately stood up causing the Vidyadhara to flinch back in surprise. He must have been beat if he hadn't noticed her immediately upon entering.

"Dan Heng..." She called out softly, walking over to him. A hand reached out to take his hand and for once he didn't protest. Carefully she drew him into the darkened room, the door sliding shut. "Are you okay?"

"I..." He hesitated, looking down to see that his fingers had closed around hers. The tight grip had to hurt but none of that showed on Stelle's face or even the smallest flinch. He forced his hold on her to loosen. "I don't know."

Stelle led him over to where his bed lay, books still set in haphazard piles around it. Sitting down on the futon she encouraged him to follow her. It didn't take much encouragement given how weak his legs felt. He was home, safe in his usual sanctuary, and yet nothing could protect him from his thoughts.

"What happened?" She kept her hand in his, shifting close enough so he could feel her body heat even if their only contact was their joined hands.

His answer was slow in coming, halting as he tried to arrange his thoughts enough to convey the events. It was harder than he could ever have believed. "Jingliu returned. She...insisted on visiting places on the Luofu that she remembered."

"I thought she was..." Stelle trailed off

"She fled the Xianzhou but chose to return to turn herself in and atone for her crimes."

The woman with him considered that. In any other circumstance he might have silently labeled her as cute. As subtle as her expressions were he had learned to read them. When in quiet moments she always took the time to think about what anyone said to her, absorbing it into the emptiness that was her memory up until she joined the Express crew mere months before. When she did finally speak it showed that she had pieced some of the puzzle together. "She called you to say that you still need to atone."

"Yes." He had a clearer idea now of what Dan Feng had done, even if the memories were hazy at best.

"Why? You're not Dan Feng."

He shook his head and then shook it again. "It doesn't matter. It's still my burden to carry. I have to do..."

Stelle reached up and put her hand over his mouth, stopping him from talking. He recognized that stubborn look, the glint in those gold eyes as firm as any rock. Despite that firmness, her voice was soft as she lowered her hand. "It's not your fault, Dan Heng. You are not Dan Feng. You paid enough of a price for what he did. No matter what anybody else says, you don't have to atone for any past sin."

"..." He opened his mouth but when she raised hand again, he promptly closed it again before she could force silence from him.

"You can help fix what happened but that isn't the same as making up for doing something wrong."

A hint of a smile played about Dan Heng's lips despite the situation. "When did you get to be so wise about this?"

She smiled gently in return. "I know I have a lot to learn still but I know this much." She stepped forward to angle his head down just enough so she could kiss his forehead. "No matter what Jingliu, Blade, or whoever else says, Dan Feng's crimes aren't yours. Make things better, help those that he hurt, but don't let it turn into an obsession, okay?"

Prompt 30: "Are you with me?"

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Stelle enjoyed sitting in Jing Yuan's garden. Regardless of his complaints about the weeds it was a beautiful place. Here she didn't have to be anybody but herself. Her origins, her position, even the Stellaron inside her didn't matter. Here she could be just Stelle.

The contentment only grew when her lover was sitting with her. Often times their few afternoons together ended up with him taking a nap out in the 'sunshine' and she simply enjoying being here with him.

However this time she found herself dozing off, leaning against Jing Yuan with one of his arms wrapped around her to hold her close. Stelle didn't know fear. It was hard for her to understand other than what her friends told her but she had never experienced it herself. Regardless in his embrace she felt safe. There was that subconscious sense that if anything happened she would be protected no matter what. Perhaps that was one reason why she found herself drifting in the warmth of the false sun of the Luofu. She could afford the relaxation.

Sleepy golden eyes blinked open as soon as she felt the scrape of tiny claws on her knee. A finch sat there, looking up at her curiously with bright black eyes. Of course she knew what they were. These were Jing Yuan's birds. He had a small flock of them, with at least one following him at all times. This was the first time one had actually landed on her though.

"Are you with me?" A low voice murmured in her ear, the tone amused as he watched her try to comprehend what was happening. "Or would you prefer to sleep more."

"I'd thought you'd have been asleep first." Stelle answered with a yawn. "You usually are."

"I decided that I would rather enjoy the time holding you instead." Jing Yuan chuckled. "We get so little time together."

Unfortunately. She would have loved more time but the Nameless wandered far and wide in the universe and he was bound to the Luofu and the Xianzhou Alliance. "I won't stop you." Her shift to place herself closer and more comfortably against him caused the bird to flutter off but soon returned to land on the General's shoulder. "I like your arms around me. And I miss you every time I'm away."

He sighed, his warm breath tickling her ear as he drew her into his lap so he could wrap both arms around her. "There are times when I wish to keep you here, darling." He nuzzled her neck, causing her to hunch her shoulders in an instinctive way to protect herself. "Sometimes I think I could by force if necessary."

She blinked but didn't speak. He so rarely admitted to what went on inside his mind. Whether it was out of a reluctance to face the negativity or to simply spare her and anyone else concern. She was glad she hadn't said anything else when his next statement emerged, his voice muffled against her skin.

"But I know better and it is far more satisfying to have you return to me out of your own free will than it would be to lock you away so you couldn't leave again. You have made me remember what it is like to long for someone." He chuckled again. "I don't know whether I should be thankful I can still feel all that or be angry at you."

Her gaze softened at that confession. She gave her affection to all her friends, freely and without reservation, but Jing Yuan hid behind his enigmatic smile. She knew he kept his distance from almost everyone but Yanqing, fearing what could happen.

Losing the rest of the Quintet in one fell swoop had left scars that went deeper than those carved into his skin. She could only hope that her presence here could give him some level of comfort. He seemed happy enough with her, at least.

"...come with me, Jing Yuan." She finally whispered before she even realized it. "Join the Express crew."

He looked up at that, one of his masked smiles on his lips, one that she knew was a wall he hid behind. It didn't change his teasing however. "Are you intending on stealing me away from the Xianzhou?"

"And if I was?" She looked down at him, reaching up to gently run her fingers through his silvery hair. It was always so soft; she loved to take any opportunity to touch it.

"Unfortunately I'd have to refuse." The smile couldn't hide all the weariness this time. "I am bound here, Stelle, no matter how much I might wish otherwise."

"Yanqing." She guessed quietly.

"Yes. He is one such reason."

"I wouldn't force you away from him just because I miss you."

That brought a more sincere chuckle as he pressed a light kiss to her lips. "That I'm sure of. Maybe when he's older."

She smiled at that, taking the opportunity to kiss him tenderly. "Until then I'll take as many chances to visit as I can. I love you."

Jing Yuan leaned forward to kiss her again, lingering against her lips. She was always happy to receive any kiss from him and he enjoyed giving as much affection as he was capable of to her. Somehow through her efforts to practically force him into having friends again she had managed to ensnare him regardless of his belief that he was incapable of any romantic attachments.

He yearned to keep her here aboard the Luofu where he could see her everyday and fall asleep with her in his arms every night. And yet he knew that it wasn't possible. She was like his finches. No she was far more like his lion; independent, stubborn and beautiful. She would never agree to stay here permanently.

Her place was out among the stars aboard the Astral Express, traveling the path of the Trailblazers. It made her return to him as soon as she could even more of a precious treasure. She returned because she wanted him and he wouldn't trade that feeling for anything.

The long dormant child's dream of wanting to be a Galaxy Ranger always sparked when he thought about it. Yet he knew what an impossible dream it was. Wanting to leave the Luofu to join her was only slightly more obtainable than that childish ambition. Still, he'd have to consider it.

Maybe someday. After retirement.

Finally he broke away from their languid kisses to simply rest his forehead against hers, his arms tightening to hold her firmly against him. In the silence he spoke so softly that only she could hear. "Marry me, Stelle." If he had to be honest the request was just as startling to him as it was to her juding by the widened eyes that stared down at him.

"I can't stay here. You know that." She whispered, a shadow crossing those captivating golden eyes.

The man cleared his throat, scrambling to make sense of what he had asked. Startling as it was he didn't regret his absentminded proposal. He was more nervous that she'd refuse; a peculiarly feeling far more suited to younger men than himself. "I'm not asking you to." He murmured in return. "You coming to visit me is more than enough."

"Then...why?" No disbelief or anger was present in her voice; just a curious note.

"I want one more hold on you even when you aren't here." He explained with a smile. "I want everyone to know that you're mine." He didn't often show that possessive side of himself.

"And bruises fade." She answered with a bit of a smile. As usual there was no hesitation or shame in her speech.

That brought forth another chuckle. "Yes." He sighed and cupped her cheek with one broad hand. "And I want a way to draw you back here, to me."

"You already have that. I'll always come back to you. Forever."

"Forever is a long time." He teased her to hide his nerves over her answer.

Reaching up she cradled his face in both hands and leaned down to kiss him yet again. Something that he was not objecting to in the least. "Yes. I will." A pause. "Marry you, that is."

He cupped her chin in his hand, forcing her to look directly into his eyes. "Don't say yes unless you are certain. I will keep you. You will be mine and no one else may handle you."

A smile lit up her face as he watched her. "I'm certain. I want to be yours and only yours." The smile widened a bit. "Just like you want to be mine." She kissed him again, lingering there.

He sighed against her lips, one hand tangling in her hair as he focused on kissing her just the way she liked. He could listen to her all day long. "Then it's settled." He chuckled again. "You will be mine and I will be yours."

Prompt 29: "That's all? Easy."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warning: None

Jing Yuan stared down at the boy that stood before him. No longer a toddler but he hadn't lost the baby roundness yet. Still, there was a determined fire in that golden gaze, one that declared that he would follow any commitment he might make. And it seemed that that path was the one that Jing Yuan himself walked.

In some ways he wished otherwise. The life of a Cloud Knight was hardly safe. The Xianzhou military rarely lived as long as a civilian. He had seen countless others fall in combat; his heart battered from the loss of dear friends. And yet he still persevered.

And now the boy he had taken as his child wanted to follow him. He did nothing to convince him otherwise, respecting the boy's decision. Perhaps at first he had hoped that Yanqing would lose interest and move on to safer games. His hope had been in vain.

In the end to keep him from hurting himself Jing Yuan had taken the time to teach him at least some basics in swordsmanship. Unlike the General, Yanqing took to the sword as easily as breathing. He worked hard at it, far more than what a child should have, but that innate talent was something that Jing Yuan had never possessed. As a General he had to embrace the tools that he was given; no matter how much it might break his heart.

"Can you do it?" He asked the boy, an eyebrow raised. The exercise he had demonstrated was more than just the basics now. It required timing as well as strength.

"I think so, Dad." Yanqing squinted in thought. "Just that thing you showed me? That's all? Easy."

"Don't get overconfident, Yanqing." The man warned mildly. He rarely had to raise his voice with him, his words seemingly being taken as gospel. If only some others would do the same sometimes. "Overconfidence in battle leads to an early grave." At least early for a Xianzhou native.

Yanqing's gaze lowered to his feet at the quiet reprimand. "Yes, sir."

"You don't have to call me that." He shook his head and reached out to ruffle the child's hair. "We're at home and I'm not your commanding officer either."

"Everyone else does it." Yanqing protested. "You're a great Xianzhou legend and you deserve respect. Someday I'm going to be just like you!"

A quiet sigh. Some battles were likely impossible to win. "If so then you'd better show me you can do that easy exercise." Jing Yuan pointed out, a hint of a smile on his lips. "We'd be through already if you stopped talking and did what you were told."

He couldn't help but laugh at the frustrated scowl the child sent him, his grip on the practice blade tightening. With only a few stutters from performing a new action as well as lingering childish clumsiness, Yanqing went through the exercise quickly and then again with more confidence as his guardian and teacher nodded.

Prompt 28: "I may not get another chance to say this."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: T

Warnings: None

Dan Heng couldn't say what it was. He had been one of the Nameless for years and it was only after Stelle had joined the crew that they had come face to face with so many powerful enemies.

Sure, he had always had Blade in the background but that was his own personal demon. With Stelle each planet seemed to attract a world ending crisis that only the Express crew could solve. And the peculiar girl with a Stellaron next to her heart just accepted it as if she were born for this.

He had yet to hear her seriously complain about anything. Sure she would comment on the amount of errands they were constantly sent on but she never turned down any of them either, no matter how small they might be. And she faced down the possible catastrophic end battles without flinching, willing to give up what was necessary to protect those that couldn't.

Preservation and Destruction, wrapped up into one package that somehow harmonized with each other. He hadn't figured out how since the two paths seemed wildly different but in Stelle it just worked.

In the end he had chosen to accept that along with the rest of her, this dual path was just something that was unique to her and was unfathomable to everything else.

"Do you need something, Dan Heng?" Stelle's voice broke him out of his thoughts, her golden eyes curiously looking over at him now.

He must have been staring at her. "No." He shook his head. "I was just thinking."

"Oh. About what?"

He sighed. "You primarily." March would have teased him at that admittance but Stelle usually took things at face value.

"That would explain you staring at me like I had two heads." She smiled. "Or maybe that I had something on my face and you were trying to figure out how to tell me."

He snorted. "I think the only way that I'd be staring that long is if you gained a black mask and furry ears."

"Anything is still possible." She answered. "We're so close to the Stellaron on this world. That will mean a fight. Maybe I'll transform into my true form this time when I get stabbed like you did on the Luofu."

Of course she was joking for all that her voice remained its usual neutral tone. The only indication of her humor was the glint in her eyes usually only picked up by those that knew her well. At the reference he felt his heart stutter. She treated her own possible death so...casually. Did she understand the fear she put her friends through with those statements?

"Stelle..."

"Hmm?"

He sighed and reached over to take her hand and pull her close into an embrace. He could feel her tense in surprise as he wasn't normally keen to initiate contact although he had come to accept hers without protest. "I don't know if I'll get a chance say this later but...be careful Stelle." He cradled her face between his hands and without hesitation kissed her. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."

Stelle stared up at the Vidyadhara, her eyes wide with surprise. Sure she had been joking but it seemed he had taken it a lot more seriously than she intended it to be. She might have reassured him if not for the fact that the warmth of his mouth covered hers and all thought stopped for as long as the kiss lasted. Oh.

Her hold on him tightened before he could withdraw, her forehead resting against his. "Um...right. I'll be careful. I promise."

Prompt 27: "I don't know if they will accept this."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

"They're not going to accept this." Jing Yuan muttered, mostly to himself and the scroll before him but the woman with him heard as well.

"Accept what?" Stelle looked up from her phone where she had been playing a game. As far as she had been aware he was just working on the usual paperwork.

"Me retiring."

"I thought Diviner Fu was waiting on that edge of her seat for that? She cocked her head curiously. Sure, the General retiring from his position had been bandied about for years but she alone knew why he delayed. That reason went by the name of Yanqing.

Jing Yuan snorted in amusement. "She is. Especially after she has been helping me these years since Phantylia. I meant the Ten-Lord Commission not going to accept me retiring from the Luofu to join you on the Express."

She blinked. "You're serious about that?" Sure their relationship had endured these past few years despite their consistent distance from each other. That didn't mean that Stelle didn't long for more time with her lover.

He chuckled and reached out to direct her closer so he could kiss her softly. "I've always been serious about that, my dear. I just needed to wait until Yanqing was old enough to not need me anymore."

She couldn't help the smile stealing a second kiss while he was still close enough. Aeons she loved any kiss he granted her and that love hadn't faded since the first one. "He'll always need you. Just like you'll always need him. You're family."

He caressed her cheek with a laugh before sitting back. "But he is old enough to be counted as an adult now and can take care of himself."

"So why don't you think the ten lords will accept what you want?"

"They aren't eager to let any Xianzhou native go much less someone like me. If I'm retired and still here I can still be called on if needed." He explained.

"Oh." She considered that. Silly concept but she supposed it made sense. "Maybe put in that in becoming one the Nameless you're pursuing the Hunt of the Destruction more personally." She still remembered his declaration at the defeat of the Lord Ravager. "It can't hurt to try."

Another chuckle and he leaned forward again to press a kiss to her forehead. "You have a point. The worst they can do is say no."

Stelle smiled at the feel of his lips against her skin. "And the best thing will have us have the opportunity to be together more often and you can see more of the galaxy."

He laughed, pleased at the positivity she displayed. Despite everything, Stelle was able to look at the bright side of life. "I hope you'll take pity on an old man trying to keep up with you and the rest of the Trailblazers."

Tipping her chin up she caught his lips in lingering kiss. "I'll think about it." She murmured into his mouth. "I love you."

Prompt 26:   "Honestly, why would I care?"

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Dedicated to @lomedraug who wanted the HSR kids at a Ren Faire.

"Come on, Dan Heng. Stelle even agreed to." March stood before the Express' archivist, hands on her hips and her face twisted into a scowl. He was so stubborn sometimes. Would it kill him to dress in something different once in a while?

"That doesn't say much." Dan Heng retorted. "Stelle usually goes along with everything you suggest without question ."

"She didn't this time. She didn't like the dress design very well." March held out her arms indicating the tailing sleeves and the long skirt. "She said she couldn't fight very well in it."

Dan Heng eyed the costume that apparently was supposed to be historically accurate that the girl before him was wearing. "I agree with her."

"Yeah, well, she's still wearing it. You're at least still planning on coming with us, right?"

"Yes." He crossed his arms. "Someone has to keep an eye on you two."

"Hey, we're not that bad."

--

The trio made their way down a dirt and grass strewn path lined with stalls selling food, outfits, and other weird trinkets that couldn't quite be put a name to. Stelle, of course was absolutely fascinated by the food, first devouring a turkey leg and now was working her way through some pastry she had picked up.

She had managed to tie the train of her dress up so that she could walk without tripping. It still covered more of her legs than her usual skirt but at least she could move in it. March, of course, was in her element, loving every moment of seeing so many people dressed up.

"See, Dan Heng? It's tradition to dress up. You stick out like a sore thumb. Even worse than Stelle."

He snorted looking up from his notebook where he had been writing to look down at her. "Do I look like I care, March? I'm here because you insisted and so I can add to the archives on what a Ren Faire is."

March pouted. "Are you at least having fun?"

"Yes." Not that you could tell that from his usual blank expression. "It's interesting." If weird.

Prompt 25: "Do I look like I knew that?"

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Based on a silly thing with @astralexpresscrew written a few months ago

"Stelle, that's not appropriate." Dan Heng reached over to pluck the gleaming ball from her hands.

"Why?" She gazed back at him with her usual blank gaze. "I thought it was a good idea."

"It's not. Please forget about your idea."

"That's still not explaining anything. Why can't we team up and use that ball of yours and my bat?" Stelle placed her hands on her hips.  

Dan Heng knew that look, subtle as it was. She could and would pester him until he gave her a satisfactory answer. He cared for her as much as he did anybody in the Astral Express crew but Aeons she could be frustratingly stubborn sometimes. Even March recognized when he wasn't willing to give an answer. He wasn't given that luxury with the newest member of the crew.  

What was worse was she didn't need to speak to urge him to answer. Those mirror bright golden eyes were enough. Finally the Vidyadhara sighed. "It deals holds the power of Long the Permanence. It's not a plaything." It could have been counted as sacred to some. Dan Heng didn't particularly care about that but he didn't know what might happen if the thing was hit with a weapon as hard as Stelle was capable of.

"Oh." The girl paused to consider his answer, vague as it was. "I didn't know. Should I have?"

"Why would you?" Her knowledge of common things was severely lacking so why would she know something that obscure about a species she had only recently become aware of. "So no. We're not playing baseball with it, in battle or otherwise.

A small smile curled her lips. "I hear and obey, Master Dan Heng." A small laugh escaped at the sight of the flat look he sent her way.

"I have work to do." He turned away. "Go...do whatever." He heard her pacing towards the door and it hissing open.  

"I'll see you at dinner, right?" She must have paused in the doorway.

He gave a small sigh. "Yeah, I promise I'll be there."

Prompt 24: "Is it over? Is it really over?"

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Jing Yuan sighed as he stared at the heavyset door engraved with numerous symbols designed to contain the power of the occupant. Honestly he thought the Vidyadhara elders were caging something entirely unnecessary. There was, of course, very little he could do about it as close as he was to the prisoner.

Or who the prisoner used to be.

Drawing in a deep breath, the general unlocked the cell, passing through to the bare cell beyond. Hardly a comforting home, isolated from everyone and hardly lit. The little light provided was a lamp that only illuminated the immediate area around it but it was all he could manage. At least it gave off enough to read by and the occupant was a voracious reader. As if he had much else to do.

One visible eye settled on the young man on the floor, shackles clasped around wrists and ankles. "Can you stand?"

"Why." The gleaming eyes showed nothing as to what he was feeling. Given the long time isolation with no other visitors but himself when he could take the time, Jing Yuan had to wonder if the Vidyadhara knew how to express himself at all.

"Because I'm taking you out." Jing Yuan explained patiently. "You're no longer required to remain chained here." He had to fight long years for that and even then he wondered if the punishment that replaced the imprisonment was even more cruel.

Dan Heng blinked in surprise, the slightest shift in his expression far more than any of his jailors had ever seen in him. "Out?"

"Yes." Jing Yuan offered a hand to him, willing to help if he needed it. After a moment of hesitation a shaky hand was placed in his allowing him to pull Dan Heng to his feet. He steadied the younger man as one of the escorting Cloud Knights entered to remove the bindings.

Jing Yuan noted the wariness in the Vidyadhara's gaze. No surprise considering how he had been treated since his rebirth but these two had served their general well when it came to dealing with things best not publicly known. This wasn't the first time they had accompanied him to this cell for all that it was the first time Dan Heng had seen them. "Your time in the Shackling Prison is finished."

Those vibrant eyes flickered back to his face, mirror bright and just as readable. "Is my punishment over? Really."

Slowly Jing Yuan led Dan Heng out of the cell with the two other knights flanking. His hands clasped behind his back as he led the way. It wasn't particularly fair to keep punishing one who had no memory of the sin, but the laws of the Xianzhou were just as enduring as the stars. "Yes and no." He finally answered. "You won't be kept in the Shackling Prison but you won't be staying on the Luofu either. Your permanent exile starts now."

He gave another sigh, almost unheard. He really was far too old for this level of emotion. "It is the best I could do for you, I am afraid."

"...I see."

The walk through the streets was a nervous one. There was no hiding the former high elder of the Vidyadhara Luofu. He was too much of a presence here so Jing Yuan didn't try. All he did was make the show of escorting a prisoner to Cloudford. There he could take an outsider ship to hopefully be able to make his own choices on how to live his life.

And when Dan Heng left he never looked back. The farewell, or lack of one, hurt more than Jing Yuan thought it would. The very last of his friends, the High Cloud Quintet, was now beyond his reach. He was happy for Dan Heng's freedom but that didn't mean that it also was painless.

---

A news report flashed across Jing Yuan's phone screen, prompting the dozing general to wake up enough to read it. These were updates of a more personal nature, ones that he would likely be in severe trouble for if any of the other Arbiter-Generals or the Ten-Lord Commission found out.

He blinked at the message. Years had gone by since he had received word of Dan Heng but those were little more than a blink for a man his age. His network of information had finally located the Vidyadhara.

Rising to his feet he sauntered lazily into his garden. There, no one could sneak up on him and overhear anything he was about to say.

"Would this be Miss Himeko of the Astral Express?"

The redheaded woman blinked in surprise at her caller but never lost her poise. "It is. I'm afraid you have the advantage over me."

"I am Jing Yuan, General of the Xianzhou Luofu."

"I'm honored, General. What can I help you with?"

"I understand that you have recently gained a new passenger." He pushed on before she could get suspicious. "He and I were...old friends. Circumstances have it so that is no longer the case but I still care enough to try and keep an eye on him as much as I am able to."

"So why contact me, General? Surely you would prefer to talk with Dan Heng instead..." Himeko trailed off as he shook his head.

"I fear talking to me would only cause more distress for him." And for me if I'm honest with myself. "I call only to ask that you watch out for him for as long as he is on the Astral Express."

Something of understanding crossed Himeko's pretty face. Her reputation was well earned as Jing Yuan counted on. "As long as he is among us, he'll be taken care of. I promise that to you, General."

Prompt 23: "No, you won't understand, ever."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: Tiny mention of a new area in version 1.4

Stelle heard the deep sigh behind her but she ignored it. She had just found another trash can, one she hadn't encountered before. Granted the lid had been frozen on, being in the Pillars of Creation area, but that was no trouble with her strength.

"Stelle," Dan Heng's tired voice reached her ears as sorted through the frozen items that had been thrown away.

Honestly most were automaton parts that were too damaged to repair. Nothing earthshattering. "Hmm?" She hummed in acknowledgement, choosing to show she was at least aware of her friend.

"I thought we had moved past this behavior already."

Stelle straighten to look over her shoulder at him. "The Luofu didn't have trash cans. It was tragic. I have to make up for it in Belobog." Given the serious tone and blank expression it was nearly impossible to tell if she were joking or not.

Of course Dan Heng possessed a similar sense of humor. She could see just the slightest hint of a smile tug at one corner of his mouth. "Really."

"You won't understand." She turned to sort through the can again.

"I thought you would be tired of them by now."

"These are new ones. I have to see if anything interesting is in them. Although there isn't a lot back here."

"Probably because they haven't had this area open for very long." Dan Heng pointed out flatly. "Are you done? We have work to do."

She hesitated and then sighed as she replaced the lid. "I guess so." Laying a hand on it she patted it gently as if it were an animal. "Goodbye. I hope we meet again when I find someone who truly understands your beauty inside."

Honestly the show was primarily for Dan Heng's benefit, the Trailblazer enjoying his reactions. He didn't disappoint with another long suffering sigh. "What I see in you to have you be one of my best friends I will never know."

"My endless curiosity and quick wit."

A snort was the only answer she was given as he walked off. She followed until her eyes spotted a dumpster that was clearly frozen shut. Her friend must have spotted it at the same time given that his hand wrapped around her hand to pull her along. "No."

Prompt 22: "Who takes care of you?"

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Yanqing glared at his adoptive father.  Yes, he still had a few bandages covering the injuries that Blade and Dan Heng had given him but at least he hadn't sustained any life threatening injuries.  Not like Jing Yuan who had literally been impaled by a spear. 

And yet here he was, trying to get up already.  He had only just come out of the stretch of unconscious he had fallen into in Scalegorge Waterscape.  "You need to stay in bed, sir.  Lady Bailu said you're not healed enough to be up yet."

Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow as he paused to look at his student.  Yanqing was stubborn when it came to what he felt was right.  Perhaps even more stubborn than himself.  "Yanqing," He spoke calmly, seeking to reassure the boy. "It takes more than a wound like this to end me.  There are things I need to take care of."

What a time for the general to abandon his indolent reputation.  Yanqing crossed his arms, locking his gaze with the man.  He had been given his marching orders by the Healer Lady and not even Jing Yuan could make him defy those when it came down to his health.  "But who is going to take care of you?"

The question made Jing Yuan blink in surprise.  Yanqing so rarely defied him to his face and the question made him pause.  "I am the Vanguard of the Hunt.  I don't recall needing to be taken care of for many years."

"Then let me and Lady Bailu do it now.  You were injured." Yanqing scowled. "You told me I had to rest until I was healed enough for her to tell me that I could move.  You should listen to your own orders, General."

Again another long pause as Jing Yuan stared at his son in speculation.  He finally sighed and laid back in his bed, an amused smile on his lips.  "Yes, Lieutenant Yanqing."

Prompt 21: "Just in case this doesn't work."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Jing Yuan stared down at his wounded Lieutenant with a silent sigh. The boy had his heart in the right place in taking on Blade. In his eyes he had been protecting a man attacked by a known danger. At least until Dan Heng had reverted back to his true appearance.

"What am I going to do with you, Yanqing." He crouched to help bandage the injuries. His son had no shortage of bravery. Even with wounds that likely hurt there were no tears; an unusual sight in even a normal fourteen year old.

Yanqing winced at a particularly painful touch. "I was just doing what I was supposed to as a Cloud Knight, sir."

"Yes, I know." There were times when he wished his son didn't desire to follow in his footsteps. He would have liked to keep him away from the dangers of combat but a sharpened blade couldn't be sheathed forever. "I need you to go to the Alchemy Commission. The Dragon Lady can treat you better than I can here."

Yanqing's eyes flickered to where Dan Heng still stood, uneasy as to the proximity to the traitor of the Xianzhou. "You're going to go fight Phantylia, aren't you? With him."

"Yes, I have my duty to the Luofu. We'll see if Dan Heng is willing to help." His voice turned grim. "His Astral Express friends will be willing to convince him." And hopefully the Vidyadhara would remember enough of his past life to be able to make the passage to the arbor possible. It was the only possible hitch in his strategy for removing this threat.

Jing Yuan had confidence in it working but in this particular case he didn't have a backup plan unlike everything else. He preferred to have plans to fall back on in case something with the first plan didn't work. As the old cliche mentioned 'plans rarely survived the battlefield.' 

"Sir, I should be there to help. I'm your Lieutenant. Let me be your backup." 

"Yanqing." The general's quiet voice stopped any protests. "If something goes wrong and I am unable to return, you will be needed to assist Diviner Fu in her new position. The Luofu cannot afford to lose both of us."

The boy's lips thinned, clearly unhappy with the prospects. "General..."

"You are my son." Jing Yuan continued. "Even if our people didn't need you alive and well, I cannot lose you. You make me proud."

\Prompt 20: "This better be good."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Continuation of Day 19

Dan Heng folded his arms as he stared down at his friend. He and March had arrived after the Cloud Knights had already taken over the scene. March had nearly had a panic attack, fearing the worst.

A few questions, at least, assuaged her fears. Stelle and Yanqing were alive, Jing Yuan having gone to their aid. Even Dan Heng had to give a small sigh of relief. He cared about the bizarre girl that had dropped into their lives so unexpectedly months ago.

Now in a bed in the Alchemy Commission, her wounds neatly bandaged, Stelle returned Dan Heng's stare with one of her own. "Hi."

"That's all you have to say?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

"Mind explaining what you were doing out fighting cultists with only Yanqing for backup? And it'd better be a good one."

She sighed softly. She should have known she would be interrogated by her friends sooner or later given her plea for help. "I didn't think there was going to be that many, Dan Heng." She stated quietly. "If I did I would have asked for help a lot sooner."

"Not only did you risk your own life, you risked Yanqing's." The Vidyadhara actually frowned. "Do you even know what would happen if I--we lost you? You need to stop being so reckless."

Stelle blinked. She caught that hasty correction from identifying himself personally to the Express crew as a whole. What did it mean? Sure she enjoyed his company and he seemed to like hers as well. But so did the rest of the crew. Finally she dropped her gaze to her lap, submitting to his scolding as she would with almost no one else. "I'm sorry, Dan Heng. I wasn't thinking about that either." She apologized quietly.

With a sigh he sat on the bed with her, the mattress dipping under his weight. Surprisingly he reached out to take her uninjured hand in his. "What am I going to do with you?

Stelle regarded him, fingers curling about his. There was a comfort there in the contact. But then again he already knew that. Perhaps that was why he was reaching out to her in the first place. He didn't like contact much but he was still making the effort for her.

After a moment she tugged him closer to carefully wrap her arms around him. She never expected him to hug her back, his face hidden between her neck and shoulder. She cleared her throat. "...It's going to be alright, Dan Heng. I'm sill alive and so is Yanqing."

He sighed, his warm breath tickling her skin. "For now. Just...don't go running off by yourself again."

Prompt 19: "What if we're wrong?"

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warning: None

Continuation of Day 18

"What if we're wrong?" March stared anxiously at her phone. The distress call had come from Stelle; a wordless call for help when the Nameless didn't have time to send a text. "She just went to visit Yanqing, right?"

"It doesn't matter." Dan Heng intoned. "Accident or not, we have to go."

"Are you sure you want to go, Dan Heng." Himeko asked. Regardless of Jing Yuan's revoking the Vidyadhara's exile it didn't necessarily mean that anyone else wanted him running around. "The rest of us can go instead."

"No." He was already moving. "Stelle is more important than whatever everyone else thinks of me." He had already risked the same thing to keep his friends safe from Blade.

"I'm coming too." March scrambled after him. "If she needs help I'm not staying behind."

Himeko frowned as she watched the pair leave. Given how far they had to go she doubted they'd get there in time. She had someone else that she could contact instead who was far closer and just as invested.

"Miss Himeko, what a surprise to hear from you." Jing Yuan's smooth voice came over the speakers. "What can I do for you or is this just a friendly social call?"

"Unfortunately we have a situation on the Luofu that requires immediate attention, General." The Astral Express's navigator said gravely.

A moment of silence followed before he spoke again, all amusement vanishing. "I'm listening."

"Stelle sent out an emergency distress call. We only use those as a last resort." She reported. "As I understand it she was training with young Yanqing today. Dan Heng and March are on their way but I worry they won't make it in time."

Jing Yuan's tone turned grim. "Do you have a location?"

"I just sent the coordinates that her phone broadcast.'

"I see it. Thank you for the information Miss Himeko."

"Be careful General." Himeko warned.

"I'll keep you updated."

Prompt 18: "We can't do this on our own."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Mention of blood and violence

Stelle and Yanqing had been out training, first with each other and then she had taken the boy on one of the infamous errands that the Nameless attracted like flies to honey. Knowing Yanqing's strength as well as her own she hadn't even hesitated in accepting helping clear out a pocket of fugitive Disciples.

Yanqing, of course, had followed without question. Not only did he trust his outsider teacher but this was his duty as a Cloud Knight. It wasn't as if he was racing off to take care of a problem by himself after all. Jing Yuan would have nothing to scold him for.

It started out easy. He was the youngest Lieutenant of the Luofu Cloud Knights and student to the legendary Jing Yuan. A few fugitives could hardly stand up to him and the outsider hero of the Xianzho Alliance.

It was a little too late when they realized they were being herded into a disadvantage, eventually surrounded by foes that would pounce the moment they moved. Stelle stood with her back to Yanqing's, her lance solidly held before her in defense. She wasa comforting warmth against the boy's back, his steel sword held at the ready.

"We can't do this by ourselves." He heard her murmur softly, unflinching gaze determined as she faced down her enemies. That steadfast unwavering determination was something Yanqing found he admired about her. Like his General she stood solid in the face of danger to protect those that couldn't. It was a state he aspired to.

Before he could ask if she had any plans, one of Disciples lumbered forward their spear held at the ready. Yanqing didn't think. He struck first, his icy blades launched at a speed too fast to dodge and driving through the advancing Diciple. With a warbling growl it crumbled to the ground. However it seemed it was enough to break the stalemate.

He lost all track of time as he parried, dodged and cut down his enemies. His movement was quick, ducking under the mara-struck guard to lash out with sword and ice. Dimly he was aware of Stelle still at his back guarding him from behind. He also knew beyond the battle fever that she had taken hits for him too.

A sharp blade cut deep into his sword arm, his weapon clattering to the ground. Another slice cut a line into his cheek. It was then he noticed his teacher leaning heavily on her flaming lance, a flickered glance telling him that she had been hurt bad enough to allow her charge to be overwhelmed. Gritting his teeth in pain, Yanqing drew his second sword knowing that he didn't dare bend over to collect the one he had been forced to drop. He had to remain standing. He was all that stood between Stelle and these traitors.

A shapeshifter sauntered forward, masked face unreadable but its voice carried a smug tone, the note of a predator who had finally caught their prey. Yanqing couldn't help but briefly wish he had the ability to freeze them solid. "Your time here is over, lapdog. You and the outsider have reached your end." The gleaming spear raised to knock the trembling sword aside and came to rest at the boy's throat, pressing just hard enough to draw blood. It ignored the frost that coated the tip as it stared into the furiously defient eyes of their opponent. "We'll send your regards to the General."

"I would prefer he send those himself." A lazy drawl had Yanqing's heart leaping into his throat. "General." He whispered.

Jing Yuan stepped into view, his glaive in hand. He didn't even look at his student, his eyes focused entirely on the spearweilder. For once his good natured grin wasn't in view, only the implacable resolve that kept him in his position for centuries.

"General," the Disciple burbled in laughter. "Delivered right into my hands without any reinforcements."

"I am the reinforcements." With the Disciple's attention on him, Yanqing had the opportunity to move. However before he was able to strike or even warn his mentor that there were others behind him, Stelle surged to her feet. Blood dripped from a gash in her head, her shirt stained with it and her legs bearing the marks where her guard had dropped enough for an enemy to get a hit in.

Glancing at Jing Yuan who immediately engaged as soon as Yanqing was out of immediate danger, the boy turned to help Stelle.

----

"Yanqing," The low rumble had the boy looking up and then flinching at the disapproving gaze.

"Sir,"

"How many times do I need--"

Shockingly Jing Yuan was interrupted, something that usually didn't happen. "Don't scold him, Jing Yuan." Stelle spoke up, her voice weary but her tone steady. "I took him here to help me with this. If you're going to be angry with someone, be angry with me."

Few could stand unmoving in the gaze of the Divine Foresight when he was upset. Stelle seemed to be one of them. Yanqing confessed he was impressed all over again.

"If anything you should be proud."

Prompt 17:   "I never said it would be easy."

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: PG

Warning: None

Busy as they were, simply cuddling in bed was an occurrence that didn't happen as much as Stelle would have liked. She enjoyed the feeling of Jing Yuan's arms wrapped around her, his even breaths ruffling her hair. The feeling of security his hold gave her was something she still didn't have words for but wouldn't give up for anything.

Light fingers gently traced across his bare chest, the trailblazer content to mindlessly memorize the feel of his skin and muscles as he dozed. His low chuckle caused her to look up, thought returning as she noted his sleepy eyes were open again and watching her. Despite the surprise at finding him awake after all she couldn't help but smile at him. He usually could coax those out of her simply by being himself.

"Enjoying yourself?" Jing Yuan rumbled softly, his hold on her unwavering.

"I thought you were asleep." Came the equally soft answer.

"Not yet." Another chuckle. "You do, however, easily wear me out. I should ask you to take it easy on an old man."

She shook her head slightly, the laughter sparkling in her eyes rather than making it out from her lips. "You were called the Dozing General long before I came to the Luofu."

His good natured sigh warmed the skin of her forehead before his lips replaced it. For all his military prowess, Stelle had found that he was remarkably gentle with those he cared about. Not for the first time she had to wonder why he had pursued the life of violence that he had all those centuries ago.

"Your friend March had quite the amount of questions for me before dinner tonight." He finally spoke again, lips moving against her forehead.

Stelle couldn't help the breathy giggle this time. "I heard. She just found out about Yanqing." Or rather what the boy was to the General. "She was just looking out for me."

"Yes, I know." That usual lazy smile was on his lips as he watched her. "How much did you overhear?"

"Most of it." Golden eyes met his, teasing mischief glittering in their depths. He was one of the few that got to see the extent of her playful nature behind her mask. "including the one about if you would like Yanqing to have a sibling." Honestly she thought Jing Yuan's answer of being not opposed to it was more to tease March than anything serious.

"Hmm," he hummed in contented agreement. A comfortable silence descended letting her to start to drift, fully expecting her lover to do the same. She didn't expect him to speak up again. "Have you ever considered it?"

"Considered what?" She yawned, blinking open her eyes again.

"You and I having a child together."

The brought her out of her sleepy haze, gazing into his face and trying to determine if he was teasing her as he had March. In that sleepy expression she couldn't read anything, truth or jokes. "No." Finally giving up she chose to answer him instead. "...it never crossed my mind." Why should it? She was still trying to learn to be human and her relationship with Jing Yuan was part of that experience.

His fingers trailed up her spine before pulling her a bit closer to him until she was close enough to hear his heart beat next to her ear. A reassuring sound for a woman who dealt so often in death. "Maybe one day soon you can think about it." He yawned.

A frown creased her forehead. "Jing Yuan...you know what I am." An artificial body created by the Stellaron Hunters, vessel to one of the cancers of all worlds, and chosen of two Aeons. "It could be impossible for me to get pregnant." Not to mention she didn't even know if they were compatible enough to actually produce a child even if it turned out she was capable. Could Xianzhou humans breed successfully with other short lived humans?

"It could be." He agreed affably. "It would be fun to try at least." He was definitely teasing her now. "Don't you agree?"

She sighed. "Yes." She bit her lip considering the idea a bit more. "How would it even work? You're here on the Luofu, unable to leave and I am one of the Nameless." Stelle knew she couldn't abandon the path of the Trailblazer as well as she knew her own name. "Any child would be without one parent all the time." Even as ignorant of human behavior as she sometimes was, she knew that was no life for a child.

His hold on her tightened possessively for a moment or two before it loosened enough so her ribs no longer creaked under the pressure. "I never said it would be easy, love. If it ever happens, we'll figure something out."

Stelle leaned again into his embrace with another soft sigh. "I'll think about it."

Prompt 16: "Do you know a way out of here?"

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Rating: G

Warnings: None

The Artisanship Commission had been designed by a sadist. Or a master maze creator that had been given too much power on the Luofu. Perhaps both, Stelle considered that thought as she stared at the chest through the cracks of shipping containers. She could have sworn that the was had beer open when she saw it last.

"Stelle, let's get moving." March's voice came from behind her.

"Do you know of a way out?"

"No."

Golden eyes turned to peer over her shoulder at her friend. "Then what's the rush? We'll get out eventually."

"It's that eventually that has me worried." March huffed.

Stelle's faint smile was hidden as she turned back to consider the chest. "I think the walls move."

"Move?!" March squeaked. "Like on their own or because other people move them?"

"I don't know." Stelle shrugged. "I haven't seen anybody."

"....spooky. Like a horror movie."

Prompt 15: "Fine, explain it to me." 

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail 

Rating: G 

Warnings: None 

Bailu’s hands rested on her hips as she stared at Yanqing. In terms of numbers of years, she was older than him but they both ultimately were regarded as children by many adults. The difference was, she supposed, was that Yanqing did everything in his power to be an adult while she just didn’t care either way.  

It wasn’t as if she could really do much about it anyway. She had learned that grownups were going to do whatever they wanted, and kids couldn’t do much about it. Which, of course, was why she had made the effort to get around her restrictions rather than confront them directly. Although Yanqing had freedom enough given his position and the fact that he was the General’s son.  

Bailu knew that Jing Yuan loved this boy. He often spoke about him when he came to visit her, bringing his usual gift of sweets. She hoped that Yanqing knew how much the man cared for him. But that didn’t solve her problem right now.  

Yanqing was still recovering from a fight with not one but two very skilled fighters. He honestly was lucky enough to still be alive after all that. And to make matters worse, the general was also down for the count. Unconscious the last time the tiny Vidyadhara had checked on him.  

Good. It meant he stayed out of trouble while she dealt with this one.  

“Fine.” She crossed her arms, looking up at him. “Explain to me why it’s important you should get up and start working again already. You still need to rest to get better.”  

“The general is injured, Lady Bailu.” Yanqing protested. He knew he wasn’t in any shape to do any heavy work yet but still, staying in bed all day was boring beyond belief. “And not all of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus have been caught. The Luofu can’t have me just sitting around like this.”  

“The General made certain that if something happened things would be taken care of.” Bailu shot back. Well, it wasn’t necessarily a lie. Jing Yuan was usually resourceful enough to lay the groundwork for something of the sort. Just because she didn’t know of any specific plan wasn’t something that Yanqing needed to know.  

“Then I need to be there to help make sure it goes smoothly.” The boy made to get up out of his bed which caused his healer to scramble over and push him back down and glare at him.  

“You’re as bad General Jing Yuan. You need to stay here and rest. And get better.” Seeing the note of stubbornness in his gaze, Bailu knew she’d never succeed in keeping him in bed any longer than it would take for her to leave him. And leave him she must for there was so much else for her to do. Finally, she lifted a hand and pointed into Yanqing’s face.  

“No fighting, no training, no running around.” A pause. “And only half days. Got it?”  

She just barely caught the hint of a smile that the boy covered up with his hand. “Yes ma’am.”