renascinem

[renascinem]

That's still a ways off. I'm not kicking it anytime soon.

I'll hold you to that, Dan Feng responded, but only within the confines of his mind, unwilling to speak the words out loud. He refused to show outwardly the way his muscles tensed up at the thought.

Someone - he did not bother to memorize their name or station - warned him once that this would be what happens if he were to get too close to one of short-lived species. Back then, he blew it off and ignored it, not unlike many other things he did not feel like heeding.

But now? He had grown aware, so painfully aware of each passing day, more than he had ever been before. Those blessed (or cursed, perhaps) with centuries upon centuries of life often grew to ignore the passing of days, letting entire months and years blend together into a giant and often meaningless mass of time. Yingxing, on the other hand, caused Dan Feng to notice every day, every hour, almost. I'm not kicking it anytime soon - You'll still do it too soon for my tastes, though, and the thought made him mad.

He abandoned it, pushing it out of his mind with almost desperate stubbornness, focusing all his attention instead on the here and now instead of a future that was yet to come, and watched Yingxing change the speartip. Once the weapon was back in his hands, he twirled it again a couple times, but the urge to dance had died off.

"Hm. Heavier than the previous one, but it does not bother me in my movements," he noted, before huffing. "Hmph. If you wish for more of a test, hunting down a few abominations of the Abundance wouldn't exactly be hard."

Once Upon a Time, We Were Whole || Dan Feng & Yingxing

Past AU || @neverendingdeath || Commission Season: Harmony

[renascinem]

Seele's lack of knowledge on The Swarm was an indication to Dan Heng that Jarilo-VI most likely never came in contact with it and the calamity it brought with itself. A good thing and a blessing to be thankful for, as far as he was concerned, and for that reason he made no comment on Seele's words.

This did, however, also mean that she did not know what she had agreed to face alongside him, and so a chance to consciously accept the risk - or back out of it - would be good.

"Bug infestation is very close to the truth, actually." Probably closer than she wanted to be.

As they were approaching the elevator, Dan Heng pulled out his phone. Opening the data bank, he flipped through a couple pages before he landed on what he wanted to show to her. Once he did, he handed Seele his phone; the image and short description of a Juvenile Sting could be seen on the screen.

"This is the most common minion of The Swarm," he explained. "By themselves they are not too strong or dangerous. The problem is that they can multiply almost endlessly, so if even a single unit survives, the hive you thought you'd exterminated will be recreated within hours or days." He sighed, the unspoken message of What a bother released along with the sound. "I suppose it befits the minions of the Propagation."

As they reached the elevator that would take them to the Seclusion Zone, he stopped and looked at her attentively.

"So with that, are you sure you want to go with me?"

"So How Okay Are You With Exploding Bugs" || Dan Heng & Seele

Commission: Seclusion Zone || @dream-of-butterflies || Commission Season: Abundance

[renascinem]

"Hmph. Now what is that supposed to mean?" He scoffed at the benefit comment, though his outward reaction and tone of voice did not necessarily match the words themselves in terms of supposed irritation contained within.

Contrary to what many thought about him, he could, in fact, recognize words said in jest. The issue lay not within his understanding - it lay in people he did not permit this behavior from attempting to get overly coy with him.

(Remember your station, they say, and then complain when he does.)

Anyway. "I like not when you speak such, and you know that," he grumbled, a bitter tone in his words, but his expression smoothed out when the polearm found its way into his hands. Dan Feng did not hand out praise quickly and easily, but the spear lay most comfortably in his grip. It was weighed perfectly for him. From the first movement, it felt just as natural to move as his own arm.

Taking a few steps back to ensure his comfort and Yingxing's safety, he swung it a couple times; first with more carefully, then more confidently. He then performed a flourish and kept moving, rotating lightly the spear in his hand with ease. Before long - before he himself knew - the practice became a dance, his movements feeling so calm, so natural, as though he had done this thousands of times before;

a soul calling to the seas, now with a new offering.

He twirled one more time before coming to a stop, freezing before Yingxing in the final pose mimicking the statue of High Elder Yubie, before dropping it to stand straight. He huffed quietly.

"What do you know, the speartip is still where it should be. May it be I spared you these alleged lost years?"

Once Upon a Time, We Were Whole || Dan Feng & Yingxing

Past AU || @neverendingdeath || Commission Season: Harmony

[renascinem]

"If you want... thank you." He offered a light smile, if a hint apologetic. Surely she did not anticipate to run into trouble on what was supposed to be... probably one of her first ever trips outside of Jarilo-VI.

To Seele's questions, Dan Heng crossed his arms, running a few quick analyses in his head before offering a spoken answer.

"There is an elevator that goes down there. Normally it's restricted to specific members of the staff only, but it's no biggie for me to get a permit to use it. As for how and why someone would go missing there... That's probably the main cause for concern."

With that, he began to head towards the aforementioned elevator, gesturing with his head lightly for her to follow. It would not be a long walk - just as she noted, the space station's size could hardly be compared to a planet, or even a singular city like Belobog - but it would nonetheless offer them some time to chat.

Or more prudently, time for him to give her some information, and perhaps also a warning.

"The scientist mentioned remnants of The Swarm lurking in the Seclusion Zone. Most would write this off as a crazy conspiracy theory, but..." He winced, then sighed, before continuing. "I know from Caelus that they really are there. Someone was once using the Seclusion Zone for experiments that... probably did not go the way they were supposed to, and The Swarm is not easy to just clean up."

He turned to Seele, observing her for a possible reaction.

"How much do you know about The Swarm? I can share some information, but I don't want to waste your time with something you might already know."

"So How Okay Are You With Exploding Bugs" || Dan Heng & Seele

Commission: Seclusion Zone || @dream-of-butterflies || Commission Season: Abundance

[renascinem]

Yelan's comment prompted a light smile on Dan Heng's face in return, and he nodded his head. He was not yet sure whether the technique that allowed outworlders to enter this world could also be used in reverse - but if it were to prove possible, it would be wonderful to show the world beyond the skies to those who had never before had an opportunity to witness it.

It made him realize just to what extent he had taken that chance for granted, ever since he began to travel the universe himself. He had almost, somehow, managed to forget what it was like to be locked up.

Mostly because he wished to forget, but... neglectful on his part nonetheless.

In any case, he listened carefully to her explanations, Cloud-Piercer in hand as his eyes scoured the darkness for anything out of the ordinary. Occasionally, a pair of bright eyes glimmered in the murk - but it soon proved to be nothing more than a small lizard, or a weasel-like mammal, running off at the first sight of them.

How incredible that such creatures managed to adapt to these conditions.

Dan Heng paused for a moment at her question.

"I didn't think it too weird until he vanished on us the way he did," he admitted. "When he disappeared, it felt odd, almost like... he had never been there at all. If you have some reservations yourself, please feel free to share them - if anything is suspicious about this situation, it would be best to be prepared."

He reached into his pocket and retrieved the amulet that he had been entrusted with. A small star, carved in Cor Lapis, or so was it said at least. The golden ornament gave off a gentle, golden glow.

"I know little about this world's minerals," Dan Heng said, showing it to Yelan in case she wanted to examine it more closely. "It's supposed to have been made from Cor Lapis. Do you find anything about it abnormal?"

The Depths of the World and Everything Wrong With Them || Dan Heng & Yelan

Commission: Chasm trouble || @muscle-blues || Commission Season: Harmony

[renascinem]

Miss Lingsha speaks to him, but looks beyond him - behind him. Exactly where he would look, too, in order to face the source of the new voice at the table. It takes considerable focus and expenditure of willpower to turn his thoughts away from him and focus his attention on her, his mind trying to latch onto her similarly to an anchor stabbing into the seafloor in order to keep a boat from drifting off without control.

"... We might," he finally manages to speak out loud - only after two failed attempts, where his voice failed to come out of his throat properly. "At the very least, from your reaction, I think you see... him in the same place..."

He then promptly freezes, as a sneer comes from behind an above him. "Ignoring me, are you? Still going for the easiest solution to your problems, then?"

Dan Heng remains silent for a moment. He closes his eyes, refusing to turn. His fists curl up on his lap, grabbing onto the fabric of his coat.

"... Stop interrupting me." Inhale, exhale, before he can finally open them and look at Lingsha. "... Ahem. Sorry, that wasn't to you." She can probably guess, but still. He tries to regain his thoughts - she had asked him an important question that he should answer.

"I'm still... a bit dizzy. It's taking a lot for me to focus on you. It feels like a part of me has... left my head and is now missing."

"You don't say."

"I said stop interrupting me."

"We've been through this. We're two sides of the same coin, like it or not. I will interrupt you as much as I please."

Dan Heng doesn't answer the provocation, only letting out a heavy sigh - a sign that he is trying to compose himself, but it is taking much effort. Ignoring the incessant voice, he turns back to Lingsha.

"So back to your first question, do you... also see and hear him?"

storm diver

harmony

[renascinem]

Dan Feng took the offered seat with a dismissive huff. "While I would like to say that your concern for them is appreciated, you know that they would merely sneer, while I find it unnecessary. They aren't hatchlings, even if their behavior sometimes does not fit that statement. Whatever the case, they can suffer a disagreement or two."

Of course, that was what he said, anyway. There were lines that he would not cross, no matter what everyone else said. He understood it well - the duty entrusted to him, its sacred nature, the limitations that were in place not without reason; it was not his intention to trample upon them on a whim.

"Same thing each and every time," he finally addressed Yingxing's curiosity. "Their pathetic attempts to reign in my authority simply do not cease. This cat and mouse game is seriously unbecoming."

He shook his head, as though to signify that he was well and truly done with this topic. "Hmph. Let us move on to more interesting matters. You spoke of a new creation of yours recently, and promised it would be worth my attention. Let us make for Scalegorge Waterscape, where I would see that promise fulfilled."

Once Upon a Time, We Were Whole || Dan Feng & Yingxing

Past AU || @neverendingdeath || Commission Season: Harmony

[renascinem]

The path reveals itself before him, and Dan Heng allows it to lead him where it sees fit. Often the embodiment of distrust and suspicion, he is rarely this willing to offer his trust quite like this - but sometimes, extraordinary situations require extraordinary measures... and perhaps, in a way, this is an understandable requirement.

Willingly or no, he has trespassed upon the grounds sacred to another. The Vidyadhara would treat a stranger in Scalegorge Waterscape no differently, as he remembers.

It is also for that reason that, when Zhongli asks questions, Dan Heng is a bit more willing to be honest in his answers than he would be towards most others.

"A lot of the time, I like to try and gather information firsthand," he admits, plain as day. "Though the skills of Liyue's storytellers are fine indeed, my homeland - which celebrates a similar tradition - has taught me that the tales they tell are often... rather sensationalized." He pauses briefly to observe another illuminating pathway before him; it unfurls just as before to lead him further, as if rewarding his honesty. As he crosses it, he turns to Zhongli, a faint smile on his face.

"You may think it amusing, that a traveler would hope to find truths obscured by centuries, or maybe millennia of history... and yet, I often cannot help but try anyway. I suppose that's just how I am."

However, his newfound companion's next inquiry - one phrased as a warning - as well as the domain's response to his words, prompt a longer pause of hesitation from Dan Heng. Another kind of test, perhaps. He takes a moment before he responds, weighing his words a little more carefully than before.

"It would depend on what kind of enemy you would present yourself to be." His voice and expression both remain calm, although more serious than earlier. "I travel under the guise of a regular user of the power your world calls Anemo, and would try as much as I can to limit myself to remaining just that - but when necessary, I am much more adept and proficient at controlling the waves and waters. The power I wield..." He trails off for a moment, a frown passing briefly through his features, before he continues. "I do not reach for it lightly, for it is very destructive in nature."

The imitation of a sky above and around them grows a hint darker as he chooses to, once again, offer full openness.

"... From what I've gathered while in Liyue Harbor, this nation has seen its share of sea monsters in its history. Should I be pushed to... extreme measures... I could become another one."

He eyes Zhongli calmly, waiting for a reaction. A question in his eyes, though unspoken out loud, lingers nonetheless:

If I were to do that, how would you stop me?

*Record Scratch* *Freeze Frame* Yep, That's Me || Dan Heng & Zhongli

Chance meeting in adeptus abode || @jadeshielded || Commission Season: Harmony

[renascinem]

Yelan's comment prompted a small smile to crease Dan Heng's lips. "It has been very enjoyable, yes. While all of Teyvat's nations seem to possess rich and fascinating history, Liyue has still been extraordinary in that regard. As for my home... some elements of Liyue's culture are actually somewhat reminiscent of it. That may be another reason why I've found myself at ease here."

As they moved downwards towards the Chasm's Maw, he listened to her explanation carefully, trying his best to memorize all the necessary details - it would be rather rude to ask her to stop and wait just so he could write it down. It was lucky that he was blessed with very good memory; as long as he paid attention, it should not be too difficult to note all this down later.

After she made her inquiry towards him, Dan Heng thought for a moment, before shaking his head.

"I believe that for now I know all that's necessary. And worry not, I know how to hold my own in combat. I also see... a bit better in darkness than an average human." Though now that he mentioned it, something did cross his mind. "You say there may be monsters, but also that some workers were able to return underground - are they under strong protection, or are there some areas that are safe?"

Sunlight grew more and more dim as he spoke, until vanishing entirely, eclipsed by the darkness of the mines. He tried not to think about how this reminded him ever so slightly of the darkness he grew up in - where many would descend only to never return.

It's not this kind of darkness. It's going to be fine.

The Depths of the World and Everything Wrong With Them || Dan Heng & Yelan

Commission: Chasm trouble || @muscle-blues || Commission Season: Harmony

[renascinem]

"He-lio-bi," Dan Heng clarified, his tone remaining ever deadpan and betraying no sign of any stronger emotion related to being required to repeat himself. Well, he supposed Boothill's explanation of his knowledge - or lack thereof - made sense. Though he traveled the galaxy under the banner of The Hunt, he wasn't from Xianzhou, after all.

If anything, the fact that, up until now, he evidently has not needed knowledge on the heliobi, was probably a good thing.

"Kingdom Spiritual Organisms, Class Astral Spirits, Order Shapeless. They are a type of energy lifeform known for possessing and parasitizing other beings in order to experience strong emotions. After depleting the strength of their vessel, they abandon them and move on to their next host. They have caused mayhem on multiple Xianzhou ships by making people experience hallucinations, wild dreams, and causing them to self-mutilate or harm others. Their victims rarely walk away alive, and never unscathed. Powerful heliobi you may have heard of include the Flint Emperor, or Lord Ravager Phantylia."

It was quite the lore bomb to drop with a completely straight face and the flat tone of someone citing an encyclopedia article, but Dan Heng wasn't exactly known for thinking about how his words would be perceived whenever he quoted the data bank. As such, he continued as though he had said nothing special, mostly ignorant of both Boothill's reaction and the stares of the people they passed by who either were bewildered by just their appearance alone, or caught a few words of his explanation.

"Many heliobi are sealed within Fyxestroll Garden, and the current fear is that this vandalism incident may have to do with some of them breaking out - or someone trying to break them out. Even just one heliobus that escapes can do a lot of damage. That's why the Spiritfarers are on edge."

It was only then, and just as they were entering a path that would lead them to Fyxestroll, that he looked at Boothill again to discern his response.

"With that in mind... does that remind you of anything you saw or heard in the Garden? Like disembodied voices, for example?"

Have You Ever Tried to Shoot a Ghost || Dan Heng & Boothill

Commission: Fyxestroll Garden || @crackshct || Commission Season: Harmony

[renascinem]

Mt. Hulao An area located in the Minlin region of Liyue, the nation of Geo. Said to be home to one of Liyue's most revered adepti, Mt. Hulao features many large amber rocks scattered all around the area, many of which, upon closer examination, are revealed to encase hilichurls and other monsters; an occasional unfortunate human can also be found imprisoned within. It is believed by the common folk that the adeptus traps trespassers in amber as punishment for entering their realm uninvited. As such, usually only the brave or desperate encroach on these grounds, and doing so is discouraged in an official capacity by Liyue authorities. > For extra information, refer to: Liyue, Morax (Rex Lapis), Minlin, Adeptus...

The sun begins to set, embracing the red and green leaves of surrounding trees in a warm golden hue. Making use of the last moments of sunlight, Dan Heng finishes the current draft of his note, before closing the notebook, holding back an ever so slightly frustrated sigh. He supposes that, when dealing with reclusive beings of divine or adjacent nature, scarcity of information often can't be helped, but even so, this first sketch is less informative than he would have hoped.

Perhaps a trip back to Liyue's library and bookstore is in order; he remembers, too, a recommendation to indulge in some fine tea and listen to the Harbor's talented storytellers, for even if the truth of their tales is often muddied beneath the fiction and exaggeration, seeds of it can be found in the stories nonetheless.

His first instinctive reaction to this suggestion was that of rejection - if the Luofu taught him anything, it was to take folklore, legends passed down via oral tradition, and often even official documents with not a grain, but rather a handful of salt. It was for that reason, too, that he chose to first embark on this trip to see what truths he could unearth by himself first; even if he was aware that the chance of him finding something locals did not for centuries or millennia was slim to none.

... And indeed, it looks like he will have to admit defeat and resort simply to the sources available to everyone else. With that in mind, he closes his notebook and stands up, intent on leaving the sacred grounds before it gets dark -

and freezes when his legs fail to move as commanded.

He looks down, eyes widening as he sees them encased in amber up to the ankles, and the mineral slowly creeping up his calves. He lets out a short gasp as instinct takes over and he tries to tear his foot out of the amber - but the substance has already grown solid, and the most he seems to achieve is accelerate the process.

His mind racing, he tries to calm himself and still. What now? Perhaps he can break the amber with his weapon?... Cloud-Piercer manifests in his hand, albeit with a hint of reluctance, as he analyzes his situation more closely. The danger of injury to self is significant, but he might simply have to cope and heal...

The thoughts dissipate as his attention is drawn to movement nearby. Dan Heng freezes at the sight of a woman in peculiar clothing approaching. Does she not know the danger?...

"W-Who goes there?" His voice calls out before his brain can formulate a more proper reaction.

Shards, Remains of What We Were || Dan Heng & Xianyun

Commission: Trouble at Mt. Hulao || @pcsserine || Commission Season: Abundance

[renascinem]

He is tired. He is so, so, so tired, and there's nothing more he would like to do but lie back down, even in this rubble, close his eyes and drift away. Even though his dreams, too, are filled with fear and strife, and shadows chasing him at every turn... There is a part of him convinced, deluded, that even that would still be easier.

And he would be all alone there, too. But maybe in a way, that too would be better - it would mean his siblings wouldn't have to go through it together with him. That no one else would be hurt together with him, or because of him.

He was a healer, too, was he not? Why am I good for nothing but harm?—

Sedene's voice pulls him out of these thoughts by force. She's so tired, too, he can tell - and yet there she is, urging him onward. Kakavasha, Lyney - they're still standing, too, even in the face of a foe that they've struck at repeatedly, again and again, only for her to shrug it off as if they were merely throwing sand at her.

— There won't be a next time. The true significance of the words Kakavasha says to Lyney is lost on him, but he picks himself up nonetheless, because even if he doesn't truly understand, or so he thinks, somewhere deep down, a part of him does - just doesn't want to admit it, perhaps.

DAN HENG rolls 4 energy. [2 energy] DAN HENG 2/10HP uses Dracore Libre x1 and Transcendence on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 75/250HP. [Roll: 1 + 2 = 3, Hit! (Call To Arms triggers!) (Life Bond Clear triggers!) (Restitution triggers!) (Balemoon Bloodfire triggers!) -13.5HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 61.5/250HP] Restitution triggers! +2HP. DAN HENG 4/10HP SHADOW OF THE KNAVE is inflicted with Imprisonment and cannot counter!

[1 energy] DAN HENG 4/10HP uses Azure’s Aqua Ablutes All and hits 3 random enemies. [Roll: 1, damage is nullified.  SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 61.5/250HP] Dan Heng gains 2 Squama Sacrosanta. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE is inflicted with Imprisonment and cannot counter!

The dragon whistles its song as it slashes the air like a knife on its way towards Father. A song of desperation, filled with tears rejected by his eyes, but also a song of devotion, and determination to stand by his siblings until the very end.

[2 Squama Sacrosanta] DAN HENG 4/10HP uses Dracore Libre x1 and Transcendence on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 61.5/250HP. [Roll: 1 + 2 = 3, Hit! (Balemoon Bloodfire triggers!) -6.5HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 56/250HP] SHADOW OF THE KNAVE is inflicted with Imprisonment and cannot counter!

[1 energy] DAN HENG 4/10HP uses Beneficent Lotus on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 56/250HP. [Roll: 1 + 2 = 3, Miss! -0HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 56/250HP] SHADOW OF THE KNAVE is inflicted with Imprisonment and cannot counter!

... But he is tired, and his hands tremble. The second attempt is significantly weaker than the first; and on the third he falters entirely, the majestic figure of the dragon falling apart and collapsing pathetically into a puddle of water as his body fails him and he falls to his knees.

"I'm... fine..." It barely gets out of him loudly enough for the others to hear. "Just... tired... I'm fine... Go!..."

@feliscus

from this day on.

#GHAbyssApril2025 ∶⠀team one⠀|⠀floor three.

[renascinem]

Sedene, the ever optimistic and supportive Sedene, runs his way to check on him, and Dan Heng's first thought would be to hug her tight and not let go of her and just run - but he cannot do that, and he could never just abandon Lyney and Kakavasha like this, as he once already did; so instead, he makes a few slightly unsteady steps forward to shield her with his own body.

"Take care of yourself, too," he says to her as he glances at her from behind his shoulder. He tries to sound like a confident, protective older brother. It does not come off the way he wanted, his voice failing to conceal his shaking no matter how hard he fights it.

Still. Breathe. Inhale, exhale - before, however reluctantly, he nevertheless locks his eyes on Father, before his hand summons another stream of water.

If they're getting out of here, they're doing so by their own strength. That was the plan from the very beginning.

DAN HENG rolls 3 energy. [4 energy] DAN HENG 5/10HP, 10/12SP uses Dracore Libre x2 and Divine Spear on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 138.5/250HP. [Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 12, Hit! (Lavawalker triggers!) (Call to Arms triggers!) (Balemoon Bloodfire triggers!) -12HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 126.5/250HP] SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 126.5/250HP counterattacks with Dual Scythewheel. [Roll: 3d20 + 4 = 21, 12, 14, Crit, Hit, Hit! -2HP. Damage is mitigated by shield. DAN HENG 5/10HP, 4/12SP and affected by Pyro]

The elements clash once more, dragon's maws closing around Father while the scythe is flung his way. Both find their targets; Kakavasha's protection keeps him safe, but he nonetheless feels the unpleasant pull of Father's power closing around him and suffocating him little by little akin to a snake. For her part, it feels to him as though she had simply shrugged his attack off.

Still... Are her strikes slowing down a hint, or is he just being delusional?

He doesn't know. He doesn't dare wonder. Forcefully silencing the storm's cry for outrage, his mind searches instead desperately for his siblings, anchoring itself to them like someone hanging over a pit, about to lose grip and plummet.

"Please don't give up," he finally finds his voice again. "We're in this together... We'll do this together. Okay?"

@avcnturine

from this day on.

#GHAbyssApril2025 ∶⠀team one⠀|⠀floor three.

[renascinem]

Even before his emerald eyes find the strength to slowly flutter open and face the scene set before them, his consciousness is greeted by the sound of rumbling stone and the voices of his siblings. The words are muffled at first, distant, and a while - he doesn't know how long exactly - passes before he understands that they're not distant at all, they're right in front of him, encouraging each other to stand strong and not give up no matter what.

They're still fighting. I failed so quickly, and they're still fighting...

Whether it's this somber realization and then panic that sets in as a result, or if it's merely a matter of his body having receiving the rest it forced upon him by refusing to follow his commands - he isn't sure, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that it's just enough for him to slowly start getting up, on his arms and knees, until finally he struggles himself upwards.

As if to challenge his resolve, Father appears right before them all as though out of nowhere, slamming the ground with force that nearly throws him backwards, and he groans as he shields his face. Not yet, I'm not ready - it freezes in his throat, we don't care about that here and he knows it.

Protective barriers manifest around them all, and he stares for a moment at Kakavasha's back; no matter what, he intends to see this through. He glances at Sedene, then Lyney - no, neither of them has thought to flee, either. So what about him? Will he abandon them? Will he run, just because he's scared of not just Father, but also himself?

Inhale, exhale. Yes, he breathes. His body is listening again. If he can control the volume of the tide and the roar of the storm, if he can avoid losing himself again -

will that be enough? Maybe not, but at least he will have tried.

Dan Heng rolls 5 energy. [4 energy] Dan Heng uses Dracore Libre x3 and Fulgurant Leap and hits all enemies. [Roll: 1d20 + 2 = 10, Hit! -7.5HP. Roll = 2, damage nullification fails. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 199.5/250HP] SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 199.5/250HP counterattacks with Counterslash. [Roll: 1d20 = 11, Hit! -2HP. Damage is mitigated by shield. DAN HENG 3/10HP, 4/6SP and affected by Pyro] AVENTURINE gains 1 Blind Bet stack. Total: 2. [2 Blind Bet] AVENTURINE 10/10HP uses Follow-Up Attack on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 199.5/250HP. [Roll: 17 + 2 = 21, 4 + 2 = 8, Crit and Hit! -10HP, -7HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 182.5/250HP] DAN HENG forfeits remaining energy.

The first attempt, perhaps overly tempered, feels as though it simply comes off too weak - but he desperately, stubbornly silences the dragon's cry for more. No - not now, not yet, not again -

he will no longer listen to the voice that calls him to forget those around him.

@sedena

from this day on.

#GHAbyssApril2025 ∶⠀team one⠀|⠀floor three.

[renascinem]

"G—Guys, wait!—"

It's a silly request to make, perhaps, for today of all days is not an occasion that would warrant everyone waiting for him. He knows that, and he's so sorry! He hopes no one will yell at him. It's just difficult to hurry with... this thing.

Pushing through the discomfort, he runs to join them by their side, even as the remnant of a chain around his bandaged leg jingles loudly against the ground. He does not like it, but it is a necessary reminder, one he has silently accepted and diligently carried within him since the start.

Remember the danger that comes with your power.

Practice restraint, lest you hurt everyone and destroy everything again, just as the one before you did.

The echo of the harsh words rings in his ears, and he only barely manages to stop himself from taking a step back with a quiet whimper. He holds back, but there is, in spite of it, fear and apprehension in his eyes, even as the flower on his shoulder lights up with a warm glow. Family. Up until recently, he did not know what it was like to have a family - what it meant to have anyone in his life who cared about how he felt, and not just about the damage he could inflict. These bonds he received, the warmth of the hearth that has accepted him the way it did everyone else - he appreciates them, truly, and he will fight for them—

But what if he loses control? What if he loses himself, and hurts someone unintentionally? What if they get angry, and reject him— and he has to return to that cold place only to stare at dark walls, carry chains made for a fully grown dragon, and listen to those harsh lectures again and again? What if he loses it all?

What if...

What if...

"Go!"

DAN HENG rolls 6 energy. [2 energy] DAN HENG 10/10HP, 6/6SP uses Dracore Libre x1 and Transcendence on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 157.5/250HP. [Roll: 1 + 2 = 3, Hit! Lavawalker’s Resolution triggers! -8HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 149.5/250HP] (Roll: 1d6 = 4, Imprisonment fails) Bond of Life is now active! SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 149.5/250HP counterattacks with Scythewheel. [Roll: 2d20 = 12, 9, Hit, Hit! -2HP, -2HP. Damage is mitigated by shield. DAN HENG 10/10HP, 2/6SP and affected by Pyro] (Roll: 2, status resist fails.) DAN HENG receives two stacks of Life Bond. Total: 2.

Shaking hand moves to weave a stream out of thin air as he jumps into the air with a grunt that almost sounds like a held back sob. Water meets blaze, and dragon meets scythe as he and Father clash and are both pushed back. She rushes towards him immediately, not allowing even a moment of pause. Instinct taking over, he goes again, as well, trying to ignore the sudden throbbing pain in his head.

y̸̠̹̠͙̿́o̵̲͎̖̪̅ṷ̶̡̱͠ ̶̨͕͚̞̖͗͊̆ŵ̶͈̰́̔̐͒͜ͅi̶̒̆͊̌̆͠ͅl̴̗͇̊͋̒͆l̶̳̭̐͋̐͠ ̸̤̦̯̤̬͑͆͌h̵̖̤̣͖̻̽u̴̢̮̤̠͆͘ͅr̸͍̼̊̔̀͂͆̋t̷̯̻̊̓̓ ̵̙̞̪͗͛e̸̗̹̥̼̲͍͗̂̔̄̅͗v̷̡͍̈́̌͆ȩ̵̯̔r̴̗̭͙̥̼̫̈͐ÿ̷̙́͠ǒ̵̺͆ͅn̵̨̝̟͙̍̌̓͂ͅe̷̫̲͛̈́̌͋͘͘

[2 energy] DAN HENG 10/10HP, 2/6SP uses Dracore Libre x1 and Transcendence on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 149.5/250HP. [Roll: 19 + 2 = 21, Crit! Lavawalker’s Resolution triggers! -10.5HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 139/250HP]  (Roll: 1d6 = 5, Imprisonment fails) SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 139/250HP counterattacks with Scythewheel. [Roll: 2d20 = 7, 10, Hit, Hit! (Target has Life Bond!) -3HP, -3HP. Damage is mitigated by shield. DAN HENG 6/10HP, 0/6SP and affected by Pyro] (Roll: 2, status resist fails.) DAN HENG receives two stacks of Life Bond. Total: 4.

The pulse overwhelms his senses. If anyone is saying anything to him, he doesn't hear it. The mixed roaring of a dragon and a thunderstorm is all that rings in his ears as he collides with her again.

y̸̻̝̖̼̋̒̏ͅǒ̸̫̭͍̃̊́͊u̷̹̩͛̀̿͛ ̶̢̬̭͙̈ͅa̶̤̻͗̇̇̍̈́͘r̵̡̦͉̰͘ͅͅe̵̢̺̙͆ ̶͔͈̄̽c̵̼̮̜̓̉͊̍̊̌a̴̻̦̮͓̘͜͝g̸̢̞̦̙͌̀̈́̊̕͜͝è̵͇̘̼̫͇͚̑d̸̛̼̺̣̕͝ ̷͙̀f̸̘͔͒̇͂̈́͗o̴̢̤̭̲̫͗̒ͅṙ̸̨̹̫̿̀̈͠͝ ̶̱̀̋â̴̠̮͎̻̍́ ̷̡͚̫̝͋̄͌̎r̷͙̍̈̈͘ẹ̴̥̜͔͙̦̄a̶̢͚͚͝s̶͙̬͛̏͘ȫ̸̞̺̦̺̍̊̋n̴̤͖̈́͜

[2 energy] DAN HENG 6/10HP uses Dracore Libre x1 and Transcendence on SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 119.5/250HP. [Roll: 1 + 2 = 16, Hit! Lavawalker’s Resolution triggers! -8HP. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 111.5/250HP]  (Roll: 1d6 = 1) SHADOW OF THE KNAVE is now inflicted with Imprisonment. SHADOW OF THE KNAVE is unable to counterattack due to Imprisonment. (Life Bond triggers!) -0.5HP. DAN HENG 5.5/10HP.

Somewhere deep down, somewhere far away, something hurts. He doesn't know what, doesn't bother to check. He strikes again, and only as she is knocked into a wall does he realize that the scream he just heard was not her, it was him.

The brief moment of silence that follows feels like an age. He does not realize he's breathing. He sees nothing, only fog. It forms itself into a pattern and his thoughts go back to the stone walls of the prison - to an egg churned by the relentless waves - to the agony of shackles and nails - to the screams of a vicious beast - to sacred rituals of old -

When the crimson appears in front of his eyes again, he doesn't see it.

SHADOW OF THE KNAVE 109.5/250HP uses Sundering Convergence and hits all enemies. [Roll: 4d20 = 6, 18, 14, 7. Hit, Crit, Hit, Hit!] -7HP. DAN HENG 0/10HP Dan Heng has been defeated.

Whether Father simply saw his frozen state as an opening to strike back, or realized he had lost himself and needs an awakening, he will probably never know; by the time he awakens and hears himself yelp again, he has been knocked far behind the others, and the world is now sideways. In front of his eyes, he sees his arms, but try though he may, his body will not move. He breathes, in and out, desperately suppressing this chaos that he had lost himself in. As the deluge and raging storm inside him die out, he blinks back a few tears, and then he finally relaxes.

"Sorry, guys... I'm so... tired..."

from this day on.

#GHAbyssApril2025 ∶⠀team one⠀|⠀floor three.

[renascinem]

Aventurine disables one of the Gardemeks in a fashion that would be gruesome to say the least if this were a human - but it's not, so Dan Heng dismisses that brief thought the instant it flashed through his head. Not worth his time.

Sedene does her best to keep up the offensive, but it's difficult for her with the weapon she has, and she takes several hits in return; Dan Heng steps forward quickly, offering her a light smile. "It's alright, Sedene. Thank you for your help and support, we appreciate it - but we can handle the worst of it on your behalf."

He never asked to have the power he wields, but it can still be used for something - it can be used for good. Every once in a while, he needs to remind himself of that.

When he does, his heart becomes calmer, and the prayer to the tides flows a lot more smoothly as the silhouette of the dragon appears by his side once more, ready to follow his lead.

DAN HENG rolls 4 energy! [2 energy + 2 Squama Sacrosanta] DAN HENG 10/10HP, 9/9SP uses Dracore Libre x3 + Fulgurant Leap and hits all enemies. [Roll: 1d20 = 20, Crit!] Martial Artist’s Bandana triggers! Call to Arms triggers! -10HP. ANNIHILATION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 47/130HP. -10HP. SUPPRESSION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 30/130HP. (Roll: 3. Imprisonment fails)

[2 energy] DAN HENG 10/10HP, 9/9SP uses Dracore Libre x1 + Transcendence on SUPPRESSION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 30/130HP. [Roll: 1d20 = 10, Hit!] Martial Artist’s Bandana triggers! -6.5HP. SUPPRESSION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 23.5/130HP. (Roll: 2. Imprisonment fails) SUPPRESSION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 23.5/130 counters DAN HENG 10/10HP, 9/9SP with Combined Fire. [Roll: 3, 20, 1, 10. Miss, Crit, Miss, Hit! -0HP + -2HP + -0HP + -1HP = -3HP, DAN HENG 10/10HP, 6/9SP]

It charges into the Gardemeks with a roar echoing in its wake, water that doesn't wet bursting like a raging waterfall. Screeching of machinery getting twisted and tangled follows, although a few fire missiles are still fired his way from amidst the chaos, the robot still attempting to carry out the duty for which it was created no matter what. He dodges one, simply swats away another, and what passes through simply collided with the protective layer Aventurine had provided.

"... I believe it's almost over," he says, both to himself and to his companions.

— And soon it is, though not in the way he had expected. From among the waters he had summoned suddenly emerges dark ooze and smog, as though someone had detonated a black smoke bomb in the chaos, and just like that, the noise of scraping metal and beeping errors give way to eerie silence.

The smog envelops a large part of the field, clouding his vision. There is no smell accompanying it, and yet Dan Heng finds himself instinctively raising his arm to shield his face, his other hand gripping the Cloud-Piercer.

"... What is that?"

— Thread End

far side of the moon.

#GHAbyssApril2025 ∶⠀team one⠀|⠀floor two.

[renascinem]

And then comes the moment when the Gardemeks show what they're truly capable of. Dan Heng is hardly given a chance to react before assault comes wave after wave, elements crackling through the air all around them - as if they had been plunged into a deluge, thunderstorm and fire all at the same time. Aventurine's shield holds up against the threat for as long as it can, but eventually it cracks - and as the Pyro missile meets the Hydro still present in the air all around him and turns it into scalding steam, it finally falters.

"Gah—"

He recoils violently, then again as another shot reacts with sparks of Electro still leftover from the other Gardemek. His arm rises quickly to shield his face - if he must choose where he would rather have burns, the decision is obvious.

(He is used to the cold. Whether the distant memories of the sea, or the bone-chilling cold of his floor in the Shackling Prison, he is simply... not accustomed to this kind of onslaught.)

When he next lowers the arm, there is a frown on his face and a wince hiding his clenched teeth - but whatever brief moment of anger and desperation he shows disappears quickly before it is replaced with grave focus as he glances to the side. Aventurine quickly gets to setting up shields again after whatever offense he manages to squeeze in (small surprise this guy is efficient), and while he protects Lyney, it's natural for Dan Heng to try and provide cover.

Dan Heng rolls 5 energy! [4 energy] DAN HENG 8/10HP, 5/5SP uses Dracore Libre x3 + Fulgurant Leap and hits all enemies. [Roll: 1d20 = 11, Hit!] Martial Artist’s Bandana triggers! -6.5HP. ANNIHILATION SPECIALIST MEK (PNEUMA) 22/130HP. -6.5HP. ANNIHILATION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 71.5/130HP. -6.5HP. SUPPRESSION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 59.5/130HP. (Roll: 2, 3. Imprisonment fails)

[1 energy] DAN HENG 8/10HP, 5/5SP uses Azure Aqua Ablutes All and hits 3 random enemies. -4HP. ANNIHILATION SPECIALIST MEK (PNEUMA) 18/130HP. -4HP. ANNIHILATION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 67.5/130HP. -4HP. SUPPRESSION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) 55.5/130HP. (Roll: 1, 2) ANNIHILATION SPECIALIST MEK (OUSIA) Is inflicted with Imprisonment! DAN HENG gains 2 Squama Sacrosanta.

A wall of enchanted water rises from the floor and slams into the enemies - not even focused on maximizing damage, but on just pushing them back for now. Still, it is quite effective at what he had set out to achieve; one had already been struggling with the mechanical joints locking in place, another now cannot get up in time yet, and only one picks itself back up from the ground efficiently.

"Hang in there," Dan Hen says, turning to Lyney. "We've got your back."

@feliscus

far side of the moon.

#GHAbyssApril2025 ∶⠀team one⠀|⠀floor two.