Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Artwork by CenedraRiva

At the beginning of time, there were the dark depths of the First Sea. From beneath its waves rose the sky, a pitch black night. Storms raged and ice fell, bringing forth stars in that expanse. In time, the brightest stars coalesced into the Moon, from which light shown below. 

These forces birthed beings of great power- two great dragons, of the Sea and of the Snow, reigned over the primordial earth. The heavens saw these dragons and wished them to be blessed with immortality, to control the waters and the storms, and shape the earth for mortals to tread. 

So they sent forth a gift; from the light of the Moon, a pure white rabbit descended, bearing with him the Elixir of Eternal Life. The Dragon of Snows welcomed the messenger with joy and reverence, and the Moon Rabbit was his companion. 

However, the Dragon of Seas coveted their connection. When gifted with the Elixir of Life, he smiled and thanked the Moon Rabbit, but conspired against him. He thought the heavens had sent the Moon Rabbit to control and contain the power of the dragons, and thus resented him. 

*************************************************************************************************************

Xue Yang peered through the waters up at the sky, the falling stars reflecting off the sea’s surface. It was beautiful, as night always was, despite how the surface waters cooled. He wondered if he might see Song Lan, so the two may converse, but the clouds that heralded the other dragons coming were nowhere in sight.

For so long, it had only been them and the creatures of their realms- none of whom were much for conversation. Xue Yang’s long, eel-like form slipped through the currents with little trouble, claws and gaping maw catching prey as he went. It was an easy evening’s swim; boring, actually. How he yearned for something to shake things up. 

Suddenly, a bright light shone through the water. Looking up again, Xue Yang saw a pure white rabbit, seemingly sewn together with moonbeams, streaking across the sky. He rose his head above the waves, transfixed by this dancing being. It seemed to notice him, circling in its hopping path and slowing before him. Floating in the air, it looked upon him. 

“Are you the Dragon of the Sea?” it asked in a lilting tone, a curious glint in its eyes. 

Xue Yang sniffed, and nearly sneezed. The rabbit smelled of stardust. 

“I am,” he said cautiously. Before he could say more, the beams around the rabbit swirled and hid its form. In a flash, the rabbit took on the form of a mortal man, dressed in simple but excellent white robes, the light beams forming a sparkling under robe and flecks of stardust in his long black hair.

Xue Yang stared at the creature before him; he’d seen mortals before, but none so beautiful as this. He brought his great body nearly out of the water, winding his long form about the man to look closer. 

“And who might you be? A heavenly immortal perhaps?” he inquired, eyes level with the man’s face. “You certainly look and smell like one.” 

“Oh no, I am only their messenger. My name is Xiao Xingchen; it is a delight to make your acquaintance.” The man laughed, a soft and beautiful sound. Sinking his body back beneath the waves, Xue Yang eyed Xiao Xingchen carefully. 

“What message could they have for me?” 

From a belted pouch at his waist, Xiao Xingchen pulled a clear glass decanter, within which swirled a green liquid. It smelled sweet but sharp, stinging Xue Yang’s nostrils. It radiated power and…life. 

“I’ve been sent to deliver this elixir to the great dragons of the earth.” 

“Ah,” Xue Yang smiled, sharp teeth revealed against the dark of the night. “So not just for me, but for Song Lan too.” 

“I’ve already visited the Dragon of Snows. I’m later than I meant to be- Song Lan seemed lonely.” Xiao Xingchen offered the bottle, nodding his head once in assent. 

Something about the sentiment made Xue Yang laugh, a guttural sound that rumbled from deep within his chest, waves emanating from his body. 

“Cold as he is, I am not surprised.” Taking a page from the rabbit’s book, Xue Yang pulled the waters around him and transformed, shrinking into the skin of a man, though below the water’s surface at his waist were the winding tentacles of a kraken. One tentacle rose and wrapped around the decanter, taking it gently from Xingchen. As he pulled it down to his waiting hands, Xue Yang beckoned the other man closer. “Would you stay with me, visit awhile? I could take you to warm, tropical waters- I am not as cold as my fellow dragon.” 

Xiao Xingchen looked towards the horizon, where the moon looked to be sinking into the sea, and the pale light of dawn was chasing it under. 

“I’m afraid I do not have the time to stay. I will see you again, Xue Yang.” He smiled and was again a rabbit, his pale form trailed by light like a comet across the heavens. 

For a few moments, Xue Yang only watched him go. Then, he unstoppered and drank from the bottle. It was warm and pleasant going down, and his whole body felt suffused with life-giving energy. Immortality, eh? So the heavens do recognize our power.  

Dipping beneath the waves, his body expanded once again into his dragon form and he slipped further into its depths. 

Chapter Text

A thousand years passed, and the immortal dragons carved the world into its shape. Humanity grew and expanded, beginning to touch the seas while reaching into the skies. The heavens watched over it all, and prepared again to send their messenger forth. 

The Dragon of Snows heeded their summons, and vowed to protect their messenger on his journeys. However, the Dragon of Seas wished to have the Moon Rabbit for himself and pleaded before the heavens and the Dragon of Snows to have the responsibility of guardianship over the Moon Rabbit. 

The Dragon of Snows saw into the heart of the serpent and denied him the right, turning the Dragon of Seas away. The Dragon of Seas retreated into his kingdom to wait, for he was crafty and patient. 

*************************************************************************************************************

Xue Yang glided along the surface of the waves, the waters caressing his belly as he flowed atop them towards the cool northern waters. Thick clouds ahead marked the boundaries of Song Lan’s skyward home. It was nearing dusk as Xue Yang slowed beneath the cloud cover. 

“Song Lan, my friend! Come down and speak with me,” Xue Yang’s voice boomed, raising his body into the air to circle and wait. It took little time before a dark dragon came down from the clouds, frost tipping his fur and ice in his eyes. 

“Xue Yang.” The smooth rumble gave no hint at whatever emotions the other dragon felt towards his guest. The two circled in the air between the sea and clouds, eyes never leaving one another. “What is it you have come for?”

With a snarling grin, Xue Yang curled upon himself and folded inwards until he floated in the shape of a man. Long black hair pulled back, an angular face framed with bangs on either side, enclosed in black robes. Though this form was more vulnerable, he knew Song Lan to be noble; he would not come to harm if he bared himself this way. 

“Why, Song Lan! Am I not allowed to visit a friend?” 

The words were lies and they both knew it. Still, Song Lan followed Xue Yang’s lead, becoming a pale man in robes of purple, snowflakes impressed upon the silken fabric. Xue Yang quirked an eyebrow at the mortal blade at his side, but made no comment. They floated there for a few moments. Song Lan tensed despite the relaxed way Xue Yang leaned back and away from him. 

“What is it you want?”

“I wished to visit with Xiao Xingchen. I understand he’s staying with you on this pass?” Xue Yang smiled, nodding towards the clouds. The Moon Rabbit, Xiao Xingchen, visited the earth every hundred years, delivering whatever the heavens saw as necessary. “Perhaps he could come and speak with us? The sun is nearly set and he is due to depart.” 

Song Lan’s form did not shift, one hand resting on the hilt of his blade. It sparkled a little- like a star. Xue Yang felt a pang of envy- it was a gift. Moments dragged, and Song Lan shook his head slowly. 

“You’ve already received your elixir; Xiao Xingchen has other duties to attend to than your flights of fancy.” 

“But he has time for you, does he?” Xue Yang bit out, his tone the only thing giving away his agitation. He paused, taking a breath before continuing. “I understand the Moon Rabbit has responsibilities. Perhaps I could be the one to guard him on his journey this trip? I have yet to have the pleasure.” He was able to keep his tone civil, charming even. 

Eyes narrowing, Song Lan crossed his arms over his chest. 

“I do not think that is wise, for you or for him. His journeys take him far and wide, over land and sea- my domain encompasses all that space. Yours, however, is limited by your waters,” he countered.

It was blunt and matter-of-fact, this reminder of the one real difference in power between the two dragons. Internally, Xue Yang seethed at the idea that Song Lan thought himself so much better. His rage leaked out of him, winding tendrils of darkness circling hands lengthening into claws, teeth into fangs. 

“Then allow me to escort him through the seas, at least,” he growled low, finding it difficult to speak through the small mouth. 

“We will be sure to visit, when we pass near you,” Song Lan didn’t appear to be concerned by Xue Yang’s loss of composure.  “But I will be with him for the entire journey.” This last statement sounded like a threat to Xue Yang. 

“You just wish to keep him all for yourself! Speak for him, direct him, shall he never choose for himself? Do you fear that he might choose me?” The rage could no longer be contained and his form exploded outward, dark green coils of his long body spinning outward, his maw agape in a roar. 

He did not wait for Song Lan’s response, diving back into the sea and vanishing below its surface. Song Lan, still in human form, watched him go, relaxing fractionally once the other dragon was long out of sight. He returned to the cloud cover, darkness hovering on his mind. 

Chapter Text

In his solitude, the Dragon of Seas plotted to take the Moon Rabbit for his own. On the eve of the Moon Rabbit’s journey, he laid a trap in the ocean to capture the heavenly messenger. 

The Dragon of Snows tried to stop him, but the Moon Rabbit was convinced of the Dragon of Seas' innocence and good will, and walked willingly into a trap. Beneath the waves, he was imprisoned, kept from his divine duties. 

Time passed slowly in the depths, and the Dragon of Seas was constantly vigilant towards his prisoner, seeking information on the heavens. Above all things, the Dragon of Seas desired power with which to rule over mankind. As a primordial being, he did not believe that it was right for humanity to lay claim over all the earth, much less his waters. 

With the Moon Rabbit in his possession, the luck and life that blessed the messenger was passed on to his captor, and the Dragon of Seas became stronger and more paranoid as years went by. 

This was a dark time for man; oceans across the world were unkind and divided our peoples between their shores. The Lost Age.

*************************************************************************************************************

Xue Yang waited patiently on the surface of the waters, the sun setting and the sky darkening. Xiao Xingchen was coming to visit this evening, briefly coming between his duties as messenger. As the stars began winking down at Xue Yang, the glowing white rabbit appeared on the horizon, bounding across the sky. 

The rabbit's feet casually tapped against his muzzle, before sparkling apart and revealing Xiao Xingchen’s smiling features. 

“Good evening, Xue Yang.”

“Good evening,” Xue Yang grumbled, maintaining his dragon form. “Ready to see my oceans?” 

“You’re sure it won’t take too long?” Xiao Xingchen questioned, though he settled with his legs on either side of Xue Yang’s neck, sitting behind the dragon’s head. This was a concern he’d voiced at the last few visits, after Xue Yang first suggested taking him into the depths.

“Trust me.” 

Without a sound and barely a ripple, Xue Yang sank beneath the waves. With practiced ease, he reached up with a claw and tapped Xiao Xingchen’s chest. A bubble bloomed from the contact point, surrounding his guests shoulders and head creating a breathing space, the waters swirling around its edges, holding it in place. 

Xiao Xingchen looked about himself, eyes wide as riotous colors shone in the clear blue. They were near the surface and only a few hundred yards out from the encroaching landline where a great reef overlooked a sheer drop into a deep trench. 

“We could not visit all my seas but this is where I make my home,” Xue Yang’s voice carried in the water, echoing in his place of power. Fish of a hundred colors and species flitted about their lives as though the dragon was not there, the occasional shark lazily scanning the edges of their safety. 

Xiao Xingchen’s smile was one full of delight, eyes darting about to take in every passing creature. Xue Yang slowly circled the space, his claws occasionally coaxing out into view the hidden animals between the coral and kelp. 

He was also slowly winding downwards and towards the trench edge. While the water around them darkened, Xiao Xingchen seemed to glow with a faint light- like a star fallen into the sea. Xue Yang struggled to look anywhere else. 

“Hold tight to me, the current is strong here. My dwelling is below,” he explained, gesturing with a claw into the depths of the trench. Xiao Xingchen tightened his grip and nodded. 

They plunged into the trench, light fading until only Xiao Xingchen’s natural glow lit up the area. Xue Yang shivered a little, and scales shifted to reveal tracks of bioluminescence along his sides, inducing an appreciative gasp from his passenger. 

“By the heavens, you’re beautiful…” Xiao Xingchen said softly, the words only just heard through his bubble. 

Xue Yang couldn’t look him in the eye, only swimming faster and further into the depths. A cavern in the side of the trench opened seemed to invite them in, its edges ringed with plants also glowing with their own bioluminescent sheen. Xiao Xingchen ran his fingers along the edges of the cavern walls. 

“Lay against me as we pass,” Xue Yang’s low voice seemed to resonate. “It’s a small space.”

Xiao Xingchen leaned forward and flattened his chest against the great dragon's neck, hands wrapping into his mane. Together, they flowed evenly into the steady current downward, occasionally pressed tight. Xue Yang wouldn’t admit that he might have shrunk here and there at the tighter spots. And Xiao Xingchen wouldn’t admit to ever having noticed. 

The deeper they went, the less plants rubbed against their skin and the more smooth, bare rock showed through. It shone with a green hue, opaque and reflective, crystal that ran through the stone. Now deep within the stone, there was an upper opening in the trench. 

“This part is too small for us to fit together. Follow after me,” Xue Yang explained, body shrinking and morphing. He hovered in the water, taking on the form he’d mimicked when he first met Xiao Xingchen. One of his tentacles wrapped firmly around Xiao Xingchen’s arm and helped guide him upward into a cavernous space, an air pocket. 

In the centuries since mortals had become more prevalent, Xue Yang had found the need for a well hidden lair in the depths, this one well suited to his smaller form. If the mortals had begun telling stories of a half-man, half-octopus monster dragging fishermen into the sea, well, then it was good he had this place. 

Furniture had been carved from the surrounding stone or built from whale bone. The whole space was awash in eerie green from crystals, which had been exposed further to provide more light. 

With a loud pop, Xiao Xingchen exited the water and his air bubble dissipated. Xue Yang released him, offering a towel from a shelf he kept near the entryway. Normally dripping water around wouldn’t bother him that much, but Xiao Xingchen looked uncomfortable. 

“I spend time here when mortals get bothersome,” Xue Yangsaid with a shrug, lounging on a chair covered with the thick hide of some large creature long passed. 

“Mortals bother you? I would think that you liked being worshiped. Most would,” his guest asked, sitting on another chair with the towel wrapped about his shoulders. “Song Lan seems to think them endearing.” 

Xue Yang laughed, the sound sharp and metallic off the walls. 

“Worshiped? My dear bunny, I am feared and reviled. I take their ships to the depths and send out after their quarry better predators than themselves. I spin the whirlpools that take their sons, I bring the storms that leave them shivering on their decks.” This was an accepted reality for Xue Yang, a truth that could only be stated, not changed. “They offer whatever they can to fend off my rage, but it is not worship.” 

“Oh. I didn’t realize.” Xiao Xingchen was surprised, eyebrows high above wide eyes. ”Song Lan made it sound like you were both venerated. He says that mankind sees the forces with which you shaped the world, and so respect you.” 

“How kind of him,” Xue Yang muttered. “And what do you think of them? Mortals?”

“They’re fascinating,” Xiao Xingchen exclaimed, face brightening. “From the heavens, we can see the whole of them and their growth. Not so unchanging as you and I.”

“And Song Lan agrees with you?”

“Well, I wouldn’t say agrees, but he accepts their offerings. He makes an effort not to harm where he can.” 

“How ridiculous,” Xue Yang scoffed, a scowl forming on his face. “We are powerful dragons, immortal and so beyond them, with duties and responsibilities unto our domain. To stop in your work or alter it for the sake of so small a thing as a human prayer.”

There was a pause of silence, Xue Yang’s tentacles shifting about in agitation as his thoughts carried on. Despite the towel, Xiao Xingchen was not warming in the cool of the cave, though his host hadn’t seemed to notice. 

“But mankind is capable of ascendance. Surely the possibility warrants a level of,” Xiao Xingchen paused and pulled the towel further around his shoulders, folding his legs beneath himself. ”Consideration.Their ability to change is a greater strength than we can experience.”

“They aren’t worth such considerations.” The words came out like a hiss, between fanged teeth that contorted his face into something monstrous. Xue Yang felt more than distaste bubbling within him now. The idea that mortals could ever be more than ignorant, hateful, short-lived pests upon the land and sea.

The cavern shook suddenly, trembling with some unseen force. Tentacles reached forward and wrapped tight around Xiao Xingchen, bundling him close to Xue Yang’s chest. 

“Stick close. Sometimes quakes shake loose the rock.”

Instead of calming like he expected, the shaking only grew worse, with a roaring noise rising, like a rushing wave of water. From the entrance burst forth a massive head, hurtling so hard that the rock around it cracked. 

“XUE YANG!” the head roared, only to silence at the sight. Too fast to see, the form shrunk and transformed into a humanoid with dark purple robes, the snowflake motif tinted green in the light. Water rushed in to fill the space where his dragon form had been, splashing into the cavern violently. “Xue Yang,” Song Lan growled. 

Xue Yang held tight to Xiao Xingchen, forcing the man behind him. 

“How dare you! I don’t break the door down to get into your home, do I?” His voice was cold and flat, as he could guess why the other dragon would venture so far into his domain. “You’ve frightened Xingchen.”

“I’m fine, really. There’s no danger here, you can release me now.” Pushing on Xue Yang’s arms, Xiao Xingchen tried to extricate himself from their grasp. For a moment, Xue Yang tightened his grip, but under the sharp eyes of Song Lan, he slowly released the moon rabbit. 

“Of course.” 

“You’re going to be late,” Song Lan stated simply, a slight hint of relief on his face as Xiao Xingchen moved away from Xue Yang. 

“He was fine,” Xue Yang reiterated shortly. “And you owe me, Song Lan. Look what damage you’ve done!” The cracks had spiraled out to the roof of the cavern, every moment slowly spreading further. “This space isn’t sound anymore, I’ll have to move it.” 

“You shouldn’t have removed Xiao Xingchen from his duties.”

“He wanted to come visit! What crime have I committed?”

“I did want to come,” Xiao Xingchen interrupted, standing up straight and folding the towel neatly before handing it to Xue Yang. “I should have let you know where I’d be,” he said, turning to Song Lan.

“You don’t owe him anything,” Xue Yang snarled, tossing the towel to the side. “Visiting with me isn’t a dangerous crime, and he knows it.”

“A crime, no. Dangerous? Yes.” Song Lan led Xiao Xingchen back towards the entrance. “Let’s go before the officials come looking for you.” 

They left Xue Yang standing alone. Seething.

Chapter Text

The Great Dragon of Snows heard the cries of the people, and descended into the waves to retrieve the Moon Rabbit and defeat the Dragon of Seas. The journey was arduous, as with his growing power the Dragon of Seas had made the oceans dangerous, a labyrinth of currents filled with monsters that stirred blood in the waters. But the Dragon of Snows was brave and patient, and found his way to the center of the maze. 

But, the Dragon of Seas was expecting him, and laid in wait until he could attack! A battle that set the seas boiling took place, shaking the lands beneath and bringing them to the surface, while cracking the foundations of others and making islands sink beneath the waves. 

The Dragons were once evenly matched but, having taken so much of the Moon Rabbit’s power, the Dragon of Seas was now stronger than ever before. It was only during the chaos when the Moon Rabbit escaped and assisted the Dragon of Snows that they were able to defeat the vile serpent. 

************************************************************************************************************

It was many cycles before Xue Yang saw Xiao Xingchen alone again. Every time the moon rabbit came to deliver Xue Yang’s elixir, Song Lan was serving a watchful eye over them. Xue Yang pondered his growing anger often. He and Song Lan had never seen eye to eye on everything, but they’d always respected one another. Now though, he felt that Song Lan looked down on him and felt that he was somehow superior. And the only difference Xue Yang could really see was in who it was that got the responsibility to care for Xiao Xingchen on his journeys. 

It had been a long-standing procedure for Song Lan to guide the rabbit, an agreement reached between him and the heavenly officials. What that meant now was that instead of being summoned unto the heavens- a call Xue Yang had not cared to heed at the time- he would have to request an audience, like one of the mortals. 

Just beneath the water’s surface, he followed the rabbit and the dragon, a bright spot against cloudy night skies. He considered his options as he swam. Perhaps it was a matter of waiting it out more than anything. He could challenge Song Lan, but that would only result in a drawn out conflict that would keep them injured without changing anything. 

Bubbles left his maw as he huffed, stopping just shy of reefs that circled a continent, while Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan continued onwards. He watched until their figures faded on the horizon, before turning back towards deeper water. Though the creatures of the sea had grown more varied in the centuries and provided fun observation from time to time, the boredom of loneliness without another to speak to ate away at him. 

  He reflected on Xiao Xingchen’s visit, and how nice it was to have someone listen and speak with him- even if they didn’t agree about the nature of mortals. A pearl in the darkest parts of his domain. Well, if they wouldn’t allow him the time, then he’d make some. Song Lan wouldn’t always be there to keep them separated. 

Turning downwards, coiling to the deep, Xue Yang descended towards the very bottom of the sea. Here volcanic vents spewed heated minerals into the water and fish with clear skin made their home. Xue Yang had found a place to rebuild what Song Lan had destroyed. The black rock structure merely could be a shadow at the bottom of the sea, where the world was pitch black. 

He’d brought a few of the green crystals to make some light- not that he needed it. His own bioluminescent scales created all the light he needed, even here. The dwelling was like a winding palace with only part of it visible from the ground level, as Xue Yang had taken the time to burrow passages into the bedrock of the ocean floor. And he did not make the same mistake of creating a space meant for a human form. Here he could always be as his great dragon self and not take on the weaker humanoid form he’d designed. 

At the center of this structure was a chamber, with a clear bubble bowl. Xue Yang had fed it with his own magic over time, crafting it carefully. The space was furnished and dry, a sparkling globe of light as it was well lit with various glowing crystals. 

Xue Yang circled his long body around the bubble, claws passing casually through the magic. This would be perfect, a place for his guest to stay. He’d find gifts, make it a cradle of opulence. It may not be heaven, but he didn’t need it to be perfect. And no one would know- so no one could take it away. 

Chapter Text

The Moon Rabbit and the Dragon of Snows returned to the skies, leaving the Dragon of the Seas alone. Wounded and weak, the Dragon of Seas bided his time. The seas were calm and cold, no storms to torment us or creatures to pull us under. Humanity sailed across the oceans with kind winds, guided by the Dragon of Snows. The Moon Rabbit returned unto the heavens to serve the officials and await his duties. 

All this time the Dragon of Seas slowly became stronger and prepared to rise again above the waves. He was crafty and patient, letting the world sit and hope he was gone, all while preparing to take what he felt was rightfully his. 

*************************************************************************************************************

“I don’t think that’s true,” Xiao Xingchen laughed, toes trailing in the water from where he sat on a shard of ice. He eyed Xue Yang with friendly skepticism. 

“It’s true, the whales throw the seal pups through the air. They are playful hunters.”Xue Yang’s upper body, in mortal form, leaned out above the waves, arms leaning against the ice. 

“I don’t think the seal pup would see it as very playful,” Xiao Xingchen said practically, quirking a brow at Xue Yang. “You have some interesting creatures in your waters, Xue Yang.” 

The dragon smiled, teeth slightly sharper than would be expected. He’d worked hard to better control this form, to keep too much from showing out. He kept the kraken half though- having so many arms was useful, especially with the out of the way places Xiao Xingchen planned for them to meet. 

Tonight, it was on the edges of the northern pole, virtually untouched by mankind and currently absent of Song Lan’s storms. Xiao Xingchen would have to begin his return journey at daybreak, but for now the night was theirs. 

“Do you see anything nearly so interesting on your deliveries?” Xue Yang asked smugly, confident he’d been dazzling Xiao Xingchen with his stories of deep sea creatures and their interactions between each other. 

“Hm, I certainly have seen some interesting things. We passed over a mountain village- small and remote. And climbing this mountain in the dead of night was a procession, at the center of which was a palanquin,” Xiao Xingchen explained, eyes faraway with the memory. “Inside was a beautiful woman, all dressed in red. The dress was flowy and light, and her face had been painted, like a doll.”

Xue Yang’s brows drew together, confused. A story about mortals? The animals in his waters he understood. They did interesting things that were fun and entertaining to watch. The things mankind did though, he didn’t want to know. But Xiao Xingchen had this faint smile on his face as he spoke, and that was enough to arrest Xue Yang’s attention. 

“They were surrounded by lanterns, carried by men with swords. And carried on the winds was a song, a melody telling of lifelong love and devotion. Imagine it,” Xiao Xingchen exclaimed, “imagine living for so short a time, but finding something so magical, so strong, in another person, that you tie yourself to them for all your life has to offer.”

 “Yes,” Xue Yang breathed, his chest tight. “Imagine.” 

“It’s beautiful, and a little sad. The heavenly officials talk about it sometimes, the power of love.” Xiao Xingchen met his eyes and his smile broadened. "They spoke of it like it had its own power, capable of pulling whole nations together, or driving them apart.”

Thinking of it, Xue Yang understood more why it didn’t seem that this ‘love’ came easy to himself or those heavenly officials. When you have so much power, love would be a very dangerous pursuit. Xiao Xingchen seemed to shine, the brightest star surrounded by such darkness. Yes. It would be a dangerous thing to love.

Chapter Text

In the centuries of peace, we’d almost forgotten what it was like to have a sea that could change. It came back the day the moon went dark. 

The Dragon of Seas returned to the surface and called up to the Moon Rabbit as he passed by, claiming that he was so very lonely, he could not go on. The Moon Rabbit, filled with compassion for the serpent, came closer. 

“My friend, you must not be sad. You are not alone, for the seas are full to bursting with your creatures,” the Moon Rabbit said. 

“Oh, but you must know they do not speak to me,” the Dragon of Seas whined piteously, great jaws rising from the waters. “For they cannot speak.”

“Are there not more dragons for you to speak to?” the Moon Rabbit asked.

“My kin have rejected me, and will not show me kindness,” the Dragon of Seas claimed, eyes gleaming with tears. 

“If this is so then you must look to the sky, and remember me when you see the moon shining on your waters,” the Moon Rabbit said. 

The Dragon of Seas drew closer, jaws wide beneath the kindly Moon Rabbit. “Yes, my friend. I will remember you when I look to the sky, and feel your light inside me.” 

With these words, the great serpent’s maw closed and he ate the Moon Rabbit whole. And so the light of the moon vanished from the sky, lost to the waters. And so the light of our moon waxes and wanes, and our waves move to and fro, like the cycles of their friendship. 

*************************************************************************************************************

The moon rabbit was shooting across the sky early that evening, taking long leaps and dragging…something behind him. Xue Yang raised his head from the water, eyes focusing on the incoming form of Xiao Xingchen, clearly making a rather rushed delivery. He often waited here to say hello, after Xiao Xingchen had departed with Song Lan to begin his duties. But today, Xiao Xingchen was alone. 

“Xingchen! What’s that you have there?” Xue Yang called, his voice carrying up to the floating rabbit. Stopped from his course, Xiao Xingchen turned and came down to where Xue Yang rose from the water. 

“I’m delivering this sword to the heavens,” he panted softly, the object now clearly visible as a sword in its scabbard. A chain of stardust wound around it and wrapped about the middle of Xiao Xingchen, an odd bundle to deliver. Looking closer, Xue Yang recognized the sparkling snowflake motif along the scabbard. 

“Surely Song Lan can take this where it needs to go- it’s heavy and ungainly for your rabbit form.”

“This sword’s been cursed and needs to be taken to the heavens to be cleansed,” Xiao Xingchen sighed and shook his head. His foot came up to scratch behind one long ear. “Song Lan is clearing out the curse source and is relying upon me to take care of this.”

“Oh? What kind of curse is it?” Xue Yang asked curiously, an idea forming in his mind. This was the first time Xiao Xingchen had been alone in so long. He didn’t know when a better opportunity would come up. 

“I’m not sure, exactly. Song Lan did not give me any details, just said that it was powerful and to keep the blade sheathed for my whole trip.”

“You don’t need to go all the way to the heavens for this.” Xue Yang reached up with his claws, pulling lightly on the delicate stardust chain. “I’m certain I could fix this myself.” He coaxed, eyeing the sword carefully. 

He wasn’t lying, really. Most curses were created by mortals or other lesser entities and were no match for the power of a primordial dragon in his prime. Song Lan’s warning did give him a little pause, but he dismissed it quickly. There was no better time. 

“Song Lan was very specific in his instructions.” Xiao Xingchen hesitated, eyes on where Xue Yang’s claw touched the chain. “I’m inclined to trust his judgment on this.”  

“Oh, you wound me, Xingchen! Are you saying you don’t trust me?” Xue Yang laughed, the playfulness lost in the reverberating bass. “Allow me to take this off your hands, my friend. Or come with me if you’re worried, but don’t try and drag this all the way there when I can solve this problem for you.”

Xiao Xingchen went silent, eyes flicking between Xue Yang and the steadily darkening horizon. 

“Well…okay. I’ll go with you. And as soon as this is taken care of, we can go back to Song Lan.”

 “Would you like to travel like we did before?” Xue Yang merely nodded, bringing the rabbit closer. Without an additional word, Xiao Xingchens rabbit form melted away and was replaced with his human body settling behind Xue Yang’s head. 

“Can we get there quickly?” 

“Absolutely. Hang on tight.”

They dove deep and Xue Yang guided them effortlessly into spiraling currents that carried them further and faster than swimming in open water would have. Even still though, it took some time to get miles below the surface to the ocean floor. As they entered the true depths and their surroundings became like black pitch, Xiao Xingchen clung tighter to Xue Yang’s mane, breathing shallowly. 

The bubble around Xiao Xingchen’s head seemed to waver at such depths, but held long enough to get to Xue Yang’s sanctum. A few hours had passed, but Xiao Xingchen clutched the sword like it was his lifeline. Xue Yang carried him into the innermost chamber, the best lit room in the sanctum he’d built for himself. 

Once there, he allowed his body to transition smoothly into his half man, half kraken form. “Xiao Xingchen, hand me the blade. I’ll need to handle it carefully, and I can’t do that from the bubble.”

Xiao Xinghchen was looking at the bubble, brows furrowing as confusion took hold. “Oh? Of course. But Xue Yang, you don’t need such a space. Why do you have it?”

“For you, of course,” Xue Yang soothed, gently taking the proffered blade. At the same time, his tentacles wrapped tight around Xiao Xingchen and thrust him through the magical barrier of the bubble, setting him inside the dry air pocket. 

The sudden shift made Xiao Xingchen’s ears pop, a slight trickle of blood accompanying the shocked cry as it felt like he was shot from bottom of the sea to the surface in seconds. He gasped through the pain, watching Xue Yang through the clear bubble. 

“This could take some time,” Xue Yang called cheerily, vanishing into the darkness of the winding corridors, Xiao Xingchen’s shocked cries calling after him. A smile played on his lips. 

Finally . 

*************************************************************************************************************

Xue Yang hadn’t left the sanctum since bringing Xiao Xingchen within it. It was tough to tell the passing of time in the dark, but he didn’t mind- when you were ageless, counting hours or days or even years felt unnecessary. 

He had tried to figure out the curse on the blade, but with the casual interest of a tinkerer rather than the promise of help he’d given to get Xiao Xingchen to come with him. As he entered the chamber room, Xiao Xingchen remained in his seated position, legs crossed and eyes closed. 

This state of meditation, or stubborn silence, had been his only activity after realizing that Xue Yang wasn’t going to let him out no matter what he said. Xiao Xingchen had quickly realized that the bubble was reinforced with a magic he could not leave from, and even if he did he would be hard pressed to make it to the surface again on his own. And so here he was, sitting and waiting. Or so Xue Yang assumed. 

“You know, they never forged me a sword like that,” Xue Yang began, leaning up against the bubble in his dragon form. “Though I never did think much of mortal weapons anyway. It’s a silly thing for Song Lan to carry, don’t you think? For what does he use it for? Cleaving the clouds into pieces?” He laughed, the sound low. 

Xiao Xingchen offered no response or acknowledgement that he’d even heard the remarks. No offering that Xue Yang made had been able to shift the moon rabbit for some time. With a growl that rumbled the whole chamber, Xue Yang reached a claw inwards, pushing Xiao Xingchen’s knee. 

Just as his claw touched him, Xiao Xingchen’s human form seemed to crumble and his smaller rabbit form curled away, light seeming to fade a little more. Withdrawing his claw, Xue Yang grew silent. He was beginning to wonder if he should be transferring some of his power into Xiao Xingchen, to try and break out of this self induced hibernation kind of state. 

But there was no more time to think on it more as a splitting roar echoed into the palace, filling the halls and chambers with a rage Xue Yang only recognized within himself. Bouncing against the magically reinforced walls of the structure, Song Lan’s body strained to reach the light at the center chamber. 

As the other dragon entered the space, Xue Yang did not waste any time mincing words this go round. Jaws agape, he smashed into Song Lan’s neck and tried to drive his teeth through the ice coated scales that coated the other dragon's skin. 

Slender bodies wrapped around one another, teeth flashing in the flickering light of the crystals and sounds muffled by the buffer of water. Claws raked along Xue Yang’s softer underbelly, a metallic taste in the back of his throat as he breathed in the blood and water. He clamped down harder and the ice coat cracked, his teeth sinking into flesh and that metallic taste filling his mouth fully. Song Lan's rage resulted in a flailing reach towards the bubble, where his claws scraped the surface, impassable.

 “Release him Xue Yang! The heavens and I demand it be done!” He tried to shake off the slippery dragon, but Xue Yang held on tight, silent. 

There was magic all around, but Song Lan’s own magic called to him, and he was able to locate the sword in the next corridor. Xue Yang fought him the whole way, ripping and tearing into whatever skin he could expose. 

“Why would you think such a worthless thing could aid you against me? We are teeth, claws, and will. This is all we ever need,” Xue Yang snarled, blinded by the thick red blocking out what little light there was. Staring at the brightness of the moon rabbit meant he needed more time to adjust back into the darkness. 

Song Lan gripped the hilt of the sword as he transformed into humanoid form, dodging Xue Yang while holding his breath. Just able to get the sword free from its sheath, he swam back towards the inner chamber with Xue Yang hot on his heels. 

As they entered the chamber, Xue Yang slammed into Song Lan’s back, teeth tearing into the soft flesh. The force knocked the sword from his grip, careening the blade through the water like a missile. Xue Yang only released Song Lan as a cracking sound caught his attention. 

With him distracted, Song Lan was freely able to return to his dragon form and thrashing Xue Yang's body against the wall of the chamber, temporarily stunning him. He turned and saw what Xue Yang’s wide eyes were focused upon. 

The bubble was cracked and steadily filled with water. Inside, Xiao Xingchen’s human form looked on, an unreadable expression on his face. The sword’s blade was sunk into his side, and from the wound seemed to leak not just copious amounts of blood, but bright silver stardust. 

“No, no, no…Xue Yang, you must drop the barrier and get him out! We have to get to the surface!”

“Drop it? It’s as much a part of this space as the walls,” Xue Yang cried, a hysterical lilt to his voice. His eyes followed that track of stardust as the water filled above Xiao Xingchen’s head. “It’s painful. But he’ll be fine.” The words didn’t convince him as he looked on. 

“But you can reach through it! Pull him out!” Song Lan began slamming his body against the bubble, trying to force it to crack all the way or at least enough for him to reach in. 

Staring on, Xue Yang slowly pieced together what was happening. Xiao Xingchen was…dying. An immortal. His sole companion. The stardust seemed to wind its way around the hilt of the sword before vanishing within it, its blade slowly taking on the silvery glow of the dust. 

“You know, Song Lan…I never figured out the curse on your sword,” he spoke slowly, the bubble now filled entirely with water. “What was it?” His eyes never left Xiao Xingchen, whose open gaze stared back. 

Unresponsive, Song Lan continued to smash his great bulk against the still solid sphere, claws ripping at the opening the sword had left behind, skin cutting where it dug in against the jagged edge. 

Xiao Xingchen wasn’t moving anymore. He floated there in that bubble, the trail of stardust gone. Only a soft red cloud surrounded him, like an aura Xue Yang thought. He kept staring, waiting for some explanation or response. 

It was hard to tell for how long that went on. Eventually the sphere did cave, and Song Lan reached in with his claws and pulled forth Xiao Xingchen’s limp form. His eyes were still open, staring. 

“Mortality. That was the curse upon my blade.”

Xue Yang just looked at Song Lan, eyes glazed over. 

Song Lan carried the body away, returning to the surface without another word. Time passed and Xue Yang began to laugh. It was rough, maniacal, the laughter of someone with nothing who thinks he’s found everything. 

His long, eel-like body unfurled and he went about repairing the bubble, laughing all the while. In the reflection, he thought he could see Xiao Xinchen’s face staring back at him, that same look that he had as he died. 

“You’re still here, aren’t you? I knew it,” Xue Yang muttered, his magic pulsing against the bubble. “Always still here.” He finished reforming the bubble and sat down, having formed it from within. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered if he would be able to leave. But it didn’t matter. He didn’t want to. 

His dragon form was tight against the space, so he shrunk. Hands wrapped around the knees to legs he’d never had before. In the crystals above, he could see the fully humanoid form he’d taken. And what looked like Xiao Xingchen sitting across from him, smiling. Only in the reflection. 

Xue Yang smiled, staring. He’d never be alone again.