heng_like_a_dragon

[Blade hobbles over to the dining room table. They're in the midst of packing so they can go hide out at the Jackdaw and August's teapot, but Blade is... Blade. He unrolls a big sheaf of paper.]

Dan Heng. I need your help with something.

[These are schematics for some kind of device, no less detailed than the scrolls he would put together at the Artisan Commission in another life.]

I know some Pokemon evolve when exposed to stones. Is there a kind of stone that can stop that from happening?

[He puts his pencil momentarily in his mouth so he can tie his hair back up, and then flattens the blueprints.]

This device could seal someone's powers without resorting to the ritual that the Black Order uses. I made something like this in my past life, but that person had every resource at his disposal. If I want to surpass him, I need to make more with less...

[He looks over his calculations again.]

And then I can turn it around... and maybe prevent our people from being Sealed. Nullify, protect, reflect. Nullify, protect, reflect...

[Dan Heng doesn't mind Blade being Blade. For as much as the man can sometimes drive him crazy with his recklessness and arrogance, he still loves Blade being Blade. When his name is called, he glances up from packing clothes into their suitcase.]

Mm?

[He finishes with the shirt and walks over to take a look at the schematic. Due to his past life memories and by genuinely being interested in Blade's craftsmanship process, he can follow along competently. On listening to the explanation, Dan Heng makes a soft sound of interest.]

Yes, there's a stone that can prevent evolution. We call it an Everstone. As long as a Pokémon holds it or has it somewhere on their body, such as inset in a collar, it will prevent the evolution process.

[The biologist thinks for a moment. Reflect magic, huh....]

Hm... reflecting magic is trickier. I know more about resisting or nullifying it. However, there are Pokémon that have specific moves that can reflect magic back onto an opponent.... Perhaps we have catalogued an item that can do something similar. I can see about pulling any relevant research notes from the archives.

[This could be the safer option to Sealing, and Dan Heng can absolutely see the value in that. It'll be even better if they can have protection from it, just in case.]

[Thank god for Dan Heng.]

So it only prevents evolution. Stasis... isn't exactly what I'm looking for, but it's close. It could be useful for something else.

[He looks thoughtful as he pores over the schematic.]

It may be worth checking out alternatives. I won't be able to work on much away from my forge, so I'm drafting projects for later.

First thing: Ragna is possessed and he's worried about his powers going out of control. Secondly, I told Jusis I'd find a way to arm and defend his people for a siege.

[It takes him a moment to remember who Ragna is. Since he's possessed, that makes sense for why he wants something like that. Dan Heng's eyebrows furrow in thought.]

Possession is beyond my expertise, but depending on what it is, you could see about using materials that ward off evil or have evil containment properties. It could be a stopgap for you to work on refining a better device.

[Just because mythology and folklore aren't his specialties doesn't mean he hasn't heard of such things before. Dan Heng's an archivist for a reason.]

If you're looking to defend against magic, the Shadow element is a good place to start for the foundation. Out of all of the elements, that one is primarily focused on magical defense. It's neither weak nor strong against any element. Light by contrast is simultaneously weak and strong against every element.

It's some kind of demon, but I don't think he knows more than that. [He's jotting down ideas on this blueprint though because Dan Heng has some good points.] Maybe silver wrought with holy water. In that way, it wouldn't be much different than forging another holy weapon, which I planned to do anyway.

[He looks up at Dan Heng for a moment.]

Shadow? That's... interesting. I hadn't considered that. Perhaps that was why my armor was ineffective against certain energy attacks when your cousin was subdued. I didn't think it had something to do with the element itself. [scribble scribble] I regret not learning the basics of magic, but I didn't think it was safe for me to linger around your campus with Mara free...

Perhaps I'll take a class at Cygnus myself once I've recovered. [He smirks a little.] Assuming it wouldn't be too much of a distraction.

[He reaches out and catches Dan Heng's hand, purely so he can kiss the back of his palm and his knuckles.]

Thank you, tiánxīn. Bouncing ideas off each other like this feels... familiar, don't you think? It's fun.

Mm, more like holy armor instead. You may want to ask if he's allergic to silver first. Otherwise, that will make direct contact out of the question.

[Dan Heng nods at that with a hint of a smile. He almost says something, but he's a little derailed by that smirk and the comment of being a distraction. The former High Elder huffs playfully.]

As long as you're certain you can stay focused on learning while I teach. I know how much you like to stare at me. [He clears his throat.] As far as the elements go, their weaknesses tend to correspond to the Spirit Vein's primary affinity as well. For example, you might've noticed that during December I was far more energetic and my magic was a bit stronger. However, people whose magic came from the Shadow element tended to be more lethargic and their magic was weaker. That's because the Spirit Vein was attuned to the Light element during that month. When the Spirit Vein is attuned to Shadow, the opposite will be true. I'll be more lethargic while those of Shadow will be more energetic. Cygnus has a class that gets more in-depth on elemental relationships, but it's something to keep in mind.

[Dan Heng blushes faintly as Blade kisses the back of his hand and knuckles. However, it's offset by his smiling growing a little more.]

You're welcome. I'd just been thinking that this does feel familiar. [He takes his hand out of Blade's, but only so he can wrap his arm around his waist and pull him close to his side.] I'm certainly enjoying myself... but I'm glad I could give you some ideas for your work.

I will. There are a lot of ways to approach this, so I'll take the time I have been given to find the most effective one.

[He chuckles warmly at that accusation.] I promise you I can be very attentive, [he says, not talking about paying attention to a lecture at all.] And I am a fast learner.

[YINGXING.]

Right. I learned about the cycles a few months ago, which explained my own power fluctuations in the fall.

[Still, classes at Cygnus might illuminate some of the things about magic he hasn't learned from fucking around and finding out.]

I think you've become something like my muse. [He leans into the hug, and presses a kiss to Dan Heng's shoulder.] You kindled something in me.

Mm. I'll be here if you need more ideas or data.

[Dan Heng stares at his partner. He sees what you're actually saying, sir.]

Is that so? Then Yingxing can surely bake sugar cookies at this point. Right?

[It's the most intentional misunderstanding of what Blade actually means.]

Exactly. That may influence elemental enchantments as well.

[The shorter man seems to relax instantly with the kiss to his shoulder. He rests his head against Blade's arm. Although his expression doesn't change much, there's an underlying contentment in it.]

I think I recall you saying that to me once before. [A small smile lifts his lips.] ... I like being your muse. Though, I've never heard of a muse who forces the artist to stop in the middle of their project to eat and sleep.

[Something like panic flickers across his face before he can shake it off.]

... We don't have time for that. Maybe next time.

[God, it'd make the condo smell good while they're gone though.]

Mm. It could. [He nuzzles into Dan Heng's shoulder and leaves another kiss, and another.] Isn't it natural to take care of those you love?

[He jots down a few more notes, then rolls up the schematics and shuts them tightly.]

Let me pack this up, and I'll help you with the suitcase.

[Dan Heng looks amused by that.]

Next time, then.

[He scoffs softly in fond amusement and tilts his head to rest it against Blade's. The man is ridiculously affectionate, but he wouldn't change that for anything.]

You make a good point. And I'll continue to do so, as you know.

[The dragon releases his hold on his partner. He stands on the tip of his toes to quickly peck Blade's cheek.]

If you can fold up the clothes, I'll take care of getting some stuff out of the bathroom.

[That way Blade can sit while still helping.]

[Blade makes a happy, contented noise as the affection is returned.]

... And I'll take care of you, too. [He's determined not to be some kind of burden.] You aren't the only one who can forget things like eating or sleeping.

[He grabs his crutch and tucks the schematics under his other arm.]

Divide and conquer. I like it. [He leans down to return the kiss, this time aiming for Dan Heng's lips.] I'll be in there in a minute.

[Dan Heng's eyes seem to soften at that.]

I know you will. You've proved that already, haven't you?

[Teresa's hurtful accusation immediately comes to mind. He wouldn't have regained his footing quite so fast without Blade's support. Both on the network and off of the network.

The dragon accepts and kisses him back without hesitation. It's nice to have this easy affection between them. He feels like this is what has been missing from his life for a long time.]

Hmph, don't keep me waiting too long, A-Xing.

[He'll start walking back to their room to get started on the toiletries, though.]

IC Inbox

blade containment zone; action; at some point after teresagate

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