Work Text:
inspired by the song ‘This could be a dream’ by Aurora
The sound of hooves accompanied by laughter could be heard throughout the quiet forest. Animals scrambling to get out of the way of the large horse crashing through the trees. Birds watched from the safety of tree tops before quickly scattering as a loud roar could be heard.
Dan Heng let out a playful growl as he wove through the large trees, sticking close to the ground, feet occasionally pushing off of it to give himself a boost.
He chased the rider through the trees, watching as the horse jumped over small creeks and streams before the duo burst through the trees and running off into the large field.
Once clear of the trees, Dan Heng flew up higher before using his powers to give himself an actual boost. His long serpentine body whizzing through the air like an arrow before quickly landing in front of horse, using it stop it in its tracks.
He watched as the rider jumped off and took off into a sprint. Quickly shifting into his human, Dan Heng gave chase before tackling the man down into the grass.
Caelus let out a yelp as he was brought down. Turning towardsDan Heng , before he began to struggle. Letting out breathless laughs.
After failing to restrain Caelus, Dan Heng dropped his entire body onto the man beneath him. Caelus letting out a small oof at the weight before letting a small chuckle and wrapping his arms around Dan Heng.
“Dan Heng get offffff, you’re heavy.” Caelus whined, hands began to push at Dan Heng’s shoulder in an attempt to push him off.
Caelus let out a huff as he accepted his faith, lying back down into the grass. Dan Heng let out a soft rumble, nuzzling further into the other’s neck before feeling himself slowly drifting off to sleep. Listening to the soft breathing coming from Caelus as he too, drifted off to sleep.
——-
Caelus let out a groan as he stretched his hands above his head, letting the reigns go, trusting Bubbles to take them to their destination. The duo made their way through the large open field. Caelus chuckled as he remembered how flustered Dan Heng was when he realized he’d fallen asleep on top of Caelus. Smiling as he remembered how the other’s ears turned bright red from embarrassment.
Bubbles stopped at the edge of a lake. Large lily pads could be seen growing along the surface of the water, fish occasionally popping out from underneath. Caelus slid off of Bubbles before he began to remove his shoes, rolling up his pants and sleeves.
Slowly making his way to the water, Caelus stepped onto one of the lily pads. Carefully putting weight onto one of his feet. After confirming that it was able to hold his weight, Caelus began to walk on top of the lily pads. Making sure to be careful with his steps.
Caelus sat down on one of the lily pads near the end of the clusters, the water going down deep. He gently traced the water with his finger.
The sound of a soft rumble could be heard, the water rippling in large circles, fish began to circle around a spot in the water before scattering. A large dragon head emerged out of the water. Roots, algae and lily pads hanging off of the branching horns.
“Dan Heng.” Caelus whispered breathlessly.
The dragon let out a soft croon, moving his head closer to the lily pad. Caelus reached out, hand softly touching the scaled snout. Dan Heng let out a rumble as Caelus began to gently pet and scratch his scales.
“It’s good to see you again, Dan Heng.” Dan Heng’s rumble grew louder, making Caelus’ smile widen.
——-
Dan Heng smiled as he gently lead Caelus through the forest. The night making the trees seem bigger, taller. Looming trees towered over them but in between each branch, each leaf, moonlight broke through, illuminating the ground just slightly.
“Dan Heng,” Caelus giggled slightly as Dan Heng lead him further into the woods, “where are we go-“ pausing briefly as they reached a small clearing covered in glowing flowers. “-ing…”
The flowers were spread all across the clearing, petals giving off a small glow. The moonlight reflecting off the petals making the flowers seem more brighter. “Do you like it?”
Dan Heng asked, his tail twitching anxiously in the air.
“It’s beautiful”. Caelus said before tackling Dan Heng into a hug. Dan Heng shifted himself slightly before letting out a soft rumble, tail moving to wrap around one of Caelus’ legs.
“I love it when you do that.” Caelus whispered. “The purring”
“It’s not purring.” Dan Heng replied, nuzzling into Caelus’ neck. Pulling back slightly. “I have another thing to show you.”
Dan Heng moved towards the center of the clearing before closing his eyes. He could feel his body begin to shift. His body changing to fit his draconic form.
Moving his long serpent like body, Dan Heng shifted himself down in front of Caelus. Gesturing his head towards his back.
“You want me to get on?” Dan Heng nodded, letting out another rumble. Caelus chuckled at him but Dan Heng was all too happy to care. Dan Heng watched as Caelus climbed onto his back, making sure the other wouldn’t fall.
Once Caelus was fully seated and was unlikely to fall off, Dan Heng crouched down before taking off. The sound of Caelus letting out a surprised shout could be faintly heard but quickly gave way to loud excited whooping.
Dan Heng shot up until they were well above the trees. Stars could be seen twinkling high above them, the full moon shining down onto the both of them.
Turning his head to look at his passenger, Dan Heng was met with the look of awe in Caelus’ face. Eyes wide as the other looked at the stars in wonder. Caelus reaching a hand out as if he was able to grab one.
Dan Heng put his focus back on flying when he felt arms partially wrap around his neck.
“Thank you for all of this, Dan Heng.” Caelus mumbled into his scaled neck. Dan Heng let out a rumble in response. Ears flicking when Caelus chuckled, although, this one seemed… more sad.
“Sometimes I wish I was a dragon just like you.” Hands clenched tightly onto Dan Heng’s mane. “Then, I would at least be able to experience these things with you longer.”
——
Caelus mentally hit himself as he recounted the previous night’s events, he cant believe he’d just said that. He’d even brought the mood down. Dan Heng had gone quiet after what Caelus said, the dragon dropping him off and leaving after only a brief hug.
Caelus was going to have to apologize, maybe get something for Dan Heng as a gift? But what would he give to a man who could change into a dragon and was one of the most powerful creatures to ever roam the lands.
As Caelus thought about what to give to his partner, something catches his eye. A small stand selling books and novels. Caelus remembered seeing Dan Heng’s hoard before. It wasn’t filled with gold but with books instead. Books were stacked high, towering well over Caelus. Shelves lined the outer walls of Dan Heng’s home, filled to brim with books.
Caelus approached the book stand, picking up some of them to check its contents. After looking through the entire selection of books, Caelus settled on one that he thought would interest Dan Heng.
Once he finished paying for the book, Caelus continued on with his day. Stopping by to help out some of the older people he knew with moving things and getting things for dinner.
“Have you heard? There’s been rumors of the Antimatter Legion hanging around in the woods nearby.”
Caelus paused as he listened to the people talk. The antimatter legion? What were they doing all the way out here?
“What are they doing here in these parts?” The person’s companion said.
“I don’t know but I think it’s best you avoid going into the woods for the time being, at least until the guards have taken care of them.”
Caelus quickly grabbed and payed for what he needed before immediately heading home. He was going to have to ask Dan Heng about this and hopefully, nothing bad will happen and that it was nothing but a rumor.
——
It seemed that Caelus wouldn’t be able to ask Dan Heng about the Antimatter Legion. Screams could be heard throughout the village, fire burning through the houses, buildings coming down as guards were thrown into them, there was nothing but chaos.
Caelus carefully snuck past many of the humanoid creatures, doing his best to lay low. Making his way through the village towards the forest. Just as Caelus reached the edge, the sound of a loud cry could be heard, the sound echoing through the village, alerting one of the monsters.
Caelus took off into a sprint as soon the sound of footsteps could be heard behind him. Running as fast as his legs could take him, Caelus broke through branches, tripping over roots but he never stopped.
The sound of an arrow whizzed through the air, barely missing him. More soon followed after, one managing to strike him in the leg. Caelus fell down with a yelp. Pain bloomed from the wound, blood gently trickling down. Pushing himself to his feet, Caelus limped towards the small stream ahead of him. Just as he was about to reach the water’s edge, one of the monsters had managed to catch up to him.
Caelus screamed as the monster’s blade sunk into his body, blood streaming out. His knees gave out from under him as the blade was pulled back. Leaving him limp on the forest floor. Using the last dregs of his strength, Caelus dragged himself towards the edge of the stream. Dipping his bloodied fingers into the cool water, his other hand clutching his side.
Just as his vision began to dim, Caelus heard a loud roar. The sound echoing through the trees. The sounds of branches snapping followed soon after. Caelus smiled as he saw teal scales and ivory claws appear in his vision before everything went black.
——-
Caelus remembers brief flashes of monsters get thrown and torn, teals scales surrounding him, being lifted into the air by familiar arms accompanied by desperate pleas.
The next thing he knows is he’s being fed something liquid, it burns his throat as he swallows the liquid. He’s then lowered into what he believes is water, cooling his heated skin before darkness returns.
The next few flashes of consciousness is accompanied by pain searing through his wounds, heat radiating from his skin. He vaguely remembers whining when a cool hand touches his forehead before he relaxes again, slipping back into slumber. The comfort of darkness slowly lulling him back to sleep.
——
Caelus’ return to consciousness was a regrettable one, every part of his body hurt. His wounds ached. Opening his eyes, Caelus finds himself lying atop what seems to be a nest, surrounded by books. Slowly pushing himself up, Caelus begins to check over his body, turning this way and that before he notices something off. He has a tail.
A long slender tail with a large tufted end.
Caelus stares at the extra limb, his reeling from the fact that he now has an extra limb. After getting his brain to work gain, Caelus begins to check all over his body, noting that his hands now have claws, similar to Dan Heng’s. What is going on?-
Caelus’ thoughts are interrupted by a soft snore. Turning he’s greeted with the sight of Dan Heng sleeping, his body propped up on the edge of the nest. Tail curling around his body. His face scrunched up, as if he was having a bad dream.
Caelus moves to wake the other up, gently placing his hand on Dan Heng’s shoulder before shaking it slightly. “Dan Heng”.
Teal eyes snap open, body tensing, ready to fight and protect, a small growl escapes Dan Heng’s lips, tail coming to wrap around Caelus, who responds with a low growl, eyes darting around the cavern searching for threats. Caelus pauses as he realizes what he’d just done, turning back to face Dan Heng. Teal eyes filled with exhaustion roved over Caelus, a hand reaching out to cup his face.
“Are you alright, is there anything that hurts?” Dan Heng asks, voice shaky.
Putting his hand over Dan Heng and turning to kiss the other’s palm, Caelus responds. “I’m fine, everything aches but it’s not bad.”
Caelus watches as the other seems to fidget with the edge of the nest, tail twitching anxiously. Caelus reaches out and grabs Dan Heng’s hand, pulling him into the nest before wrapping his arms around him. Hugging Dan Heng close.
Dan Heng nuzzles into Caelus’ neck, taking in a shaky breath as his arms wrap around Caelus tightly, tail curling around Caelus’. “I thought you weren’t going to make it.” Dan Heng whispered, voice shaky.
Caelus hugs Dan Heng close. “I’m alright. I’m here.” He says softly, kissing his temple before beginning to whisper soft reassurances.
The both of them stayed there, hugging each other, limbs wrapped around each other like a ball. Dan Heng is the first to pull back, looking into Caelus’ eyes. Teal eyes searching for any sign of pain, eyes red rimmed, although mostly hidden by red marks. Caelus gently rubs his thumbs underneath Dan Heng’s eyes. “You should get some rest.” He says.
Dan Heng lets out a hum, moving to press his lips to Caelus’. The kiss was tender and soft. Breaking the kiss, Caelus began to leave soft pecks on Dan Heng’s face, whispering sweet nothings in between each kiss.
It seems that Caelus himself hadn’t fully recovered, feeling exhaustion pulling on his consciousness again. “I think we both should get some sleep.” He yawned, pulling Dan Heng down with him.
“But I need to-“ Dan Heng began to protest, Caelus interrupting by putting a finger to his lips.
“Shhhhhh, let’s just get some sleep. You need the rest.”
Dan Heng seems to contemplate this before relenting, his body relaxing against Caelus. They both fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.
——-
Dan Heng watched as his mate slowly digs through the pile of rubble of what remains of his house. Caelus insisting he be the one to look for his things. Bubbles moves to nibble Dan Heng’s hand once it realizes he’d stop his absent minded scratching. They’d found the horse wandering around what remains of Caelus’ village, stealing apples, carrots, hay, whatever the animal could get its mouth on.
Caelus lets out a noise of victory, his tail wagging excitedly in the air as he jogs towards the both of them. Pausing briefly to give Bubbles some scratches before pressing a book covered in soot and dust into Dan Heng’s hands.
“I had been planning to give this to you before all of this-“ gesturing to the his house “-happened.” Caelus says, before nervously adding. “I know it’s not in the best condition, so once I find one that’s in better condition, I’ll make sure get it for you.”
Dan Heng flips the book this way and that, opening to inspect the pages, finding that the lines are still eligible. Only small burn marks were present on the book.
Satisfied with the state of the book, Dan Heng had the book disappear into a burst of particles. Looking up, he was met with an awestruck Caelus.
“You gotta teach me how to do that sometime.”
Dan Heng smiles, tilting his head slightly. “Sure.”
A soft snort makes the couple turn, Bubbles pawing at the ground. Caelus goes to give the horse a hug before noticing a sort of portal like structure behind it. Bubbles gives a quick shake of its head before turning and running into the portal, disappearing along with it.
Caelus turns towards Dan Heng in bewilderment. Dan Heng simply shrugs, he’s sure that wouldn’t be the last time they see the horse or creature.
Looking at the setting sun, Dan Heng turns to Caelus, smiling as he extends his hand to his mate. “Let’s head back”
His eyes softening as Caelus takes his hand before letting out a noise of surprise as he’s pulled in a different direction. Caelus smiling widely as he runs ahead. Shifting into his dragon form, letting out noises of excitement as he runs through the forest.
Dan Heng follows suit, allowing his body to shift. Letting out a playful growl as he runs after Caelus.
Dan Heng chased after his mate, dodging tall thin trees. Upon reaching the grass fields, Caelus spreads his feathery wings and takes off. Dan Heng takes off after him. The both of them flying up high into the sky. Breaking through the clouds high above the ground. The light of setting sun hitting onto them. The golden flecks on Caelus’ fur and feathers reflecting light.
Dan heng speeds up to meet Caelus as the other pauses. Touching his nose to his mate’s as he lets out a soft rumble. The two of them flying high in sky, surrounded by golden clouds and setting sun.
Notes
Here’s my basic design for dragon Caelus, he’s inspired by western dragons and griffins.
