[Super Junior Fic] Walls Held Up Against the Sky (The Burning of the City of Light)
Title: Walls Held Up Against the Sky (The Burning of the City of Light)
Pairing: Siwon/Hankyung
Genre: AU
Summary: It started with the beginning of the end.
Notes: Written for
inheritable for the prompts ♥ and ♥. He is to blame for everything.
Thanks to
pach_unni for the beta/input.
I used the boys' Chinese names because it suited the storyline better. This was written without consulting a history reference, so all historical inaccuracies/improbabilities are my fault. ^^;
*Li Te = Leeteuk
Shi Yuan = Siwon
Kui Xian = Kyuhyun
Li Xu = Ryeowook
Sheng Min = Sungmin
Xian Hua = Henry
Donghai = Donghae
It started with the beginning of the end.
The city was burning. Tall towers and centuries-old structures succumbed to giant flames, fire feeding on wooden foundations and histories on papyrus.
(It was the City of Light, central to the empire, home to Emperor Li Te and his proteges.)
Han Geng was running on fear smothered by fury. He grabbed the shoulder of a magistrate who was escaping the palace with a jade box in his arms. “Where is Kui Xian?” The accosted man paled, unable to reply. “Kui Xian! Where is he?” Han Geng demanded. “Where is my brother?”
“I know nothing, I am sorry!” The magistrate shook his head. Han Geng let him go in disgust. He realized that he had no choice but to go back to the building where he came from.
“Don’t,” a strong hand gripped his arm. “The city is lost.”
"The city be damned. Kui Xian is still inside!” Han Geng yelled over the din of people’s cries. “Let me go, Shi Yuan.”
(Han Geng had always been at Shi Yuan's side, bonded by an oath of brotherhood and heart-ties that sprung from years of friendship - where one goes, the other was sure to follow.)
“My lord,” a younger man approached them. “The horses are waiting. We must go now, or else Sheng Min and his men would catch up to us.”
“Thank you, Li Xu,” Shi Yuan gave the boy a curt but grateful nod. “I trust that Xian Hua is with you?”
Li Xu nodded.
“Come along, Han Geng, I’m sure Kui Xian is with Zhou Mi, and they are safe.” Shi Yuan tugged at Han Geng’s wrist. “Now would not be a good time to not listen to me.”
Han Geng wanted to trust Shi Yuan, wanted to believe him - after all, Shi Yuan’s wisdom had never failed him before - but there was a wild fear threatening to consume Han Geng. Kui Xian was all he had.
(Shi Yuan was wise and caring and strong - fitting for someone in line to the throne. Shi Yuan was Han Geng most trusted, most cherished friend, his most special gift.)
“Please,” Shi Yuan said. “You know I can’t leave you here.”
Han Geng looked at Shi Yuan, then back at the wildfire-stricken city.
Run.
*
Han Geng woke up in the makeshift caravan with the court musician Xian Hua peeking out of the canvas beside him.
(Han Geng recalled the sounds in the palace, Kui Xian's and Li Xu's beautiful voices melding with the melodies from Xian Hua's violin and Zhou Mi's flute, Shi Yuan's laughter filling the room as he sat by the emperor's side, Han Geng dancing in the lamplight.)
“They burned the countryside, too,” Xian Hua reported, voice full of quiet loathing.
“Any news on Kui Xian?” Han Geng asked.
Xian Hua shook his head. “All we found was Zhou Mi’s flute,” he lowered his eyes. “I am sorry.”
“We are headed to the border. Prince Dong Hai’s men are waiting to escort us to safety.” Shi Yuan broke the silence, giving the reins to Li Xu and made his way into the wagon.
(Han Geng remembered Dong Hai, bright-eyed and generous, the young ruler of a small principality just outside the City of Light - Han Geng knew that Dong Hai was on their side.)
Shi Yuan nodded to Xian Hua, and then the younger man went out to take Shi Yuan’s place next to Li Xu.
“We need to do this,” Shi Yuan broached the subject. “You have known for weeks. We need to escape.”
Han Geng’s eyes flashed. “But not without my brother!”
“I know, but we cannot do anything about this now.” Shi Yuan ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I am sorry, Han Geng.”
“Are you?” Han Geng snapped. “Are you truly sorry, Shi Yuan? Would you have let this happen if you were me?”
“There are things beyond our control.” Shi Yuan’s voice was deliberately cold, Han Geng knew - years of training on conduct and propriety applied during this crucial moment. Han Geng knew that Shi Yuan didn’t want to give away his feelings.
“It is all right,” Han Geng said finally, realizing the weight of his words - Shi Yuan’s brother was missing, too. Han Geng laid a hand on Shi Yuan’s shoulder. “You can stop being strong for both of us. I am going to be fine.”
Shi Yuan blinked. “But,” he stared at Han Geng. “Only because you say so.”
Han Geng offered his shoulder.
*
Growing up in someone’s shadow was not as difficult as some people imagined it to be. Shi Yuan cast a pretty big shadow, too - lords and ladies had only good things to say about Shi Yuan, the perfect little prince, and those who were determined to detest him fabricated malicious tales that only added color to the young man’s reputation, and further solidified his place in society.
Shi Yuan and Han Geng had been together for as long as they could remember. In fact, Han Geng vaguely remembered meeting Shi Yuan for the first time in the royal nursery, the younger boy sleeping quietly in the arms of a nursemaid. He remembered how the baby regarded him with wide, curious eyes, and how Han Geng offered him a smile.
They had been inseparable ever since. Han Geng was Shi Yuan’s confidante, and Shi Yuan, in turn, had always been there for Han Geng. Their brothers Kui Xian and Zhou Mi grew up like them, too, steadfast friends, one never without the other.
And now, with the empire burned to the ground, Han Geng realized that he had to make a choice.
I am sorry, Shi Yuan.
*
“We did not run away from them only for you to go charging back!” Shi Yuan said, throwing his hands in the air, frustrated. “Have you gone insane?”
“I need to do this,” Han Geng said, giving back Shi Yuan his earlier words. “You have known for years that this was bound to happen one day.”
“I know that,” Shi Yuan retorted, pacing. They were now safely in Dong Hai’s castle, waiting for news about the whereabouts of Lord Sheng Min and his henchmen. “But need it be now? There is too much unrest! The last thing the kingdom needs is more confusion!”
“What the kingdom needs is the truth, Shi Yuan,” Han Geng replied. “It is time for us all to face the truth.”
Shi Yuan strode up to Han Geng, eyes dark. “What good is the truth if it puts your life on the line?”
“What good is it if it puts your life at risk, too?”
“My life is not what matters here,” Shi Yuan shook his head.
“It matters to me,” Han Geng said quietly. “And it matters that I do what is right.”
Shi Yuan held Han Geng’s gaze, then let his shoulders fall.
*
Han Geng revealing himself as the true heir of the empire caused a sharp ripple of reaction across the country. For years, people believed that no direct descendants of the emperor existed; for years, everyone thought that Shi Yuan, a nobleman’s son, was next in line for the throne. For years, Han Geng, son of a royal concubine, let people think that he was merely Shi Yuan’s friend, a boy whose family was taken in at the palace: a safety precaution his father had made, with Shi Yuan and Zhou Mi as safeguards to the royal family line.
With his father and mother murdered, and his younger brother missing, Han Geng knew he had to fight back to save what his family and Shi Yuan’s had tried to guard for so long.
*
“Everything is ready, your majesty.” Li Xu laid out Han Geng’s armor.
“For honor,” Dong Hai gave Han Geng the emperor’s sword. “For your father.”
The two men left Han Geng alone with his thoughts.
“Victory is at hand, my lord,” Shi Yuan entered the room, carrying a small box. “A charm,” he said, handing the box to Han Geng. “From your mother, to give to you at the right time. No time as perfect as now.”
Han Geng took out a necklace, held it against his palm. Forever true. The words were engraved into the gold disk pendant.
“Are you ready for what is to come?” Shi Yuan asked.
With Shi Yuan and their allies by his side, Han Geng was ready to face anything.
(Shi Yuan's hand against Han Geng's heart, fingers curled around the pendant of Han Geng's necklace: a promise to keep Han Geng safe, a vow to cherish and protect - for always.)
*
Sometime during battle, word reached Han Geng and Shi Yuan of a sighting - Kui Xian and Zhou Mi supposedly escaped the burning palace and sought refuge at a neighboring country.
“My lord, we do not know if it is the truth,” Shi Yuan said.
“We do not, but a man could hope,” Han Geng replied. “And we will win this battle yet.”
*
And thus was the dawn - a kingdom reborn.
Pairing: Siwon/Hankyung
Genre: AU
Summary: It started with the beginning of the end.
Notes: Written for
inheritable for the prompts ♥ and ♥. He is to blame for everything.
Thanks to
pach_unni for the beta/input.
I used the boys' Chinese names because it suited the storyline better. This was written without consulting a history reference, so all historical inaccuracies/improbabilities are my fault. ^^;
*Li Te = Leeteuk
Shi Yuan = Siwon
Kui Xian = Kyuhyun
Li Xu = Ryeowook
Sheng Min = Sungmin
Xian Hua = Henry
Donghai = Donghae
It started with the beginning of the end.
The city was burning. Tall towers and centuries-old structures succumbed to giant flames, fire feeding on wooden foundations and histories on papyrus.
(It was the City of Light, central to the empire, home to Emperor Li Te and his proteges.)
Han Geng was running on fear smothered by fury. He grabbed the shoulder of a magistrate who was escaping the palace with a jade box in his arms. “Where is Kui Xian?” The accosted man paled, unable to reply. “Kui Xian! Where is he?” Han Geng demanded. “Where is my brother?”
“I know nothing, I am sorry!” The magistrate shook his head. Han Geng let him go in disgust. He realized that he had no choice but to go back to the building where he came from.
“Don’t,” a strong hand gripped his arm. “The city is lost.”
"The city be damned. Kui Xian is still inside!” Han Geng yelled over the din of people’s cries. “Let me go, Shi Yuan.”
(Han Geng had always been at Shi Yuan's side, bonded by an oath of brotherhood and heart-ties that sprung from years of friendship - where one goes, the other was sure to follow.)
“My lord,” a younger man approached them. “The horses are waiting. We must go now, or else Sheng Min and his men would catch up to us.”
“Thank you, Li Xu,” Shi Yuan gave the boy a curt but grateful nod. “I trust that Xian Hua is with you?”
Li Xu nodded.
“Come along, Han Geng, I’m sure Kui Xian is with Zhou Mi, and they are safe.” Shi Yuan tugged at Han Geng’s wrist. “Now would not be a good time to not listen to me.”
Han Geng wanted to trust Shi Yuan, wanted to believe him - after all, Shi Yuan’s wisdom had never failed him before - but there was a wild fear threatening to consume Han Geng. Kui Xian was all he had.
(Shi Yuan was wise and caring and strong - fitting for someone in line to the throne. Shi Yuan was Han Geng most trusted, most cherished friend, his most special gift.)
“Please,” Shi Yuan said. “You know I can’t leave you here.”
Han Geng looked at Shi Yuan, then back at the wildfire-stricken city.
Run.
*
Han Geng woke up in the makeshift caravan with the court musician Xian Hua peeking out of the canvas beside him.
(Han Geng recalled the sounds in the palace, Kui Xian's and Li Xu's beautiful voices melding with the melodies from Xian Hua's violin and Zhou Mi's flute, Shi Yuan's laughter filling the room as he sat by the emperor's side, Han Geng dancing in the lamplight.)
“They burned the countryside, too,” Xian Hua reported, voice full of quiet loathing.
“Any news on Kui Xian?” Han Geng asked.
Xian Hua shook his head. “All we found was Zhou Mi’s flute,” he lowered his eyes. “I am sorry.”
“We are headed to the border. Prince Dong Hai’s men are waiting to escort us to safety.” Shi Yuan broke the silence, giving the reins to Li Xu and made his way into the wagon.
(Han Geng remembered Dong Hai, bright-eyed and generous, the young ruler of a small principality just outside the City of Light - Han Geng knew that Dong Hai was on their side.)
Shi Yuan nodded to Xian Hua, and then the younger man went out to take Shi Yuan’s place next to Li Xu.
“We need to do this,” Shi Yuan broached the subject. “You have known for weeks. We need to escape.”
Han Geng’s eyes flashed. “But not without my brother!”
“I know, but we cannot do anything about this now.” Shi Yuan ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I am sorry, Han Geng.”
“Are you?” Han Geng snapped. “Are you truly sorry, Shi Yuan? Would you have let this happen if you were me?”
“There are things beyond our control.” Shi Yuan’s voice was deliberately cold, Han Geng knew - years of training on conduct and propriety applied during this crucial moment. Han Geng knew that Shi Yuan didn’t want to give away his feelings.
“It is all right,” Han Geng said finally, realizing the weight of his words - Shi Yuan’s brother was missing, too. Han Geng laid a hand on Shi Yuan’s shoulder. “You can stop being strong for both of us. I am going to be fine.”
Shi Yuan blinked. “But,” he stared at Han Geng. “Only because you say so.”
Han Geng offered his shoulder.
*
Growing up in someone’s shadow was not as difficult as some people imagined it to be. Shi Yuan cast a pretty big shadow, too - lords and ladies had only good things to say about Shi Yuan, the perfect little prince, and those who were determined to detest him fabricated malicious tales that only added color to the young man’s reputation, and further solidified his place in society.
Shi Yuan and Han Geng had been together for as long as they could remember. In fact, Han Geng vaguely remembered meeting Shi Yuan for the first time in the royal nursery, the younger boy sleeping quietly in the arms of a nursemaid. He remembered how the baby regarded him with wide, curious eyes, and how Han Geng offered him a smile.
They had been inseparable ever since. Han Geng was Shi Yuan’s confidante, and Shi Yuan, in turn, had always been there for Han Geng. Their brothers Kui Xian and Zhou Mi grew up like them, too, steadfast friends, one never without the other.
And now, with the empire burned to the ground, Han Geng realized that he had to make a choice.
I am sorry, Shi Yuan.
*
“We did not run away from them only for you to go charging back!” Shi Yuan said, throwing his hands in the air, frustrated. “Have you gone insane?”
“I need to do this,” Han Geng said, giving back Shi Yuan his earlier words. “You have known for years that this was bound to happen one day.”
“I know that,” Shi Yuan retorted, pacing. They were now safely in Dong Hai’s castle, waiting for news about the whereabouts of Lord Sheng Min and his henchmen. “But need it be now? There is too much unrest! The last thing the kingdom needs is more confusion!”
“What the kingdom needs is the truth, Shi Yuan,” Han Geng replied. “It is time for us all to face the truth.”
Shi Yuan strode up to Han Geng, eyes dark. “What good is the truth if it puts your life on the line?”
“What good is it if it puts your life at risk, too?”
“My life is not what matters here,” Shi Yuan shook his head.
“It matters to me,” Han Geng said quietly. “And it matters that I do what is right.”
Shi Yuan held Han Geng’s gaze, then let his shoulders fall.
*
Han Geng revealing himself as the true heir of the empire caused a sharp ripple of reaction across the country. For years, people believed that no direct descendants of the emperor existed; for years, everyone thought that Shi Yuan, a nobleman’s son, was next in line for the throne. For years, Han Geng, son of a royal concubine, let people think that he was merely Shi Yuan’s friend, a boy whose family was taken in at the palace: a safety precaution his father had made, with Shi Yuan and Zhou Mi as safeguards to the royal family line.
With his father and mother murdered, and his younger brother missing, Han Geng knew he had to fight back to save what his family and Shi Yuan’s had tried to guard for so long.
*
“Everything is ready, your majesty.” Li Xu laid out Han Geng’s armor.
“For honor,” Dong Hai gave Han Geng the emperor’s sword. “For your father.”
The two men left Han Geng alone with his thoughts.
“Victory is at hand, my lord,” Shi Yuan entered the room, carrying a small box. “A charm,” he said, handing the box to Han Geng. “From your mother, to give to you at the right time. No time as perfect as now.”
Han Geng took out a necklace, held it against his palm. Forever true. The words were engraved into the gold disk pendant.
“Are you ready for what is to come?” Shi Yuan asked.
With Shi Yuan and their allies by his side, Han Geng was ready to face anything.
(Shi Yuan's hand against Han Geng's heart, fingers curled around the pendant of Han Geng's necklace: a promise to keep Han Geng safe, a vow to cherish and protect - for always.)
*
Sometime during battle, word reached Han Geng and Shi Yuan of a sighting - Kui Xian and Zhou Mi supposedly escaped the burning palace and sought refuge at a neighboring country.
“My lord, we do not know if it is the truth,” Shi Yuan said.
“We do not, but a man could hope,” Han Geng replied. “And we will win this battle yet.”
*
And thus was the dawn - a kingdom reborn.