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- Don't worry. Even if we end up dying down here, I wont let it happen to you first.
- —Dan Heng to Caelus, "Rogues on the Run"
DanCae is the slash ship between Dan Heng and Caelus from the Honkai: Star Rail fandom.
Canon[]
Trailblaze Missions[]
Herta Space Station[]
After Kafka and Silver Wolf seal the Stellaron inside the newly-activated receptacle Caelus’ body, they leave him, unconscious, on Herta Space Station. He is found later by March 7th and Dan Heng, the latter about to perform mouth-to-mouth CPR on Caelus’ prone body until March notices him waking up. After learning that he has no recollection of his past, apart from his name, the pair from the Astral Express, ‘a train that can travel between the stars with the power of the Trailblaze Aeon’, decide to let him tag along in heading to the master control zone, where the lead researcher of the space station, Asta, has gathered all the researchers, and also where the Astral Express is ‘parked’.
When Himeko asks if March’s been any trouble for Dan Heng and Caelus, by entering a specific dialogue option, (‘In that case, I'd rather not answer.’) March remarks that ‘we have two Dan Hengs on our team now’, showing that the two are relatively similar in some aspects.
Jarilo-VI[]
In order to find Dan Heng after the three Astral Express members, as well as Bronya Rand, are brought to the Underworld by Sampo Koski, Caelus joins March in playing a game of hide-and-seek with the Moles, a group of friends in the Underworld who call themselves ‘an adventure squad’, to find his whereabouts. Upon finding out that he’s been dragged to the Fight Club by Sampo, the pair rush there immediately, finding him preparing for a fight against the ‘unfeeling, incendiary, explosive might of Team Robomatic’. After witnessing this, Caelus and March 7th jump into the fighting ring to help him.
A while after the trio meet Seele and Oleg, when Caelus talks to Dan Heng, (optional, players can decide whether to converse with him or not) he asks how Caelus feels about his first Trailblazing expedition. If replying with 'I feel a little discombobulated', Dan Heng subsequently states that 'all journeys contain their share of the unexpected', and that it won't be the last time he feels that way. When asked if he trusts Wildfire, he tells Caelus about not having enough knowledge about them to decide, so trust 'isn't in the picture yet', but adds on by warning Caelus not to trust Sampo. After the player chooses to exit the conversation, asking Dan Heng to tell him next time, he lets Caelus go with a 'no problem', adding that Caelus can approach him any time to talk.
When Gertie learns that the three of them are guests of Oleg, she welcomes Caelus, Dan Heng, and March to the Goethe Hotel. After talking with Gertie about the history of the hotel, the three of them go into the hallway of the hotel to talk about what they think of Oleg. March thinks Oleg seems sincere, but when entering a specific dialogue option, (‘Appearances can be deceiving.’) March tells Dan Heng that Caelus is starting to sound like him. Dan Heng also adds that their last hotel experience was eventful, advising that someone should keep watch tonight. March thinks the idea seems like space cowboys in the cosmic wild west, in entertaining a specific dialogue option, (‘Leave it to me.’) Dan Heng tells Caelus that he looks pretty exhausted and tells him he'll do it instead.
Xianzhou Luofu[]
During the Trailblaze Mission ‘Devising Stratagems’, taking place in the Xianzhou Luofu, Caelus and March attempt to contact Dan Heng, asking if he and Himeko are okay, but to no avail. Back on the Astral Express, upon spotting a hologram of Blade while re-watching the transmission of Kafka’s hologram talking about the Luofu’s Stellaron crisis, Dan Heng immediately starts panicking, worrying about the safety of Caelus and the rest of the Astral Express Crew back in the Xianzhou Luofu.
Dan Heng then arrives on the Xianzhou a while later. For the rest of the the Trailblaze Mission questline, the two converse through text messages until meeting at Scalegorge Waterscape, where Dan Heng battles both Yanqing and Blade in his Vidyadhara form, then is taken by Jing Yuan to meet the other Trailblazers.
Before Dan Heng is to open the ‘road’ to the Ambrosial Arbor’s roots, if the player (in Dan Heng's perspective) chooses to talk to the others in the hall and goes to Caelus, he will not say anything to Dan Heng, only some dialogue [Caelus looks at you, as you both become silent.] appearing below the dialogue options. Whether ‘Is there nothing you'd like to ask?’ or ‘...’ is selected, this will still show up: ‘Caelus shakes his head. He doesn't want to speak. Nobody can get him to open up.’
Penacony[]
As the Astral Express prepare for Penacony, their next destination, the player has an option to check on the crew members. When Caelus goes inside to Dan Heng’s room and talks to him, Dan Heng tells Caelus that he spoke to Welt and will be staying on the Express, then wishes Caelus to have a delightful day in Penacony. There are three dialogue options for the player, either asking, “You're not coming?” or suggesting that “You should come with us, it's such a rare opportunity…”. Dan Heng responds that he appreciates the invitation, but doesn’t like bustling places and needs to handle some work in the Express. However, in the third dialogue option, Caelus says “I respect your decision. Rest well.”, which Dan Heng expresses his gratitude for, stating that '... [It's] reassuring to know we're on the same wavelength'. Dan Heng then reassures Caelus to pay no mind to the incident in the Xianzhou Luofu regarding Dan Heng's past, reminding him that Penacony isn’t their final stop on the Express's trip and that he'll be ready to catch up with the rest of the Express.
When all of the crew members on Penacony are with Black Swan and Boothill in the Astral Express, Pom-Pom gathers the Astral Express to discuss their navigating meeting for their next destination. In the game, the player can choose what planet they can go next after their journey in Penacony. After the navigation meeting, all of them are ready for the next warp jump. The player has an optional choice to talk to the others before talking to Black Swan for a chat. If the player interacts with Dan Heng. Dan Heng starts the conversation by musing that he and Caelus that they haven't crossed paths in quite some time. There are two dialogue options. If the player chooses, “It has indeed been a while.”, Dan Heng states that the joy of reunion after long periods of time can be considered part of treading the path of Trailblaze. If “You're always in my heart.”, the second option, is picked, Dan Heng stays silent before wryly admitting that he should have known better than to expect anything serious from him. Caelus insists that Dan Heng has to disembark with them when they reach their next destination. Dan Heng chuckles as a response, stating that he's got it.
While returning to the Trailblazer's POV, Dan Heng asked Welt by hearing of the news that The Alfalfa Family had a meeting with the IPC. Welt said that he got the information from a message sent by that IPC ambassador, who is Aventurine, and said he was to "return the favor." Welt just can’t believe that Penacony today is pretty much like the frontier prison like it was, with external forces casting greedy eyes and the undercurrent of Order lurking within. And by letting Penacony take a step back and invite the IPC to negotiate at the table, ostensibly to cooperate, while in reality, to secure more opportunities for their own survival. Dan Heng said that he no wonder they still sought the mediation from the Astral Express, by asking what Welt's opinion. Welt said that he doesn’t think the followers of the Harmony are completely innocent victims in all of this. For reasons unknown, they have a strong desire to smooth things over, which leads to speculation about their motives. But if either The Family or IPC were to assume full control of Penacony, it would return to its previous illusory dream of hedonism, and the efforts of those previous Nameless.
Once Dan Heng and Welt were discussing, they heard Caelus and March approach them. Welt asked Caelus if he rested well. But Dan Heng said that he didn't disturb Caelus, since he was in a deep sleep. Caelus told Dan Heng that he feels like he had a really long dream. Then Welt said that having long dreams eventually come to an end and through their adventure in Penacony is reaching its conclusion. Caelus asked where Himeko was, but Dan Heng told him that she will go negotiate with The Family as a representative of the Crew and she will contact them if her arrangements are ready. Then Caelus let Welt continue the topic. Welt told Caelus, Dan Heng, and March about the situation when after Ena's dream was shattered, then The Family branch from the Montour System soon arrived and swiftly took control of the situation. Which one of the Oak Family members fell unconscious, but fortunately, their lives were not in danger. Dan Heng knew that the mastermind behind the plans was confirmed to be Gopher Wood, the previous Dreammaster, but when they arrived, he was already dead. Caelus asked where Sunday was, then Dan Heng told him that he would face a trial. Caelus asked how the guests would react. Welt mentioned that The Family branch from the Montour System managed to quash the spread of rumors within a short period of time, in which the majority of guests were unaware of the situation, and their lives remained largely unaffected. Then Caelus asked what would happen to Penacony. Welt told him that they were about to witness the Radiant Feldspar. March even mentioned the public perceived the incident as an attack by evil forces targeting the Charmony Festival. That’s why the people believe The Family failed to safeguard the sweet dream, significantly eroding their credibility in the process.
As they were discussing, Siobhan approached them, by talking about how they will never know who's awake and who's pretending to be asleep, but as they will open their eyes in the face of danger, once the danger subsides, they'll embrace the sweet dream again. Siobhan brings a toast, with three glasses of "Glory of the Trailblaze" to Caelus, Dan Heng, March, and Welt. Caelus greets Siobhan. Siobhan was grateful by seeing them again, but this will be their last time to see Siobhan after this reunion. Caelus asked if Siobhan was here too, but she told him that this is her lounge. Siobhan asked them when they would leave Penacony. Welt told Siobhan that they will stay here for a bit longer but not that long. Siobhan asked that this will be their last meeting, so she considered this as a farewell. She thinks she misses something. So she has an idea to make a drink to honor those who are not here. As they will use it to pay respect to those fallen heroes. To the Nameless and to Gallagher.
Companion Missions[]
When initially interacting with Silver Wolf on the Astral Express (She will periodically appear on the Express after players complete her Companion Mission.), after her greeting, there is the dialogue option for Caelus to warn Dan Heng about her presence. ('Dan Heng, watch out! Make a run for it!') Silver Wolf does subsequently remark on the Trailblazer's strong sense of awareness, especially for his companions, adding that she likes that.
During Dan Heng’s Companion Mission ‘The Dragon Returns Home’, Dan Heng requests for Caelus’s presence when he returns to the Xianzhou Luofu to meet Bailu, the current Vidyadhara High Elder of the Luofu, as he ‘fear(s) complications will arise’ if he goes alone, and thinks the situation might go smoother if Caelus is there, having saved the Healer Lady once before. When Bailu’s maid, Huanxi, asks for Caelus to leave them, Dan Heng objects, stating that he is a close friend that was invited to bear witness, and requests for Huanxi to treat him like she would Dan Heng.
During the “Clouds Leave No Trace” Companion Mission, Caelus was on the Astral Express Parlor Car. He saw something on top of the table. He reads the letter until he realises the letter was received from the Xianzhou Luofu for Dan Heng. But he doesn’t know who sent it. He will ask Pom-Pom about it. Caelus approached Pom-Pom and asked if Pom-Pom knew who sent the letter or knowing there’s a letter on the table. Pom-Pom told Caelus that Pom-Pom has been cleaning up this whole time and didn't see any letters. Caelus told Pom-Pom this is creepy or asking if someone would sneak onto the Express. Pom-Pom is shocked and tells Caelus not to scare Pom-Pom like that or else Pom-Pom will upgrade the security level around the Express. Pom-Pom asked Caelus to know what the letter said. Caelus gives the letter to Pom-Pom. After Pom-Pom finished reading, Pom-Pom told Caelus, it’s like an invitation, but Pom-Pom doesn’t know who sent it. Pom-Pom is asking if Dan Heng has friends on the Luofu. When Pom-Pom remembers correctly, he tells Caelus that Dan Heng was exiled from there and asks if Pom-Pom was right. Caelus thinks who sent it. He thinks it was Jing Yuan or Blade. Pom-Pom told Caelus to show Dan Heng a letter to let him know. When Caelus went inside to his room, Dan Heng noticed him and asked if he needed something. Caelus told Dan Heng that someone sent him a letter or someone invited him to return to old ground. Dan Heng even notices and he said there's no signature, and it doesn't mention a time or place. He even told Caelus if whoever sent this expects him to remember. He told Caelus that he might disappoint them. In the game’s option dialogue, there are three options if the player will ask Dan Heng: “Why so serious?”, “Do you need any help?”, or “Could it be Blade...?”. In the first option, Caelus asked Dan Heng, why is he being serious. Dan Heng told Caelus that he was just thinking. In the second option, Caelus asked Dan Heng if he needed any help. But Dan Heng told Caelus that he was grateful, but he said he didn't even know where to start. While in the third option, Caelus asked Dan Heng if it was Blade who sent the letter. Dan Heng told Caelus it’s an invitation but he said that Blade would be too mysterious if it was him. Dan Heng told Caelus that he will be the one to hold onto the letter and if anything related to Dan Feng's past should be handled with care. After Caelus left the room, Dan Heng talked to himself and he was glad that letting Caelus leave first was a wise choice. He can't let them put them in danger again because of this.
Quotes[]
- March 7th – “...Oh, looks like we have two Dan Hengs on our team now.”
- Dan Heng – “Please leave me out of this.”
- — Eye of the Storm
- Himeko – “That's why we have to leave and take Caelus with us.”
- Dan Heng – “Caelus? He’s that important?”
- — A Moment of Peace
- “Are you doing okay after your first jump? Dizziness or retching are normal reactions. You'll feel better once you get used to it.”
- — Dan Heng, “A Ground Cool Adventure”
- “I see. Caelus, you should find March. I'll join you two once I'm ready.”
- — Dan Heng, “A Ground Cool Adventure”
- “...So you're awake?”
- — Dan Heng, “The Eighth and Final Rule”
- “Mm, that's all we need to summarize for now. If there's anything else you're not clear on, come and find me.”
- — Dan Heng, “Long Wait for the Blade’s Edge"
- “No problem, come find me any time.”
- — Dan Heng, “Long Wait for the Blade’s Edge"
- “You seem pretty exhausted, don't overexert yourself. I'll do it.”
- — Dan Heng, “A Sunset Rendezvous”
- “Caelus, you tried your best to persuade him. It's my fault for not preparing better for such a situation in advance.”
- — Dan Heng, “Not Good with Farewells”
- “You tried your best, don't blame yourself. I should've considered such a situation in advance. And it was Svarog who attacked first, we didn't have any other choice.”
- — Dan Heng, “Not Good with Farewells”
- “...So if you're planning on going, I can't go with you.”
- — Dan Heng, “An Invitation Without Proffer”
- “You need to take extra care on this expedition. I've compiled some intel on the Xianzhou for you, I hope it comes in useful.”
- — Dan Heng, “An Invitation Without Proffer”
- “Caelus looks at you, as you both become silent.”
- — Oblation Obtained, Order Ordained
- “Is there nothing you'd like to ask?”
- — Dan Heng, “Oblation Obtained, Order Ordained”
- “Caelus shakes his head. He doesn't want to speak. Nobody can get him to open up.”
- — Oblation Obtained, Order Ordained
- “ If you're planning on an extended stay on the Luofu, I'm afraid I won't be able to join you. I'm sorry, Caelus.”
- — Dan Heng, “Obsequies Performed, A Long Road Ahead”
- “Caelus is a close friend, I've invited him to bear witness. Please treat him as you would me. Now, what was your request?”
- — Dan Heng, "The Dragon Returns Home"
- “Wait, Caelus. Can you feel it? There's someone coming!”
- — Dan Heng, “The Dragon Returns Home”
- “Caelus, protect Bailu.”
- — Dan Heng, "The Dragon Returns Home"
- “Luckily, I had Dan Heng and Caelus to protect me all the way. If anyone's owed a thanks, it's them.”
- — Bailu, "The Dragon Returns Home"
- Caelus – “Dan Heng belongs to the Astral Express...”
- Jing Yuan – “Hahahaha, I do not seek to take Dan Heng away from you.”
- — The Dragon Returns Home
- Caelus – “Dan Heng, stay on the Express and get some rest.”
- Dan Heng – “Thank you for understanding, Caelus.”
- — Future Market (Prologue)
- “Upend the ancient sea and return to old ground... It's a letter for Dan Heng, but who is it from? I should ask the conductor...”
- — Caelus, "Clouds Leave No Trace"
- Caelus – “Why so serious?”
- Dan Heng – “Huh? I'm just thinking.”
- — Clouds Leave No Trace
- Caelus – “Do you need any help?”
- Dan Heng – “Thanks, but I don't even know where to start...”
- — Clouds Leave No Trace
- “Caelus, let me hold on to the letter. Anything related to Dan Feng's past should be handled with care.”
- — Dan Heng, "Clouds Leave No Trace"
- “Just as I thought, there was more than met the eye... Letting Caelus leave first was a wise choice — I can't put them in danger again because of this.”
- — Dan Heng, "Clouds Leave No Trace"
- “What is it, Caelus? Do you need something?”
- — Dan Heng, "Clouds Leave No Trace"
- “Dan Heng, let's make this quick.”
- — Caelus (Added to Team With Dan Heng)
- “Like always, Dan Heng, let's make this quick!”
- — Caelus (Added to Team With Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae)
- “Tread carefully, Caelus.”
- — Dan Heng (Added to Team With Caelus)
- “Caelus, proceed with caution. I've got your back.”
- — Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae (Added to Team With Caelus)
- Caelus – “You should come with us, it's such a rare opportunity...”
- Dan Heng – “Thank you, I appreciate the invitation, but I don't like bustling places, and someone has to handle the work on the Express.”
- — Long Day's Journey Into Night
- Caelus – “I respect your decision. Rest well.”
- Dan Heng – “Thank you, Caelus. It's reassuring to know we're on a similar wavelength.”
- — Long Day's Journey Into Night
- “Pay no mind to the matters concerning the Xianzhou. Penacony isn't the final stop on our trip. We have plenty of time. Once everything is packed up, I will naturally catch up with all of you.”
- — Dan Heng, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"
- “I'd advice double-checking your bags. Word is that The Family's customs procedure can be quite demanding. Better sort it out now than face issues at your hotel check-in.”
- — Dan Heng, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"
- Caelus – “It has indeed been a while.”
- Dan Heng – “Perhaps... the joy of reuniting after a long time can also be considered just another part of the Trailblaze.”
- — The Sun Also Rises
- Caelus – “You're always in my heart.”
- Dan Heng – “...I should have known better than to expect anything serious from you.”
- — The Sun Also Rises
- Dan Heng – “The Shackling Prison... I didn't expect to be back here after all these years.”
- Caelus – “Dan Heng...”
- Dan Heng – “Don't worry about me.”
- — Inquisition to Rectitude
- “I wish I could show you the real sights of the Luofu.”
- — Dan Heng, Inquisition to Rectitude
- “Dan Heng gently pats your hand.”
- — Inquisition to Rectitude
- Caelus – “I want to make it out alive, too.”
- Dan Heng – “Don't worry. Even if we end up dying down here, I wont let it happen to you first.”
- — Rogues on the Run
Fanon[]
Their pairing is usually thought of (by fans) with Dan Heng as the ‘dominant’/top one in the relationship, though their positions are occasionally swapped. This ship is relatively popular and is commonly shipped alongside Starch. DanCae is the fifth most written ship for the Honkai: Star Rail fandom on AO3 as of currently - with 1,170+ works. It is Dan Heng's third most popular ship and Caelus' most popular one. Some fans often compare them to Xiaother due to their color palette of green and yellow and contrasting personalities (with Aether and Caelus being extroverts and Xiao and Dan Heng being introverts). Some fans have made a headcanon of Bailu being their daughter through Dan Heng's Companion Mission, as well as DanStelle.
Fandom[]
- FAN FICTION
- Caelus/Dan Heng tag on AO3
- Caelus & Dan Heng tag on AO3
Trivia[]
Dan Heng's countdown art
- On Dan Heng's official art for the countdown to the game's release, he is holding a sphere that radiates yellow/gold light, its shade similar to the eye color of Caelus.
Gallery[]
- Main article: DanCae/Gallery
