House of Rand (Honkai: Star Rail AU fan story)

[Jakeros]

Honkai Star Rail is property of Hoyoverse. I own nothing.

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In the dark expanse of space, glittering stars filled the void like diamonds twinkling every so often, providing a show for any who cared to watch. It was here that a peculiar sight could found, one that would have anyone scratching their head before they realized what they were looking at. A magnificent, elegant freight train with intricate designs inlaid from the massive, spectacular engine all down the line of passenger cars that it carried on its voyage. This train was no product of some hallucination but was in fact the home of the legendary Nameless that journeyed through the stars – the Astral Express.

Many had heard of this elusive but famed group of explorers or, as they were quick to correct, Trailblazers. They were considered an illustrious group full of peculiar characters and the like, somehow managing to coexist without any (significant) conflict arising, and trusted by some of the most prominent factions of the galaxy such as the IPC or the Xianzhou Alliance. Their patron aeon, Akivili, was heralded as the great explorer and was constantly seeking to uncover new and fascinating worlds rich with discoveries and dangers alike.

The crew of the Express was not the original one its set out with, of course. Many Trailblazers had come and gone, called by to answer destinies separate from the ones of their fellow express members. Even so, the express had always been a lively place to reside and was often the preferred destination for many of the express's friends that the Trailblazers had made along their journey.

That is, until now.

Within the parlor car of the express, there was no joyful laughter nor any sign of exuberance that the crew shared like an infectious disease. Instead, the five… no, not five, not anymore. Of the four still aboard, only three were present, including the much-beloved Conductor of the express and not a sound was made between them.

A young girl with pinkish-white hair stood before one of the expansive windows of the car, her gloved hand pressed against the glass as she stared out into space for a sign of… something.

March 7th – this was her name, or rather the name she was given as this girl did not possess memories of her previous self. She had joined the express to find her past and make new memories along the way with all the new friends she had made. Life had not been easy for her, but she made the most of it because of the company she kept… one in particular had helped her more than anyone, really.

It was him that she fretted over, her eyes darting back and forth across the empty expanse as though she might spy him out there, however a long shot that notion was. But she had to do something! Everyone else had almost given up but she couldn't! Her friend wouldn't do it so neither would she!

Even so, the atmosphere of the car was enough to dampen her resolve if only a little.

One month, she thought with a saddened expression. One month and not a word from anyone.

Their express crew, while small by normal standards, had become even less due to the disappearance of their newest member. Despite their rough start, March 7th and the crew as a whole had warmed up to him and had come to view him as family, which was especially important to her. It pained her to have to wake up today, praying for news that they'd found him or that he himself had made his way back where he would of course be tackled by hugs and kisses from her.

But no. Another day had come and her traveling buddy had yet to poke his head out. The absence hadn't affected just her, either – everyone on the express had taken his vanishing hard.

Himeko, Welt, Dan Heng and even the Conductor all grieved in their own ways.

From her immaculate appearance, one would glance at the lovely Navigator of the express and think nothing was wrong. Her beauty was renowned throughout the cosmos, and she had hordes of fans all clamoring to get even just a glimpse of her. That was how she presented herself and March expected no different.

But a closer look revealed another story. March was very close with the redhead, often having her hair brushed out and catered to and vice versa. So it left her heart aching to pick out the worry lines and the dark circles that crested the edges of Himeko's eyes, her pupils dilated and unfocused. This by itself wouldn't have bothered her too much, had it not been for the cup of coffee sitting next to the woman that hadn't been touched.

Then, just as it seemed that Himeko regained some semblance of her old self, reaching out to take a sip of her favorite blend – she spit it back out, and all but slammed the cup back down with a slight growl before whipping out another data pad from the pile of others lying next to her.

March yearned to go and comfort the woman that was like an older sister to her, but Himeko's gentle disposition was nowhere to be seen. Though she had apologized profusely afterward, Himeko had actually snapped at her when she tried the last time and March, while shocked, didn't blame her.

Their missing member was also someone important to their trusty navigator. He was one few who kept trying to enjoy her coffee and would sometimes help her with various research projects, some of which still made March cock her head to the side in disbelief. But regardless, his absence had not been something Himeko could ignore and even now she scoured data pad after data pad, calling up a number of old favors for any hope of learning where he had gone off to.

Not far from her stood the only other adult in their group, standing with his back to them all and gazing out at the stars like she had been. However, even from this distance March could see the tension much like with Himeko, although his was less noticeable. His cane was telling, though; one gloved hand gripped the pommel of it tight enough that she could see it tremble from time to time.

Welt Yang was tired, more so than usual. Given how he had been the one leading the investigation into their missing member, she couldn't blame him. Since first learning of his disappearance, Welt had whisked them off on a number of trips to Herta Space Station, Belobog, the Luofu and even Penacony with nothing to show for it but heartbreaking results.

No one on the massive station had seen or heard from the missing Trailblazer. Asta and Arlan were actively searching however, and March had heard that the latter had spent days scouring camera footage for any last signs of the Trailblazer. Unsurprisingly, Herta hadn't even given them the time of day, only complaining about the loss of one of her precious curios – that alone rankled March something fierce. She would've thought that the genius society member would be a little more concerned with the disappearance of her stellaron host.

Fortunately, the people of Belobog as a whole were much more concerned. Bronya had authorized extensive search and rescue expeditions both into the outlying snow plains as well as the Underworld. Seele had taken to scouring the Great Mine and Rivet Town for any lead; Svarog had even pitched in, having seen how Clara had become an inconsolable mess upon her big brother's disappearance. Hook's Moles had also joined forces with Natasha and Wildfire, deciding that this was so much bigger than their childish one-sided rivalry with the latter. As for the Landau siblings, they had barely rested since his disappearance, so much so that Gepard had come back more than a few times on the verge of collapse.

The Xianzhou was no different. Madam Yukong and the Sky-faring Commission as a whole had diverted extensive resources to locate their hero, and the Seat of Divine Foresight had issued a full mobilization of the Cloud Knights in the hopes of finding him quickly. The Master Diviner hadn't rested since last March heard, to the point where Jing Yuan had to personally step in and order her to take a day's rest. Sushang had even convinced Lady Bailu that if she promised not to run away anymore, the Alchemy Commission would lend its services to scour Scalegorge Waterscape in its entirety.

Others offered their help in various ways such as Luocha using his merchant contacts to help narrow down the astral express's missing member, and even the Stellaron Hunters – mostly Kafka and Silver Wolf – had promised to use any means necessary to find him. March may not trust Kafka, but she couldn't turn away her help – not after seeing just how… frazzled Kafka was at the news. Even the IPC had taken notice, or rather Topaz had, and March was honestly shocked at just how demanding the woman could be when it came to the people she cared about.

So many people were worried sick of the Trailblazer's disappearance that even Dan Heng, the most stoic and reclusive of them all had shut himself away in the archives to pour over every possible lead they had.

One month has passed and none of them were anywhere close to figuring out what happened, and it was driving March insane. It didn't help that there was a crazy rumor floating around on the station that Caelus had been involved in some serious accident involving Herta's curio collection.

She didn't permit her already waning sanity to lend any serious thought to that notion.

But even so, how could someone just vanish like this? Sure, they had been through some really crazy stuff, but they always came back from it. Trailblazers were made of sterner stuff than most!

So why? she thought miserably, tears springing to her eyes that were quickly wiped away.

A shuffling from the corner of her eye brought her attention to the adorable mascot and caretaker of the express, Pom-Pom. The little being was a chatterbox at the best of times and never let anyone break any such rules on the express, even when it came to newcomers. But the conductor cared about everyone and wanted nothing more than to make sure everyone came back safe.

His disappearance had affected Pom-Pom as well, the little bunny-like conductor only half-heartedly sweeping the floor.

March sighed. All this negative atmosphere was getting to her. At this point, even her room felt empty, strange as that was, but it was still a more comfortable place than here.

I want to stay with them, but this… it's too much. Caelus, you jerk. This is all your fault!

She stomped away from the window, heading towards the next passenger car when suddenly the door opened but she just charged through… or she would've, if she hadn't collided with something hard.

"Ouch! Watch where you're going!" she snapped, unable to keep her emotions in check.

She did not expect an answer, nor did she care for one. But the voice that answered was not one she was prepared to hear.

"Oh, sorry about that March. You alright?"

She froze. Behind her she idly heard Pom-Pom drop the broom, the stick clattering loudly against the ground. March blinked a few times, shaking her head a bit before her eyes landed on a certain article – a passenger ticket to the express.

There was only one other person she knew that wore that proudly, and the clothing she was staring at wasn't a dress. Swallowing hard, she willed her eyes to travel upward and came face to face with a vaguely familiar face but hauntingly so eyes.

Amber eyes… his eyes.

Caelus.

"March? You alright? You're starting to freak me out."

It was his voice, albeit deeper and firmer than she remembered that finally caused whatever restraint she held onto to snap like a twig. Her body trembled, lip quivered and fists balling up, her hair falling into her eyes.

"You… you… IDIOT!"

She lashed out, directing a punch directly into his chest that he took but she wished he hadn't. It was like hitting Svarog, the pain traveling up her arms to her shoulder. She yanked her arm back with a whine, clutching it to her tightly.

Two firm hands landed on her shoulders, drawing her attention – and her ire – once more. "You jerk! You absolute, complete, undeniable jerkface!" The tears came now, unbidden and she let them roll as she took in the form of her best friend who just stared back, guilt-ridden.

There was so much she wanted to say, to tell him, to do but all she could manage was to throw herself into his arms and hug him tightly.

This odor, this feeling… if this was a dream, she didn't want to wake up.

"W-wait a sec, who are you?!"

Pom-Pom's shout seemed to spur her into action, pushing back from him to find not only the conductor, but Himeko and Welt all walking up with shock scrawled across their faces. Himeko's glassy eyes were now clear and wide, and Welt had completely forgone his cane in the process.

"Pom-Pom, did you ever clean up that spill you made?" the mysterious man asked suddenly, smirking a bit.

March had no clue what he meant and neither did Himeko or Welt, but Pom-Pom's face puffed up angrily.

"That I made?! You were the one who made it, and you know it! Pom-Pom had to spend hours getting that smell out of the carpet because- Wait… if you know about that, then does that mean…?"

March again glanced up at the stranger and slowly she realized that this was actually happening. She didn't know how, she didn't know when but their missing member had finally come back.

Caelus was back.

"Caelus… it's really you, isn't it?" Welt asked, watching him with a guarded expression.

"I know it's a shock, but yeah it's me Mr. Yang. Are you alright though? Both you and Miss Himeko look terrible."

Welt made a strange sound just then and March soon realized that he was laughing, albeit a subdued one, but it still thrilled her to hear. "I… yes, I am. But I'll be taking it easy soon, don't worry."

"Caelus," Himeko breathed, hand clutched to her chest. "You… where have you been? Do you…" March flinched at how her tone changed from surprised and worried, to indignant in an instant, "Do you have any blasted idea how worried you've made us!? You never called, you never tried to get a hold of us, and we've spent the last month trying to find where it was you've gone! Do you know how behind I am on my projects now because of your little jaunt across the stars?! You are going to answer for that and more, young man – UNDERSTAND?"

The entire car all leaned back in the face of her tirade, the woman huffing and heaving with her fists clenched at her side. Her hair now spilled over her face in a wild mess, showing just how out of sorts she really was, and March couldn't help but lean further into Caelus's arms on instinct alone.

Himeko could be terrifying when she wanted to be.

Caelus, however, merely chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head like a chastised schoolboy, "Y-yes Ma'am."

Himeko panted for a few tense moments before she cleared her throat, fixing her hair a bit and offering him her usual smile. "Then, if that's the case," she said, opening her arms to him, "aren't you forgetting something?"

March watched as Caelus left her and strode over to Himeko, the woman embracing him tightly while he did the same. Himeko's face radiated relief, a few tears spilling down her cheeks as she clawed at the back of Caelus's head. Caelus for his part just hugged her tighter, his own face mirroring bliss.

It was only now however that she realized something important.

"Hey, did you get… taller?"

Everyone froze, Himeko pushing him back to stare up a bit at him, her hand coming up to measure him. "Goodness, she's right! It's only been a month; how did you get so big?"

March expected bashfulness, surprise or even just a bit of cockiness from the absent Trailblazer.

What she did not expect was for Caelus's face to fall as if being delivered a death sentence. "…a month? That's… that's how long I've been gone?"

The air in the car seemed to be sucked out, Welt tensing up again while Himeko just nodded frantically. "Y-yes. You vanished a while back and we've been looking for you ever since. Everyone… everyone's been looking for you, but we couldn't find you and there were whispers something horrible happened and we got so worried a-and-!"

"Himeko!" Caelus called urgently, stopping her babbling. "I… are you certain I was gone only a month?"

There something off with his voice, March noticed. Something… panicked. Did he really not keep track of how long he'd been missing?

"You suddenly vanished four weeks ago during an errand and have been MIA until now," Welt informed him. "No one on the space station, Jarilo-VI, or the Luofu knew where you went."

"A month…" Caelus uttered again, running a hand through his hair which, March suddenly realized, looked… white?

No, it had to be a trick of the light. It had to be.

"Here, come sit down," Himeko took his hand in hers, leading the way while Pom-Pom scurried off to fetch some refreshments. March followed suit, taking a position on the other side of him while Himeko took his left. "There's so many things I want to ask, but are you alright?"

"I'm… just shocked, I guess. A month… I was gone for only a month."

March felt some lingering irritation spike, but Welt beat her to the punch.

"A month or a year, it makes no difference. You had us worried, Caelus."

Caelus winced, glancing at both him and the two girls by his side before giving a sigh. "I'm sorry I worried you all. I had no idea things would end up like this. I tried to get back as quick as I could, believe me."

"What matters is that you are back, with us," Himeko assured him gently. "Granted, you have a lot of making up to do but even so we're not mad at you."

The jury was still out on that where March was concerned, but she was content to let things ride for now. Caelus already looked devastated so it wouldn't be right to make him feel even worse than he already was.

"I must say, you've certainly changed quite a bit in such a short amount of time. Your arms feel much firmer and your hair – oh my, it's even grayer than before! What have you been up to, I wonder."

March froze. So, she wasn't seeing things, then.

Caelus chuckled again. "Well, about that… Some things happened and there's a lot I need to tell you all."

"Take your time, you just got back after all," Welt told him, smiling in a fatherly way.

But Caelus shook his head. "It's not that, it's just… I haven't been gone for a month."

March narrowed her eyes at him. "What do you mean, dummy? It's been four weeks, or thirty days… that's a month, right?"

"Give or take," Welt supplied with a nod.

"No, that's not right. Only a month… so then that means it's not the same," the boy, or rather young man muttered to himself in distress.

"Caelus, slow down. Take your time and tell us what happened," Himeko asserted, covering his hand with her own gloved one. "You had us worried, but we aren't going to judge you for it."

"You seem oddly fixated on the belief you haven't been gone for that long. What leads you to believe you were gone longer?" Welt inquired, lifting an eyebrow.

"Is my hair not enough of a giveaway?" Caelus shot back, pointing at his head emphatically.

March shared a concerned glance with Himeko, but Welt just shrugged it off. "You had gray hair before, albeit it looks little whiter now but that could be for any reason."

Caelus sighed, his gaze falling to the floor. "I guess that's not enough to explain things."

"Explain what exactly?" March exclaimed. "You're acting like you've been gone for years!"

"Because I have."

March's stomach dropped, and even Welt couldn't keep the shocked look from showing on his face.

"That's… that's impossible Caelus. All leads we have showed you disappeared one month ago on the dot! How could you have been gone for years?" Himeko told him, denial clear in her voice.

Caelus looked at her, then Welt and finally March herself. His gaze lingered longer on her specifically than the others, to the point where she began to feel a bit self-conscious. Finally, he gave another sigh and stood up from where they were seated.

"Ok. I get it. If that's the case, then I want you to meet someone."

Meet someone? He didn't come back alone?

"Is this who you have been with all this time?" Himeko pressed, frowning.

"Not at first, but yeah," Caelus answered, turning toward the door to the other car. "You can come in now."

At the far end of the car, the door opened once more but the person that stepped through was not Dan Heng as she had expected. The person that stepped through was someone she recognized and not in a good way, nor was it someone she was going to forget any time soon.

The one that stepped into the car was a beautiful blonde woman with amethyst eyes, hair coiled daintily around her left shoulder and dressed in a splendid green and gray dress that doubled as a uniform, adorned with various medals of Belogian-design. Glossy lips turned up in a slight smile, revealing pearly white teeth that shone like diamonds.

The 18th Supreme Guardian of Belobog, Cocolia Rand stood alive and well – just as she did that fateful day on Everwinter Hill… when she had nearly killed them all.

"YOU…!" March snarled, summoning her bow and letting off an arrow of six-phased ice at the demon ruler. Though initially shocked, Cocolia summoned her own weapon, intending to finish their conflict so long ago only for Caelus to appear and block the arrow with Alisa's Rand's lance.

"Stop it March!" Caleus roared at her, sounding far angrier than he'd ever been.

The shock of that outburst caused her to nearly drop her bow before she regained her bearings, notching another arrow, "Out of the way Caelus! I don't know how this witch survived, but I'm not letting her hurt you or anyone else ever again!"

"And I'm not letting you hurt her!"

"W-what?"

"There will be no fighting in the parlor car!" a nasally voice rung out commandingly, drawing both March and Caelus's attention to the conductor that waddled over to them. "Pom-Pom is not going to be the one to clean the floor again after Pom-Pom just got done sweeping it! Drop your weapons now!"

"But-!"

"Alright, Pom-Pom," Caelus relented, willing away his lance but he did not step away from Cocolia… and neither did Cocolia try to kill him, though she too dispelled her own weapons.

March's head spun. What was happening anymore?

"Caelus, what is Belobog's Supreme Guardian doing here…?" Welt asked, having summoned his cane, and stood ready to use it at a moment's notice. "Isn't she supposed to be dead?"

Caelus grimaced, glancing back at Cocolia who nodded to him, standing side by side, which only made the scene even more confusing. "Normally you would be right. It's not something I can forget. But she isn't Cocolia… not the one we fought, anyways."

What…?

"What?" Himeko parroted her thoughts, rising to her feet. "Caelus, wait… what are you talking about?"

"It's… hard to explain really, but the long and short of it is that she isn't the Cocolia we know."

"How does that make any sense?!" March whined, still glaring at the woman. "There's only one Cocolia, Caelus! The Supreme Guardian of Belobog? Bronya's mother? The one who nearly killed us and everyone on Jarilo-VI because of going insane thanks to the Stellaron? How is she any different?!"

"Because I was not the one who answered its call."

March froze. It wasn't Caelus who answered, but Cocolia herself. The woman looked every bit as regal as she remembered, drawing herself up like a queen and conducting herself as such. However, there was something about her that made her different from the Cocolia she knew, but March couldn't place it.

But that didn't mean a thing to her right now. The Cocolia she knew had seemed forthcoming and pleasant when they first met her, but eventually showed her insane and twisted nature when the cards were down. It could all be an act after all.

So then why was Caelus sticking so close to her?

"Records would indicate otherwise, as would your daughter," Welt countered, laying both hands on his cane. "Perhaps we can have her come up and verify events as they played out."

At the mere mention of Bronya, Cocolia's eyes flashed dangerously. "Mr. Yang, I would implore you to not use my daughter as a tool to settle our disagreements," she said warningly, causing March to aim her bow again.

"You… know who I am?" Welt seemed stunned, as was Himeko.

Cocolia nodded. "Caelus has told me much about you, Miss Himeko and Miss March 7th as well… Mister Dan Heng is not excluded, of course."

Dan Heng! If Cocolia came from the passenger car, then-!

"She's telling the truth." The one in question spoke up, stepping into view from behind the pair. Relief flooded her initially, but shock quickly replaced it, noticing that he didn't have his spear with him, nor did he make any move against Cocolia despite having fought her along with March and the others.

"But… but… none of it makes sense!" March insisted, stomping her foot before pointing at Dan Heng. "And you! How can you just let her walk freely after all she put us through!?"

Cool as her ice, Dan Heng responded calmly, "I understand it's difficult to understand, but this Cocolia is not the one we know."

Why did they keep saying that?!

Himeko clapped her hands loudly, gaining their attention. "Alright everyone, let's settle down and discuss this like adults. Caelus, would you and… Madam Cocolia take a seat first? March, lower your weapon – that's an order, young lady. We have guests."

It was all she could do not to sneer in response, putting her weapon away reluctantly though she continued to glare at Cocolia… which only intensified as she watched Cocolia take Caelus's hand, sitting down beside him.

They seemed awfully cozy together, despite having been bitter enemies at the end.

"Now then, Caelus, perhaps you care to explain just why the dearly departed supreme guardian is alive and well… and curiously close to you," Himeko said, but she meant it as an order.

Caelus glanced at Cocolia once more, the woman giving him a reassuring smile before he turned back to his family. His hand opened and closed a few times, tongue slipping out over his lips for a moment as he struggled to put together a response. Finally, he met their gaze with a determined gleam in his eyes.

"First of all, I want it made clear: the woman beside me is not our enemy and never will be. I realize what she did, but that's not who she is. I know that doesn't make sense but I promise I'll explain it as best I can."

March was not so keen on that belief but for the sake of keeping the peace, she would divert to the two adults that were also still on edge like she was but hid it well behind welcoming expressions.

She wished she could do the same, but perhaps she still had growing up to do.

"Perhaps one might start with how you went missing in the first place," Dan Heng suggested, leaning against the wall nearby with his arms crossed.

Caelus winced once more, chuckling a bit. "Right, well… it's a long story so Pom-Pom might be making a couple trips to the kitchen."

"Let Pom-Pom worry about that!" the conductor huffed, standing next to where Welt sat.

"Ok. Well, to put things into perspective, one month for you… was thirty years to me."

The reactions were immediate, and even Dan Heng couldn't keep the flicker of surprise under wraps.

"Th-thirty years?! How… how could you have been gone for so long when you were only gone a month?" March shrieked at him, eyes wide.

Caelus just shrugged. "Curios have never been easy to understand."

Curios? What did curios have to do with anything?

"Might this curio be the one Madam Herta has been up in arms about?" Welt threw in, and Caelus's reaction confirmed his words. He sighed. "You do know you'll have to face her at some point, right?"

"Ugh. I'm really not looking forward to that reunion."

"Come now, is she really so frightening a person?" Cocolia, of all people, teased, the easy-going smile seeming unnatural on her face.

The young man next to her just groaned. "Even though she's a puppet, she's still a handful and that's before you touch anything important from her collection."

"Then perhaps I will convince her to think twice before touching what's important to me."

There was a certain steel in her words that March both admired and couldn't wrap her head around, and it was all meant for Caelus.

Wait a sec, are they flirting?! Oh, my brain can't take much more of this…

"Getting back on track, if what you say is true… how did it happen?" Himeko questioned, although the little smile on her face told March she was enjoying the banter.

Caelus glanced down for a few moments before meeting their eyes coolly. "…dreams."

"Dreams?" March parroted, cocking her head to the side.

"It's best if I start from the start. Everything might make sense from there..."

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If you made it this far, congrats. I hope you'll leave a review and let me know what you like about this - if you liked it all. But any feedback is welcome.

 

[Jakeros]

Within a spacious suite, flecks of light from the outside world began to pierce like javelins through the darkness. The tick-tock of a clock hanging on the wall droned on, providing the only other sound apart from the snores emanating from the bed. Muffled chirps of birds broke up the monotonous symphony, until a harsh rhythmic clicking noise became louder and louder.

Then, the door at the far end of the room burst open, emitting entry to a shadowy figure whose features were plunged obscured by the darkness. Her gaze swept over to the sole bed in the room, letting out a sigh.

"Still abed at this hour? Honestly," she said, eyeing it with a note of irritation that, if anything, looked strangely forced, as though she were trying to be stern but failing. Striding over to the other end of the room, she drew back the curtains with a flourish, allowing light to grace the room with its presence.

The light poured down on the woman, illuminating her gorgeous profile for all the realm to see. Lavender eyes crinkled with satisfaction as she gazed down at the sprawling city far below, watching as a few clouds lazily drifted through the sky.

Her eyes rolled in the direction of the bed, narrowing at the lump that blemished its otherwise immaculate state. A snow white-gloved hand reached out to grip the hem of the covers, drawing it up with ease, revealing the figure beneath. "Just how much of the day do you intend to waste?"

"A few late training sessions left me worn out, Madam Guardian. Dunn asked for me specifically."

The covers were soon shed and up stood a half-naked man, sporting predominantly gray hair but it was tinged with flecks of white, as though snow had become encrusted there. What's more, his body was covered in various scars, some of which could likely have been fatal at the time they were given.

"Surely he is aware of your status," the guardian began with a sigh, touching her temple with two fingers. "You are no mere guardsman anymore. You serve the supreme guardian now – serve me," she added with a quick glance to the side, her cheeks darkening to a soft shade of red.

The man walked over to the woman and took her hand in his, grasping it gently and gaining her undivided attention. "One should never forsake their roots, your grace. Many years have passed but I still remember fighting alongside those guardsmen – they are my kin, as are you."

"Even so," she protested weakly, her face well and truly red now as she came face to face with the man's toned profile.

"Madam Guardian., you need not be so possessive. It's not like I'm spending my time with Serval after all."

As if a switch had been flipped, the woman suddenly stepped forward and grasped his chin, her hold astonishingly firm yet tender. "Were that the case, I would have set you straight by now," she told him with all the regality of the ruler that she was. "You are my knight, my protector… mine," she uttered with such passion that it caused a flush to bloom across the man's cheeks.

"Yes, Madam Guardian," the man answered, gently prying her hand from his face and pressing a kiss to her gloved knuckles.

"Call my name when we're alone like this," the guardian insisted, stepping closer to him, as if trying to melt into him.

"Of course… Cocolia."

---

Amber eyes shot open with alarm, the owner bolting upright in bed with a panicked gasp.

Caelus panted heavily for a few seconds, beads of sweat pouring down from his temple and down on the sheet he now held gripped in a vice.

"What a wild dream," he breathed, swallowing a bit of saliva. Everything still felt so real, especially considering who was starring in it. "Why did I dream about her of all people and like… that?"

Unfamiliar warmth blossomed in his cheeks as he swore he could still feel her grip on his chin, insane as it was. It baffled him how he could still feel any of it, but he was still trying to wrap his head around why he even saw it in the first place.

Dreams were a curious phenomenon. Some were vivid, memorable even into one's twilight years while others were forgettable, nothing but a shadow. Caelus was no stranger to dreams; ever since awaking to this crazy futuristic reality with some kind of world-ending entity stuffed inside him, dreams had both graced and haunted his every step.

"I haven't thought of her in months now, so why all of a sudden?"

The faint beeps from his personal terminal were the only answers he received, none of it helpful of course.

Cocolia Rand – the beautiful late supreme guardian of Belobog, its 18th to be exact. Her daughter Bronya now held the title as her successor, but the ascension had been anything but painless. Chaos and misery had danced in twine with those events, culminating in the fateful duel atop Everwinter Hill.

He and his friends had emerged as the victors, but the cost had been much too high. Cocolia had perished, unable to control the stellaron's power at the end of it.

Bronya had taken her mother's place, yet it was clear the woman's shadow would haunt her for years to come.

To Caelus, Cocolia herself was nothing more than his enemy – and had come dangerously close to being the one to take him from this world, had Qlippoth not seen fit to intervene. She played the part of a gracious, diligent ruler on the outside which was but a façade that shadowed the twisted, insane ideals she had fostered under the stellaron's influence. She was supposed to be just another foe to him.

And yet… what he had seen was a side of her that only Bronya could claim was true, as Cocolia did earnestly love the girl as her own despite their difference in bloodlines.

It was all so confusing.

Caelus sighed, shaking his head a bit. "It's just a dream, Caelus. It won't be the last weird one either. Just forget about it and go back to bed."

Before he could even think of getting settled back in, the train's PA suddenly came alive with Pom-Pom's nasally voice. "A-HEM! Attention passengers! We will be exiting warp shortly. Everyone, please make your way to the Parlor Car at your earliest convenience! And that doesn't exclude you either, Dang Heng! Thank you!"

So much for that plan, he groused, whipping the sheets back to step onto the cool carpet. Glancing toward the window, he found that a brilliant spectrum of colors playing out just outside the train. As he stared, try as he might to ignore it, the dream still hung on his mind like a leech.

Why did I dream about her like that anyway? We never talked – Dan Heng was the one who mediated, along with March. None of this makes sense.

The Cocolia from his dream had all the bearing the one he knew did but she was… softer, if that was the right word. Not as reserved as she had been during their dealings. There was a genuine feeling of warmth being around her, enough for him to feel that-

"You are my knight, my protector… mine."

It infuriated him that just that line made him weak in the knees, especially since it wasn't aimed at him…

But what if-?

He smothered that thought before it could take roost – nothing good would come of it if he dwelled on notions that were impossible. Cocolia was dead, and whatever vestiges he had of her would only be fleeting memories at best, and rarely pleasant ones at that.

I need a distraction.

Walking over to retrieve his jacket that he had lazily slung over a chair the night previous, Caelus whipped it over his shoulders and yanked it until the garment fit. Almost unconsciously, his hand drifted down to the seam that he'd had Natasha stitch up – the cause being the stab wound Cocolia had given him during their battle.

As if scalded, he yanked his hand away and clenched it into a fist.

Stop thinking about it. It's just a dream.

Retrieving his phone from the nightstand, he found several different notifications awaiting him. Most of them were emails sent to him by various figures he'd helped in his travels, but a few were messages from his friends, even Silver Wolf – the latter likely asking him to log in to her Aether Wars account for her since she was busy on a mission.

Still, there were a few notices that caught his attention, namely some researchers who needed some errands run on Herta's Space Station, which was where the Express was jumping to.

He already knew they were going to be tedious and annoying but at least it would help to get his mind off of that dream. Dwelling on it would only drive him insane at this rate…

"… mine."

Still, deep in his heart, he couldn't deny that her words made him feel… something; and what unnerved him more than anything was that it wasn't unpleasant.

 

[Jakeros]

"Thanks again Trailblazer! These specimens will surely prove fruitful to my research!"

This was how exchanges usually went whenever he helped someone on the station. So absorbed in their research, not considering just how much strife they might be putting the one that ended up roped into their errands.

One minute he could be doing something as simple as fetching something important from down in a lab - that was still filled with monsters, of course - and the next he was turned into some gopher, fetching supplies and what have you for some uppity researcher who claimed they were on the brink of the next major evolution of grasshoppers-!

...sometimes he really hated how much of a people pleaser he was.

Still, mustering a smile and a wave, he took his payment and walked off, his ear open for anyone else that might flag him down. No one did but he wasn't going to chance anything.

"Caelus, are you alright?"

Asta's worried voice called out, drawing his attention to her. As always she was stationed at the nerve center of the station, Arlan standing not far from her with Peppy. The little dog ran up and pawed at his legs, ushering up a smile from him and a scratch behind the little one's ears.

"Sorry, just a bit… tired," he said around a loud yawn, eyes shutting for a second.

A glimpse of yellow hair made his eyes shoot back open with a frown.

That damned dream of Cocolia plagued his mind like a cancer now, especially with how she had come off. Part of him still wondered if it was some sort of trick being played on him by the stellaron – it wouldn't be the first time after all.

Yet, it felt so genuine. The Cocolia from the dream wasn't all that different from the one he had known, from her overall appearance right down to the same beige and sage dress she wore, although there had been some subtle differences. For instance, where she had been marred with a cluster of ice around her right hand, the one in his dream wore matching white gloves that only seemed to enhance her overall countenance. Sure, she still acted as the queen he'd known she was but at the same time she felt more approachable, friendlier and, dare he say, intimate – with that man.

And who was he supposed to be anyway? Could he have been someone from her past?

'But Bronya never mentioned her mother being involved with anyone while she was the guardian. Cocolia raised her as a single mother, so why did I see that back there?'

If that was true, then could he still be seeing glimpses of Cocolia's perspective?

But she was dead, so why?

The more he thought about all of it, the more exhausted he felt.

Unaware of his inner turmoil, Asta exchanged a glance with Arlan and held out her hand, "Listen, I'm sure no one will mind if you take it easy for a few hours. You've done so much for everyone."

Oh, didn't he know it; and given what happened recently with Ruan Mei and the Genius Society, he was craving a chance for some downtime. There were rumors of the Express heading to Penacony next, the planet of festivities. If any of the rumors he'd heard were true, then a vacation there sounded wondrous right about now.

However, leaving things unfinished wasn't his style. All the people he'd met thus far counted on him for help and no matter how tired he was, he wanted to make sure they got the aid they needed before it was too late.

And no dream, no matter how pleasant – or maddening, depending on how he was feeling at the moment - was going to get in the way of that.

"Thanks, but I might just grab some caffeine instead. I think there were some researchers down in the storage zone that needed something earlier."

"Whatever it is can wait," Arlan stepped in with a stern frown. "If they get pushy, I'll set them straight. You should take care of yourself first and foremost."

"That's right! You're Madam Herta's guest, and if they don't care to remember that little tidbit, then I won't care to approve their silly little experiments. Honestly, it would be a good change of pace to just start saying 'no' to them," Asta added smugly, ignoring Arlan's deadpan look.

Caelus couldn't help the smile that came to his face. Both of them were good people and friends he couldn't imagine being without, even though they hadn't known each other that long. But it still didn't sit right with him.

'Maybe March has rubbed off on me more than I thought,' he mused with a chuckle.

"If you're sure…" he trailed off and they both nodded firmly.

"Absolutely. It's not like you need to worry about this place falling apart. If anything breaks, I'll just order replacements!"

"My lady, that doesn't exactly inspire confidence."

"Hush, Arlan."

The two then set to bickering over Asta's compulsive spending habits, allowing him to slip out… only for something to start tugging on his pants leg. Glancing down he found Peppy chewing on his pants leg, staring up at him with what he thought was supposed to be a glare but came off as more of a pout.

He couldn't help but smile at the perceptive pup.

"Don't worry, I'll take a break, alright?" Caelus assured the patrol pup, the little guy letting him go with a wag of his tail.

"Arf!"

"Yeah, yeah I'm going. See you around, buddy. Look after those two for me, would ya?"

"Arf, Arf~!"

---

In his defense, he had tried to relax at first. Finding a nook secluded from any prying researchers hadn't been too difficult, really, and he'd set about ready to take a nap.

Until he saw her again. This time, he found himself standing just behind her and the mysterious man, the two staring out at Belobog's sprawling cityscape.

Fortunately for Caelus, the dream met an unexpected roadblock in the form of the station's resident invaders and had literally knocked him back to reality.

Despite public belief, the Anti-matter legion wasn't so easily sent packing from the station. With the Fragmentum, they now had a foothold and thus, no matter how often security teams tried to clean them out, more just filled the vacuum.

Security itself couldn't take on some of the more dangerous classes, either. Whenever a powerful legionnaire was found, they were left for someone like Arlan to deal with or perhaps one of Herta's many puppets littered throughout the station – whenever she felt bored enough to take direct control that is.

For someone like Caelus though? They were still a nuisance, but one he was glad to deal with. Smashing a few monsters was a good way to relieve stress, even if he'd normally have at least one other person with him as backup, like March 7th. She never was one to pass out on a little "spatial cleaning" as she liked to call it.

Two legionnaire cannoneers hefted their void-based weapons, charging them up to fire at Caelus but the trailblazer was much faster. Calling forth his trusty bat, he delivered a massive swing that struck both with bone-crushing force, destroying them and the cannons in the process.

Caelus hefted his bat, shouldering it with a smirk. "Too easy."

It really was. The legion had seemed intimidating back then, given that he had just been brought into a world he knew next to nothing about. But he'd been forced to adapt quickly, especially when the Destroyer nearly killed both him and March 7th. The Stellaron Kafka had forced into his body had nearly reacted then, putting not just himself but everyone around – everyone on the station itself in danger had Welt Yang not intervened.

And before he even had a chance to catch his breath he became part of the Astral Express, joining the Nameless on their journey across the stars that eventually led them to the frozen wasteland of Jarilo-VII and then the majestic Luofu.

So much had happened in such a short time that it was almost mind-boggling. Anyone else might have felt the experience jarring but Caelus lived for it; nothing was ever boring in his life, even if he might wish that it would be sometimes.

'Speaking of boring...'

"Was there some reason you decided not to deal with this yourself?" he directed his question to the Herta puppet standing nearby, her expression as inscrutable as ever. He didn't need the help really, but the fact that Herta's puppets just stood around most of the time still got on his nerves. Weren't they supposed to act as security for the station – for her station?

"The Legion's scraps are hardly worth the time or the effort to expend my energy on," the puppet stated imperiously. "Besides, you were here, and I trust you to keep this place spick and span."

'Typical Herta,' he groused.

She wasn't wrong, though. Herta held no interest in the station as a whole since it was completed, preferring to busy herself with her own passions – of which there were many and few – and leave the grunt work to people like him.

"Now, there's another bunch down on the lower levels so if you don't mind?" Herta asked but phrased it like an order.

Caelus sighed.

Just then, he felt a rumble in his pocket and went to fish out his phone. A few taps on the screen brought him to his IM app, of which there was a single notification popping up.

Bronya? What would she be messaging me for?

He pulled up the chat log, bringing up Bronya's message and read it to himself.

:Caelus, if it's possible could you come meet me in Belobog? There's something would like your help with.:

:Is it serious…?: He texted back quickly.

Her reply took a few moments but soon the message popped up, reading:

:You could say that, but I'd prefer to speak about it in person. Meet me in the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone when you can. I'll look forward to seeing you.:

Caelus frowned thoughtfully. Bronya wanting to meet up wasn't strange by itself, but why the Restricted Zone? It wasn't unheard of her to perform routine inspections of the garrison there wouldn't need to drag him along for it.

No, there was something else to this.

Still, it would be nice to see her again. She'd been very busy cleaning up her mother's mess and even with the likes of Natasha, Seele, Gepard and Serval helping her it was still a lot for her to deal with, not to mention the brief crisis with Topaz and the IPC recently.

Pocketing his phone, he turned to the puppet staring at him expectantly with her hands on her hips. "Sorry, something's come up so I have to head out."

If Herta showed any annoyance at being deprived of her special errand boy, she didn't show it. "Hmph. I suppose I can let you go for today, but I'll have need of you soon."

"For more work like this, I'll bet."

"Not exactly," she retorted, much to his surprise. "It's a very important job that I can trust few with, but since you've got a Stellaron inside you… well, let's just say you're uniquely qualified."

Caelus eyed her uncertainly.

That was new, and it was as close to a compliment as he would be able to squeeze out of the little android.

But he didn't devote too much time to ruminate on it, shrugging his shoulders.

"Well in that case, I'm off."

"Yes, yes, I heard you. Just keep your phone handy, got it?"

Pushy little puppet.

---

Authors note: I would like everyone to bear in mind that I wrote this after being on hiatus from Star Rail during the whole of the Amphoreus arc, so I had only a skin-deep understanding of Herta here. I am well aware she has more layers to her beyond her aloof, distant and haughty demeanor but for the sake of the story, this is my interpretation of Herta.

Also, I apologize for the late submission; I was supposed to upload the next chapter on monday but I was busy redoing my playthrough of E33. Xbox didn't allow for save transfers to the Steam version, so I spent the better part of two days getting that up to code. Shockingly, I am doing so much better this time around than the first one (and I barely remember most of the patterns of mobs.). Guess that's what happens when you don't have semester deadlines hanging over your head ^^;

I digress. My intent is to upload at least every monday, barring a day or two because of IRL stuff. If you like what you've read so far, please don't hesitate to leave your thoughts. It'll only help me with crafting where the story should go.

 

[Jakeros]

No matter how many times he visited, the Everwinter City never failed to leave Caelus in awe.

It was the last human bastion on the frigid, desolate world of Jarilo-VI, a sprawling metropolis that stood as a monument to the endurance of those who called it home. Its towering buildings, though impressive, stood as solemn sentinels against the encroaching desolation.

Yet, the stark reality was that many of these structures had been abandoned, their once-vibrant halls now silent victims of the creeping menace known as the Fragmentum. It was a blight that had plagued Belobog for generations, a relentless force that twisted and consumed all in its path.

The people here had fought bravely against the inhuman, genocidal monsters that it spawned, creatures that swelled their ranks with the fallen.

Valor and honor were revered among the Silvermane Guards, but such sacrifices often felt tragically futile against the unyielding tide of darkness.

Caelus dismissed those glum thoughts, exhaling a visible plume of breath into the biting cold. The frigid air seeped into his bones, a constant reminder of the harsh reality outside the city's protective walls. Here, within the boundaries of Belobog, life was precariously livable, perhaps even pleasant on a good day.

Beyond, however, in the frozen wastelands that consisted of much of the planet, certain death lurked for anyone not rigorously trained to survive such extremes – and even then it was a coin toss.

Someone like him would never have made it to Belobog without some sort of cosmic handicap. Were it not for the stellaron within him, a gift and curse in equal measure, he might have succumbed to hypothermia by now.

Snow crunched under his shoes as he made his further into the Restricted Zone. He glanced around idly, noting the Silvermane Guards on patrol; they acknowledged him with respectful nods but did not engage with him. Most of them were familiar with his presence by now and perhaps even relieved to see him here once again.

It wouldn't be the first time I've stepped in to help, he mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Oh, it's you!"

The voice caught him off guard, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to see a bespectacled girl in a beret, her sharp eyes fixed on him. "Hey, Pela. Did you need something?" he asked, looking down at the petite but formidable intel officer.

"That depends on your answer as to why you're here," Pela replied smartly, adjusting her glasses with a practiced flick. "I take it Madam Bronya called you?"

Anyone else might have questioned how a Silvermane Guard like Pela possessed such insight.

But this was Pela Sergeyevna, the eyes and ears of Belobog. There was very little that escaped her notice, and if something did, it wouldn't stay hidden for long.

"Yeah, I got her message," Caelus confirmed, nodding. "She told me to meet her here. Is she at the camp?"

Pela nodded, her gesture as precise and measured as her demeanor. "Follow me," she instructed, turning on her heel and leading him through the snow-dusted streets. As they walked, a few guards noticed their approach and stopped to gawk, but a stern look from Pela sent them back to their duties.

Caelus couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"Is there something amusing, Trailblazer?" Pela's glare turned on him, her eyes narrowing into slits of icy reprimand. Despite her diminutive stature, she could be profoundly intimidating when she chose to be – which happened to be 90% of the time, actually.

"N-no, Ma'am," Caelus stammered, the chuckle dying on his lips.

"Hmph. In any case, we shouldn't keep Madam Bronya waiting. Come along now," Pela commanded, her tone brooking no rebuttal.

Caelus followed her through the labyrinth of the city's streets, his sneakers crunching on the snow-covered cobblestones. All around them guards were hard at work, some on patrol, others performing maintenance on their weapons and armor. A few had even seized brief moments of respite, leaning against walls or huddling in the rare cozy nooks for a semblance of rest.

Each of them bore the marks of exhaustion, their faces etched with the lines of fatigue and the weight of relentless vigilance.

The ceaseless battle against the Fragmentum demanded sacrifices with each passing day, all so those back in the administrative district as well the Underworld could live safely.

And how many of them will live to see tomorrow? Caelus wondered grimly, the thought casting a shadow over his heart.

As they continued, the oppressive cold seemed to draw ever closer, whispering its icy promises of despair. Yet, within the heart of Belobog, amidst the courage and camaraderie of its defenders, there flickered a small but steadfast flame of hope.

Caelus could feel it, even now, in the unwavering steps of the guards, in the determined stride of Pela before him, and in the silent resolve that filled his own soul as he braced himself for whatever lay ahead.

In this frozen city on the edge of oblivion, they were all bound by a shared destiny, fighting not just for survival, but for the fragile promise of a future.

What else was he to do but admire and honor such resolve?

The main camp appeared in the distance, where three imposing figures stood in the center in a loose formation – two of whom he could confidently call close friends by this point.

Even from this distance, he could easily pick out Gepard Landau, the newly appointed commandant of the Silvermane Guards. His resplendent armor, adorned with shards of glistening ice, seemed to catch and reflect the weak, wintry sunlight, making him appear as a beacon of resilience amidst the frosty landscape.

Beside him was a young woman with drill-like locks cascading down her back – Bronya Rand, the supreme guardian of Belobog and de facto ruler of Jarilo-VI. Her presence, almost ethereal against the snow-laden backdrop, radiated a quiet authority that belied the weight of her responsibilities.

Both seemed to be engaged in an intense discussion with another guard, an officer judging by the intricate configuration of his armor.

As Caelus and Pela drew nearer, Pela started to lag behind which brought Caelus to a halt. "Not coming along?"

"I have some reports to file that have been backing up, so the last leg of this will be up to you. I'm leaving Madam Bronya in your care."

"No pressure or anything," he quipped.

Pela smiled deviously, the sunlight glinting off her glasses. "But of course, since you know what will happen should anything untoward happen to her. I know Lynxey has been clamoring about another survival course with you, and I might just let her know you're interested."

Caelus felt all the color drain out of his face for reasons that had little to do with the cold. Taking Lynx up on her offer was one of the most painful things he'd ever gone through, all because of a favor to her worried older siblings.

"Uh, right! Better get going then! Don't wanna keep Her Excellency waiting or anything, hehe."

"Smart boy. I'll see you around then."

With the young guard now departed, Caelus turned and headed in the direction of the camp, arriving just in time for the final words of the trio's discussion to reach his ears.

"…dangerous, even more so than usual. I insist on taking a few extra men just to be safe, Your Excellency," Gepard was saying, his gloved hand gesturing toward a cluster of guards standing at attention nearby.

"I do not wish to put this excursion more at risk than it already is, Gepard," Bronya responded firmly, her voice steady and composed. "You and Captain Dunn are the only exceptions I'll make regarding security, and that is solely because you vouch for him," she added, turning to the officer with an apologetic wince, "no offense, Captain."

"None taken, milady," the officer, Dunn it was revealed, replied reverently. His voice carried the seasoned confidence of one accustomed to the hazards of leadership, a beacon of strength to all the weary souls surrounding him. "Though if I may, who is the final member of our escort? You mentioned there would be three of us, and you have already stated the two of us will be the only ones from the Guard."

"Indeed," Bronya said, her stern demeanor softening into a smile as she spotted Caelus arriving. "And here he comes now. Fashionably late, as usual."

"I'm not big on punctuality," Caelus shot back with a playful grin, ignoring the shocked expressions of the nearby guards. However, Gepard's stern gaze quickly reminded him of the formalities. "Ahem, I mean, greetings, milady," he added, attempting a more respectful tone.

Bronya sighed, a touch of exasperation flavoring her voice. "That's quite enough, Gepard. I'm not one to stand on ceremony anyway, not like…" Her voice trailed off, her expression momentarily distant before she shook her head, dispelling whatever memory had surfaced. "Anyway, I'm glad you could make it, Caelus. I hope you weren't too busy."

"Nothing that can't wait," Caelus assured, his gaze searching her face. "Is everything alright? You look tense… Wait, did the Fragmentum spread?"

Bronya's eyes widened at his query, her alarm mirrored in the tensing shoulders of the guards around her. She quickly waved her hands dismissively before a panic could spread. "No, no, nothing like that! If anything, the spread has slowed to a crawl recently, giving our forces some much-needed breathing room. No, the reason I called you here isn't for anything official."

"Then why the secrecy?" Caelus asked, his curiosity piqued.

Bronya hesitated, her fingers fidgeting as she gathered her thoughts. "I have… a personal favor to ask of you. I need an escort through the Corridor of Fading Echoes."

Caelus's heart skipped a beat, a jolt of alarm surging through him. His reaction mirrored that of the other two men, though Dunn's expression remained hidden behind his helmet.

"The Corridor?! My lady, with all due respect, that sector is deep in enemy territory. We've lost countless men there!" Dunn protested, stepping forward, his concern palpable even through his armor.

Bronya's gaze turned icy, her eyes narrowing into slits as she met Dunn's outburst with an unyielding stare. "I am fully aware of our losses, captain. I see the casualty lists every day. Do not forget, I served alongside many of your peers." Her voice, though calm, carried the weight of unshed grief and steely resolve.

Dunn's shoulders sagged under her gaze, but before he could respond, Gepard intervened, his voice measured and respectful. "I can assure you, Captain Dunn meant no offense, madam guardian. His thoughts align with my own regarding your safety."

There was no doubting the loyalty and dedication of these men. They would willingly lay down their lives to protect her, no matter the situation. Caelus admired their unwavering commitment, even though he knew the full extent of Bronya Rand's strength and capabilities: she wasn't the former commandant for nothing.

"With the three of us together, we won't have to worry," Caelus interjected with a reassuring smile, trying to ease the tension.

Gepard exchanged glances with Bronya and Caelus, his hesitation giving way to reluctant acceptance. "Very well. My shield is yours. What say you, Captain?"

Dunn was silent for a moment, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on him. Finally, he sighed, the sound somehow much louder from within his suit of armor. "When the madam guardian's mind is set, there is little to be said. And though I am still wary of her venturing near that wasteland, having my fellow captain and our esteemed trailblazer with us does ease my worries somewhat. After all, a knight's word is his bond."

Caelus turned to Bronya with a teasing glint in his eye. "Anything else to add, madam guardian?"

Bronya flushed slightly, though she masked it with a practiced flick of her hair. "Nothing of relevance. If that's all, we should get going. No use wasting daylight."

 

[Jakeros]

The Corridor of Fading Echoes.

Once a thriving district on the outskirts of Belobog, its streets bustling with life and its homes filled with laughter, now it stood as a desolate wasteland. The icy wind howled mournfully through the empty streets, whispering tales of the countless souls who once resided there.

Now, only the damned roamed these forgotten avenues, their ranks swollen by the relentless onslaught of the Fragmentum.

Fragmentum monsters, twisted and grotesque, shambled through the ghost town, their bodies draped in the tattered remnants of fallen guards.

These abominations, known as shadewalkers, mimicked the movements of their former hosts, brandishing pikes and halberds of fire and ice. Their hollow eyes glowed with an unholy light, and from a distance, they appeared like phantoms performing their old patrols.

Around them flitted frost and flamespawns, their wings a blur of chilling blue and searing orange against the backdrop of ruin.

"It never ends," Dunn muttered behind Caelus, the heavy shuffle of his armor barely audible over the mournful wind.

"One day, my friend," Gepard replied, his voice a steadfast promise as he gripped the handle of his shield tightly. "For now, all we can do is thin the horde."

Caelus glanced at Bronya, who knelt beside him, her rifle poised and ready. The bangs of her hair framed her face, the determination in her eyes as sharp as the cold steel in her hands. "Should we go around?" he asked softly.

Her head shook slowly, drill-like tendrils swaying with the motion. "There's no telling what might be lying in wait if we take another route. This is the most direct path. Besides," she continued, her grip on the rifle tightening until the metal creaked, "I can't stand to see these fiends using the lost to claim more."

"Then, ladies first?"

"Such a gentleman," Bronya quipped, her voice carrying a hint of grim amusement as she squeezed the trigger.

BANG!

The rifle barked, and a shadewalker crumpled to the ground, its torment finally ended.

"For Belobog!" Gepard and Dunn roared in unison, charging forward with the fervor of men on a sacred mission.

Caelus summoned his lance, the weapon blazing with righteous fury as he leapt into the fray alongside them.

The Fragmentum monsters hissed and howled, converging on the intruders with a malevolent fury. The spawns darted through the air, their fiery and icy forms weaving erratic patterns above the melee.

Bronya's sharpshooting cut through the chaos, each shot finding its mark and bringing down the aerial threats, while the shadewalkers fell beneath the combined might of the trio's assault.

An incineration walker lunged at Dunn, its blazing axe swinging with lethal intent. Dunn met the attack head-on, his spear thrusting forward to impale the creature, its form disintegrating into ash within moments.

Two more shadewalkers closed in from behind, but Gepard's massive shield swept them aside like leaves before a storm. Pivoting smoothly, he raised the shield just in time to block a dive-bombing spawn, its icy claws scraping uselessly against the reinforced surface.

Bronya's rifle barked again, and more enemies fell to her expert precision.

Not a single round was wasted – each one hit its mark.

Caelus practically danced around her, his lance a fiery blur as he incinerated two frostspawns that dared to come too close. The heat of the weapon was a comforting presence, its flames a beacon in the frozen gloom.

A sudden, ominous whirring noise caught Caelus's attention. He turned just in time to see a heavily damaged automaton, a seething prowler, lurch into the plaza.

"Dunn, watch out!" he shouted, his warning just in time to save the knight from being bisected by the machine's massive blade. The force of the blow knocked Dunn back, but he remained miraculously intact – he wouldn't be for long if he faced it alone.

"Go! I'll cover you!" Bronya commanded, her voice cutting through the din of battle.

Caelus didn't argue, trusting her to keep the airborne threats at bay as he rushed to Dunn's aid. Spawns swooped down towards him in an effort to stall him but fell quickly to Bronya's precise shots.

With a quick nod of gratitude to her, Caelus tightened his grip on his lance and surged into the melee. He spotted Gepard engaged in a fierce struggle, surrounded by a fresh wave of Shadewalkers that threatened to overwhelm him.

Meanwhile, Dunn was holding his ground against the Prowler, the knight's defiance unyielding despite the odds.

"Here stands the Silvermane Guard, and here we stay!" Dunn bellowed, his voice echoing through the ruins. "Bring your worst, wretch, and I shall answer in kind!"

The prowler's blade began to glow with searing heat, the air around it shimmering with the intensity. Caelus could feel the scorching temperature even from a distance. Dunn's shield bore the brunt of another strike, but it was beginning to show signs of stress, intricate cracks spreading across its surface like a spiderweb.

Caelus quickened his pace, desperation lending speed to his steps.

The knight let out a battle cry and lunged forward, his lance piercing the machine's torso with a solid strike.

The Prowler stumbled back, momentarily disoriented.

"Dunn!" Caelus called, rushing to his side.

"Just in the nick of time!" Dunn grinned, lifting his lance in salute. "Help me dispatch this pile of rust!"

Caelus slid into position beside Dunn, his lance raised defensively. The prowler's eyes glowed malevolently, and it roared back to life, its flames rekindled. "If I keep it busy, can you target its weak spots?" Caelus asked, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart.

"That I can!" Dunn replied with a laugh, his pike tapping the ground with a loud clang. "But mind you don't take any unnecessary risks, got it?"

"Shouldn't that be my line, Captain?" Caelus shot back with a smirk, eliciting a bark of laughter from Dunn.

"Consider yourself lucky you're not part of the Guard, kid. I wouldn't tolerate such cheek from any of my men."

The crack of Bronya's rifle brought them back to the task at hand.

Caelus sized up the massive mech before them, determination hardening his features. The heat from Alisa Rand's lance surged, wrapping around him like a protective cloak. Taking a deep breath, he closed the distance and engaged their foe, hoping to draw its attention.

The prowler's blade descended towards him with deadly precision. Caelus braced himself, blocking the strike with his lance. The impact forced him to one knee, but a sudden surge of strength allowed him to shove the flaming weapon aside, gaining precious distance. The mech lumbered after him, its joints groaning with the effort.

Dunn seized the opportunity, his pike plunging into the prowler's arm, causing it to emit a thick cloud of black smoke. The machine swung its blade towards Dunn, but Caelus intercepted the attack, his lance deflecting the blow with relative ease.

Just as he began to find his rhythm, the mech's leg suddenly rose to stomp him, its foot crashing down with a force that left deep gouges in the pavement. It left him staggered, struggling to regain his balance for a good moment or two. A wave of blistering heat signaled the descending blade, and he barely raised his lance in time to avoid being crushed.

The force of the blow drove him to kneel on one knee, the ground meeting him with a jarring impact. He growled in frustration, his muscles straining under the pressure.

The prowler loomed over him, its sensors glowing with mechanical malevolence. But then, with a screeching noise that grated on his ears, the machine went limp and collapsed, revealing Dunn standing triumphantly behind it, the tip of his pike coated with machine oil.

"Guess I owe you one," Caelus gritted out, attempting to rise only to lose his balance and mutter a curse under his breath.

An armored hand appeared in his field of vision, strong and steady. "Consider us even, Trailblazer," Dunn said, offering him a hand up. "I'd have been in real trouble if you hadn't stepped in. Now, on your feet – you're making yourself look bad in front of the madam guardian."

Caelus chuckled ruefully, accepting Dunn's hand and allowing himself to be pulled to his feet.

"Are you two okay?" Bronya called out, her voice carrying over the desolate expanse as she rushed toward them with Gepard in tow.

The young commandant's blonde hair was tousled, and a fresh gash marred his cheek, a crimson streak against the pallor of his skin. Otherwise, he looked no worse for wear.

"Perhaps such concerns should be directed to the young commandant here," Dunn remarked, gesturing to his own cheek with a wry smile. "That's quite the nasty scrape. I hope you gave as good as you got."

Gepard grimaced, wiping his face with a gloved hand and inspecting the blood with a mix of annoyance and resignation. "I might be a bit out of practice. I'll double my training regimen once we're back."

Dunn chuckled, clapping Gepard on the shoulder. "Lad, there's no need to be bashful. Even veterans like us get knocked around from time to time. Isn't that right?"

Caelus nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, don't stress over it too much. You held your own out there and then some."

"The two of them are right, Gepard," Bronya added, her voice softening with an encouraging warmth. "Even I got my fair share of scrapes when I was with the guard. Don't get discouraged. I know Serval believes in you, just as I do."

Gepard ducked his head bashfully, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks as he coughed into his gloved fist. "I-if that's all, should we get going? There might be more lurking nearby."

"Yes, that would be best. The path is clear now, so let us proceed," Bronya said, as she gestured for them to move on.

Caelus fell into step with Gepard and Dunn, the trio closing ranks around Bronya despite her clear displeasure. He kept a wary eye on the shadowy alleyways and ruined buildings, ever alert for the lurking threats of the Fragmentum.

But beneath his vigilance lay a gnawing curiosity.

Why had Bronya brought them here? It was one thing for her to continue overseeing the guards, even after passing the command to Gepard, but this felt different. This was a personal quest, and he had a sinking suspicion it had everything to do with her mother.

As their trail led deeper into the area, their encounters with Fragmentum creatures grew infrequent, the eerie silence broken only by the occasional skirmish. At one point, a frigid prowler emerged from the shadows, but they managed to convince Bronya to let them sneak past rather than engage.

Fighting those things was a nightmare, even when those skilled enough were present.

Eventually, they reached the base of a long stairway, its steps leading deeper into the heart of Fragmentum territory.

This was Everwinter Hill, a place that sent a shiver down Caelus's spine that had little to do with the cold. The memory of their battle there was still raw, a dark stain on his soul.

"Bronya… why are we here?" Caelus asked, his voice laden with suspicion.

The young guardian paused, her back to them, and for a moment, he thought she wouldn't answer. But then she turned, her expression composed yet tinged with sorrow. "As I said, my reasons are personal… though I suspect you've figured it out by now."

Caelus's heart sank.

'I hate it when I'm right.'

"You wish to… pay your respects to Madam Cocolia...?" Dunn interjected, his tone a mix of surprise and caution.

"Yes," Bronya replied, her voice steady but filled with a profound sadness. "I understand this is very selfish of me, but it would have been even more so to come alone without informing anyone. That said, if any of you wish to turn back, I will understand."

Caelus exchanged glances with Gepard and Dunn. They shared a silent conversation, their eyes reflecting the same resolve he felt.

This place held dark memories, but it was also where he had gained the power to protect those he loved. He couldn't let Bronya face this alone, wrestling with her demons in the cold silence.

"It would be a waste to come this far only to turn back now," Caelus declared, his voice firm with determination.

Bronya's eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips. "Caelus…"

"The lad's right, your excellency," Dunn added, stepping forward with a nod. "The path may be treacherous, but we would dishonor the uniform were we to let you go on alone. Besides, I've always wished to bear witness to the apex of the Fragmentum's corruption."

"What about you, Gepard?" Caelus asked, turning to the young commandant.

Gepard stared up the stairway, his face a mask of conflict. But then his expression hardened into one of cold resolve. "As commandant, I cannot let our ruler proceed unescorted. And beyond that, I must fill your shoes somehow, Lady Bronya."

"Spoken like a man deserving of his position!" Dunn chortled, clapping Gepard on the back, causing him to stumble forward slightly with a grimace.

Caelus chuckled at their camaraderie, turning his gaze back to a speechless Bronya. Awe and gratitude filled her delicate features, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Well then, madam guardian: shall we?"

Bronya seemed to snap out of her reverie, nodding her head with a deep bow. "Thank you, everyone. Let's not waste any more time, then. The climb is steep, and night will fall soon. I don't think any of us want to be around for that."

---

The heart of the Fragmentum was a realm of haunting desolation. Mangled and warped houses lined the path, their windows glowing eerily as if their inhabitants still lived within.

But the reality was far grimmer. The Stellaron's influence had rendered the climate inhospitable, either driving out or dooming those who once called this place home.

Scattered among the ruins were the frozen remains of Anti-Matter Legionnaires, their lifeless forms posed like macabre statues.

Though long dead, their presence sent shivers down Caelus's spine. Dunn and Gepard gave the bodies a wide berth, weapons at the ready, and Caelus couldn't blame them. Each step near the legionnaires seemed to echo with the crackle of ice, a reminder of the still-lingering threat just waiting for release.

While Dunn and Gepard bantered, occasionally drawing Caelus into their conversation, Bronya remained uncharacteristically silent. Her usual composure was replaced by a brooding introspection, her eyes fixed firmly on the path ahead. Caelus knew the reason for her turmoil, but it wasn't his secret to share.

Cocolia had been gone for some time now. Bronya had grieved, had shed enough of her tears over it, so why now? Why visit her mother's grave at this moment?

Only Bronya herself could provide such revelations, and until she did, he wouldn't pry.

As they ascended another set of stairs, the bodies of legionnaires became more frequent, their frozen forms casting long shadows in the waning light. Caelus felt a familiar thrum within his bones, a lingering echo of the Stellaron's corruption that had once gripped this place. Though the malign influence had been purged, its spectral presence remained, a ghost haunting the mountain.

Bronya halted suddenly, her gaze fixed on the top of the stairs. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but seemed to think better of it, her face contorting in a grimace of unspoken pain.

'She doesn't want to bare her soul to them like this – especially since they don't know the full truth.'

Dunn, sensing her hesitation, took the initiative. "…Madam Bronya, Gepard and I will remain here and secure the area."

"Captain…?" Gepard questioned, looking to his fellow captain.

Dunn merely turned to Gepard, waiting for him to catch on.

Realization soon dawned on Gepard's face. "…Right. Caelus, please escort the madam guardian further. We'll ensure nothing follows you."

"Gepard, Captain Dunn…" Bronya murmured softly, just loud enough for Caelus to hear. "Don't take any risks. This won't take long, I promise."

"Take all the time you need, madam guardian!" Dunn declared, his voice brimming with conviction as he drove his pike into the ground, splintering the stone beneath the snow. "Nothing on this peak shall disturb you. You have my word."

"We shall be your shield and sword, madam. Please continue," Gepard insisted, standing resolutely beside his fellow captain.

Bronya's eyes glistened with emotion as she nodded, her gaze lingering on them with gratitude. She turned to Caelus, a silent invitation in her eyes. With one final glance to the two men, he followed after her, the cold biting deeper as they ascended.

No words were exchanged during their climb. Even when Bronya stumbled, Caelus caught her by the arm, steadying her with a gentle touch. She merely offered him a grateful look before continuing, her steps resolute and unyielding. It was almost like she was possessed by something.

'This isn't like her,' he thought, worry gnawing at his heart.

They reached the final set of stairs leading to the stellaron containment zone, now a shattered remnant of its former self. The plateau where they had once battled Cocolia spread out before them, littered with the frozen figures of legionnaires, even that of a void trampler.

At the far end stood the twisted remains of the stellaron's cradle, broken and scarred from the climactic fight that had unfolded here.

The sight of it made Caelus's chest itch with a phantom ache.

"Seven hundred years of that thing's influence," Bronya began, her voice carrying a mournful reverence as she approached the ruined device. "The first guardian traded her soul and Belobog's future for a brief reprieve, for all the good it did. Guardian after guardian was tested by it, many of them stalwart and defiant… until my predecessor. The first supreme guardian in history to nearly doom us all for the hope of a new world."

"Bronya…" Caelus called softly, the weight of her words pressing heavily on him. How could he offer comfort when he was the reason her mother was now gone?

Bronya's laugh was a bitter, hollow sound, devoid of joy. "It's strange. At the time, I couldn't understand why my mother, someone I aspired to be, would willingly abandon her people for a sliver of salvation. But standing here now… I think I'm beginning to see."

Alarms flared within Caelus's soul. "Bronya, what are you saying?"

"Nearly a millennia of endless war and sacrifice," she continued, her voice calm yet laden with despair. "All to protect this last bastion of humanity. Generation after generation gave their lives, hoping that Belobog would become the core of a new world – a world they would never see. Perhaps that's why my mother succumbed to the snake's whispers, promising salvation. If our roles had been reversed, her fate could have been mine."

"You aren't your mother!" Caelus shouted at her, his voice rising above the howling wind. "Cocolia gave in – you didn't."

"Only because I had no choice but to open my eyes," Bronya refuted calmly, unfazed by his intensity. "You, the Astral Express, Seele, and everyone from Wildfire showed me the truth my mother sought desperately to hide. Had we never met… perhaps I would have followed her path."

Caelus struggled to find the right words, but every denial felt hollow to him.

Because all of it was true.

The old Bronya had been on that path, until Sampo's rescue had changed her course.

It had not been a painless road for her, by any means. But she had walked it, nonetheless, coming out stronger than ever – stronger than Cocolia had ever been.

"You would have woken up one day," he insisted, desperate to comfort her, to remind her of her own worth.

Much to his dismay, Bronya shook her head, a rueful smile on her lips. "No, I wouldn't have. I'm not strong. I never have been. I thought my mother was strong and I aspired to be like her – and that's why my people have suffered. Someone strong would have seen the truth she tried to hide. Someone strong would have understood the pain they were causing. Someone strong… would have saved my mother."

Caelus stared at her, at a loss.

What could he say? Any words of apology would sound hollow and insincere, and he couldn't lie to her.

'She didn't give us a choice,' he thought, his resolve crumbling under the weight of his friend's sorrow.

The vision of Cocolia's final moments haunted him, flashing between that and the one from his dream.

It only deepened his inner turmoil.

'Why didn't you give us one?'

"Do you know today is her birthday?"

Caelus stilled, the revelation hitting him like a punch to the gut.

"Some might find it pathetic to visit a grave only on a birthday, but I couldn't muster the courage until now," Bronya said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "The events of that day still haunt me. I'll forever see my mother taking that damned Stellaron to the grave every time I close my eyes. Yet, I'd like to believe that her last act, however selfish, was to protect us from its destructive force." She let out a long, shuddering sigh, lifting her gaze to the aurora above. "...happy birthday, Mom."

The golden-tinted aurora shimmered high above, a brilliant display of light that danced across the sky.

For a moment, Caelus could almost believe Bronya was admiring the celestial beauty.

But he knew it was nothing but a poignant reminder of her mother's legacy, a bittersweet farewell to the woman who had both saved and nearly destroyed them.

 

[Jakeros]

Bronya's words lingered in Caelus's mind like an echo in a vast, empty hall, haunting him more deeply than he could have anticipated. Hours had slipped away since their parting, yet her confession gnawed at his thoughts, refusing to be silenced.

It almost seemed like some sick joke on her part. How could she ever compare her actions to those of her mother? The contrast between them was already stark as it was.

"…Caelus."

Cocolia, the woman who had damned Belobog to an unending winter, each icy gust a reminder of her tyranny. The stellaron may have long since sunk its claws into Cocolia's soul, but the descent into darkness was a path she had chosen willingly.

Then came Bronya herself, a light amidst the shadows of what would be her mother's legacy.

"Caelus…?"

It wasn't right for Bronya to burden herself with guilt that she had no business bearing. The sins of the mother were not hers, no matter what anyone would come to think. The late guardian had made her choices, carrying her madness to the grave, unwittingly leaving her daughter to navigate the chaos left behind.

A chaos that was eating away at her bit by little-

"CAELUS!"

The sharpness of the voice cut through his reverie like a knife through a dense fog.

His eyes darted around wildly before focusing on the woman seated across from him.

Natasha's years of patience were being put into practice here, though an exasperated gaze was quite present in her eyes.

"Oh, sorry, Nat. Did you need something?"

"The iodine, please," she replied calmly, her hand outstretched in a gesture that demanded attention.

Caelus blinked, his surroundings coming into sharper focus as the fog of his thoughts lifted.

Realization washed over him, bringing a flush of embarrassment to his cheeks.

"Oh, right… uh…"

"The bottle to your left, Caelus," Natasha directed with a hint of amusement this time, her lips tugging up in the barest hint of a smile.

He fumbled clumsily, nearly tipping over the bottle before snatching it just in time to prevent a spill. "Ah, here," he said, handing it over with an awkward smile.

Natasha took the bottle from him without a word, her movements efficient and surgical as she reached for a roll of gauze.

The moment she began to wrap the injured young man's wound, he yelped in pain, his voice cracking like a whip in the sterile air.

"Oh, hush. You have no one to blame but yourself," Natasha scolded, her tone sharp but not unkind. "You were lucky to get off with only a nasty scrape. What were you thinking, taking on an automaton of all things?"

"But… but it was a dare," the patient stammered, his defense weak and wavering.

Natasha huffed, planting her hands firmly on her hips, her gaze stern. "Honestly. You boys are going to find yourselves in over your heads one day, then even I won't be able to patch you up. Let's hope you learned a valuable lesson from this."

"…yeah, bring weapons next time," the young man mumbled under his breath, though not quietly enough to escape her notice.

"What was that…?" Natasha's voice dropped to a dangerous lilt, her eyes narrowing with a promise of swift retribution.

"N-nothing, ma'am!" the patient quickly amended, his face paling.

Caelus watched the exchange in patient silence, once more presented with a reminder of Natasha's duality. After all, this was the woman who, beneath her nurturing exterior, led a formidable underground movement that had kept the Underworld from total anarchy until recently.

"Good. Now sit there and let the medicine work. I'll check on you in a bit," she instructed with a finality that brooked no argument.

Then, turning her attention to Caelus, she grabbed the hood of his jacket with a firm grip, her eyes gleaming with unspoken intentions. "As for you," she said, her voice low and authoritative, "let's have a little chat, shall we?"

Caelus gulped, his heart skipping a beat as she steered him to the far side of the room. In her grasp, he felt a mix of trepidation and respect, knowing full well that this was a woman who could weather any storm—and drag him along for the ride if necessary.

There was little he could do but follow her lead, Natasha's grip gentle yet insistent as she guided him to the small table nestled in the corner of the room. The dim light cast soft, wavering shadows on the walls, and the antiseptic scent of the clinic hung in the air, a potent reminder of their surroundings.

She gracefully deposited him into one of the two chairs present as she settled herself across from him.

"Sorry, I guess I was a bit distracted," Caelus muttered, his voice trailing off like a whisper in the wind.

Natasha's gaze was unwavering, her magenta eyes gleaming with a blend of curiosity and concern. "I'll say. If I'd known you were this troubled, I wouldn't have bothered you like this," she remarked, a playful yet pointed edge to her words.

"No, it's fine. I'm just…" Caelus's voice faltered, his gaze dropping to the worn tabletop, its surface scarred with the marks of countless encounters. He might have continued to stare at it, lost in his own turbulent thoughts, had it not been for the soft touch of Natasha's velvet-covered hand lifting his chin, compelling him to meet her eyes.

Her stare was searching, not harsh or judgmental, but filled with a deep, almost maternal concern that made his chest tighten.

He would have preferred the sharp sting of reproach to the tender worry glowing in her eyes – that was simpler to handle.

"Caelus, this isn't like you. What's going on? What's wrong?" she asked, her voice as soothing as a balm and as probing as a needle.

His mouth went dry, his thoughts tangled in a web of secrets and responsibilities.

The choice bounced around a bit in his skull.

Should he tell her?

Bronya had trusted him with her deepest fears, her confession shared in the quiet shadows of secrecy.

And the implications of that knowledge were vast, capable of shaking the very foundations of Belobog.

If the truth about the Architects and Bronya's struggle ever came to light, it could spark a rebellion against her leadership.

No.

Telling Natasha, no matter how kind-hearted and well-meaning she was, would be like tossing a burning match into an ammo dump.

That, and Bronya trusted him; discarding that for the slightest bit of relief would weigh too heavily on his soul.

That said, the specter of the deranged guardian ever loomed large in his mind, a haunting presence that refused to be exorcised.

Even in death she demanded attention.

Cocolia Rand.

The woman who had wielded the stellaron's power like a deadly blade, had nearly brought him and his friends to ruin on that fateful day atop Everwinter Hill. Her visage still haunted his nightmares, a figure as fearsome and unyielding as the Doomsday Beast he had faced on Herta's station.

And yet, the enigma of Bronya's mother was a labyrinth of contradictions.

She wasn't a mindless monster or an apathetic deity; she had once been a woman, full of life, dreams, and a twisted sense of duty that had driven her to such dark ends.

His dream of her replayed in his mind, a vision that had shaken him to his core.

He had borne witness to a side of Cocolia that questioned everything of the cold, ruthless persona she had embodied in their confrontations.

There, in the fragmented tapestry of his dreams, she had appeared almost fragile, a woman so desperate for that connection that made her solemn mission worth it all.

He had buried these doubts beneath the avalanche of crises that followed, but now, in the relative calm of the clinic, they surged back with relentless force, topped with a single damning question:

Who was Cocolia?

Was she the formidable and beautiful ruler who sought to protect her people at any cost, or was she nothing but a despot, lost to madness and ambition - one who had hoped to herald a new era even at the cost of the very people she swore to safeguard?

The stories and memories of those around him were divided, painted with the hues of their personal experiences and biases.

As her adopted daughter, Bronya's take on her mother was one of deep filial loyalty and betrayal.

The Silvermane Guards' of duty and lament for their previous leader.

Then there was Wildfire's defiant rebellion against the guardian's oppression.

'That can't be all of it,' he thought with a frustrated scowl.

There had to be more to her story, more than the binary of savior and monster that others ascribed to her. Nothing was so cut and dry, especially where humans were concerned.

Everything was gray, and Cocolia, for all her faults, was no exception.

'If only I could ask her myself…'

But even if he had the chance, he doubted he would receive anything but gilded lies, crafted to hide the darkness that had long since consumed the woman Bronya still called mother.

It wasn't fair to either of them, trapped as they were by the legacies of their choices.

"You're brooding again," Natasha's voice broke through the fog of his musings, grounding him once more. Her eyes, intense but not harsh, seemed to phase right through the walls he had built around his thoughts.

In another time, he might have felt self-conscious under such scrutiny, but now it was a lifeline, pulling him back from that yawning abyss.

"That obvious, huh?" he replied with a sheepish smile, his voice tinged with reluctant acknowledgment.

"You're my patient; it's my job to look after you," she said, as if that explained everything.

Her hand, warm and reassuring, slipped from his chin to rest gently atop his left, a silent promise of understanding and support.

The warmth of her touch radiated through him, a vocal reminder that he wasn't alone in this maze of uncertainty and doubt he'd found himself in. The doctor's steady presence was a beacon in the storm, offering a glimmer of clarity amidst the swirling questions that plagued him.

Yet, even as he found solace in her concern, the mysteries of Cocolia and the burdens of his knowledge remained, shadows lurking at the edge of his consciousness, waiting to resurface once more.

Natasha's casual remark briefly lifted the oppressive fog from Caelus's mind, but it wasn't long before the question returned once more, like an insistent drumbeat echoing in the silence.

He clenched his fists, the decision to take a risk forming in the recesses of his thoughts.

He needed answers, and there was only one person now who could provide them.

"Natasha, be honest with me: what do you think of Cocolia?"

The question hung in the air, charged with the weight of its implications.

The look of shock she wore now had been anticipated.

As the leader of Wildfire, she had been a stalwart adversary of Cocolia, fighting against the injustices the former supreme guardian had wrought upon Belobog's Underworld. To someone like her, Cocolia was the architect of their suffering, an enemy whose shadow once loomed large over their lives – and to some, it still did.

But it was the silence that followed, thick and contemplative, that unsettled him.

Natasha's soft expression hardened, her eyes narrowing into sharp, demanding slits. "Why ask that all of a sudden?" she responded, her voice edged with a cold, brittle curiosity.

Despite how close he'd gotten with the woman, Caelus knew he was treading dangerous ground.

The doctor's hostility was justified. To her, Cocolia had abandoned the very people she had sworn to protect by severing the lifeline to the surface, condemning them to a slow and almost certain death amidst the Fragmentum's encroaching decay.

Caelus felt hesitation grip like a vice.

The last thing he wanted to do was dig up old grudges, especially when it seemed that Natasha was finally moving forward with her life.

But the need to understand, to unearth the truth beneath the layers of hatred and regret, drove him forward.

"Did you ever think that maybe there was something wrong with her?" he ventured, his voice barely more than a whisper. The last thing he needed was for anyone else out of the know to hear this exchange.

Natasha's grip on his hand tightened just then, her fingers threatening to cut off the blood flowing to it. Her eyes blazed with a fierce intensity, pinning him with twins of smoldering magenta. "To abandon the home she was meant to protect, to leave so many to starve and die to the Fragmentum? She damn well better have had something wrong with her," she all but spat out, her words seething with righteous anger before she collected herself somewhat. "Some people are just born mad, Caelus, and others suffer because of it."

Caelus bit down on his tongue, the sharp sting a distraction from the storm that was beginning to within him.

Natasha was a dear friend, someone whose judgment he valued deeply.

Her words had guided him through many storms, and he had trusted her implicitly, even when she had asked him to take care of matters as delicate as her checkered past.

And yet, despite the horrors inflicted upon them by Cocolia's reign, something about Natasha's vehement condemnation felt… wrong. Hypocritical, even.

He couldn't quite place why, but the feeling gnawed at him, insistent and unyielding, like a tick that burrowed deeper with each passing second.

Then, as if that same tick had bit down on a nerve, the words spilled from his lips before he could stop them.

"You thought the same thing about Svarog before, too," he pointed out darkly, only realizing the true weight of his words when Natasha's eyes darkened to the point they eerily reminded him of Cocolia's.

"...excuse me?" she uttered with a low, dangerous growl, and had he been wiser, Caelus might have retreated.

Getting on the bad side of the unofficial leader of the Underworld was the last thing he wanted.

But instead, he held his ground, meeting her steely glare with a resolve born from countless battles.

It was a confrontation not for the faint of heart, and the intensity of her gaze was enough to send braver men scurrying.

Throwing down with that of a lord ravager had done wonders for his courage, it seemed.

"Svarog's logic put him at odds with Wildfire, yes. But ultimately, he was doing what he believed was right for the Underworld… just as you were. We saw him as an obstacle to reaching the surface and dealing with Cocolia. His actions and our perception of him deemed him an adversary. But Clara," he paused, a small, fond smile tugging at his lips as he thought of the spirited, robot-loving girl, "she stood up for him. She begged us to hear him out, to see the world through his eyes. Heck, she's probably the reason we made it as far as we did in the first place..."

"What's your point?" Natasha snapped, her scowl deepening, shadows dancing across her face in the dim light.

"That Clara is to Svarog what Bronya is to Cocolia. The only difference is, we never had the chance to truly hear Cocolia's story," Caelus continued, his voice growing more confident. "Apart from her twisted dreams of a new world born from the Stellaron, that is."

Natasha's magenta eyes still burned with residual anger, but her silence gave him the courage to drive his point home.

"I used to think the same as you: that Cocolia was nothing but a monster. But recently, my view has started to shift. Both Cocolia and Svarog were powerful forces that shaped our fates, that kept us locked away in the Underworld. They were both obstacles to overcome at the time, but there's more to their stories than just the roles they played as our oppressors. And… I think, deep down, you know that too."

Natasha's eyes widened marginally, the anger in her eyes dimming to a simmer.

Her grip on his hand loosened, and for a moment, she seemed lost in thought, wrestling with the implications of his words.

Caelus watched her, the tension between them a taut string ready to snap or unwind.

The truth was a complicated, multifaceted beast.

For all his talk, even he still didn't have all the pieces.

Whatever Natasha's response might have been was abruptly silenced by the soft chime of the bell at the front entrance.

Both she and Caelus turned their heads in unison, their conversation abruptly cut short by the arrival of a young woman, her crying daughter clinging tightly to her side. The air filled with the child's muffled sobs, a plaintive sound that tugged at the heart.

"Excuse me, Miss Natasha, I hate to bother you, but my daughter—" the mother began, her voice laced with urgency and concern.

"There's no need to apologize," Natasha interjected, her own voice soothing as a lullaby. A gentle smile played on her lips as she rose gracefully from her seat, her hand slipping away from Caelus's as she crossed the room in a few long, purposeful strides. Kneeling before the distraught child, she looked up with a gaze as soft as velvet. "Hi there, sweetie. Why don't you tell me what's the matter?"

"My… m-my tummy h-hurts really badly," the little girl whimpered, her small hand rubbing fiercely at her left eye, as if to wipe away the tears that wouldn't stop.

"Oh, we can't have that," Natasha crooned, reaching out to brush away the damp streaks on the child's cheeks. "Let's see what we can do about it, hm? Caelus?" She turned her head slightly, her voice carrying an unspoken request.

Caelus, already rising to his feet, instinctively prepared to assist, but Natasha's next words brought him up short.

"I can handle things from here. Why don't you run along for now?"

While her tone was kind, Caelus knew the good doctor well enough by now to sense the underlying message.

She wanted to handle this alone, a subtle but clear boundary drawn in the sand, likely as a result of their discussion.

It stung, the sharp prick of rejection, but he understood and respected her wishes.

Making a scene would serve no one right now, nor did he wish to do that to a friend.

"Sounds good. I'll go see if the others are busy or something."

As he moved towards the door, the mother's eyes widened in sudden recognition, and she gasped softly. "Oh, my! I wasn't aware the Hero of Belobog would be here! I hope we didn't interrupt anything."

The awe in her voice did little to ease the mounting guilt that churned within him, but he managed to muster a smile, albeit a fragile one. "It's no trouble. I was just heading out anyway."

"O-oh… Well, please take care of yourself," the mother stammered, her voice a mix of gratitude and reverence.

"T-thank you for helping us, Mister Trailblazer!" the little girl called out, her voice small but earnest. She waved at him with tiny fingers, her mother echoing the gesture with a warm smile.

Natasha, meanwhile, had already shifted seamlessly back into her role as head of the clinic, taking the child's temperature and murmuring reassurances. She exuded calm and competence, her focus entirely on her young patient, as if the weight of their recent conversation had never existed.

Yet not once did she turn in his direction.

Caelus paused for a moment, taking one last glance at Natasha, her every action a testament to the quiet strength that defined her.

Then he stepped out into the bustling streets of the Underworld, the familiar noise and chaos enveloping him like an old, worn cloak. He let his feet guide him through the labyrinthine pathways, his mind only half-registering the friendly waves and nods from those who recognized him as he passed by.

With each passing step, Bronya's words echoed in his mind, relentless and unforgiving.

Someone strong would've been able to save my mother.

'Someone strong…'

The phrase reverberated within him, a bitter reminder of his own perceived shortcomings.

The day Cocolia had confronted them on Everwinter Hill had left more than just physical scars. It had carved a wound deep within his soul, one that had recently been agitated, festering with doubt and uncertainty.

He knew now that he wasn't the paragon of strength Bronya seemed to think so highly of, and it was this realization he found was the true legacy Cocolia had bestowed upon him.

The thought gnawed at him as he walked, each step taken a silent testament to the burden he carried.

The so-called hero of Belobog, celebrated and revered, lost himself in the hustle and bustle around him. The paved streets blurred around him, a cacophony of life and light that he barely registered, lost as he was in the labyrinth that was his thoughts.

"Oh, Caelus!"

The sudden call pulled him from his reverie, his head snapping up to see a familiar figure waving enthusiastically from across the street.
With her golden locks flecked with blue gleaming under the dim lights of the Underworld, she hurried towards him, smile as radiant as the sun breaking through storm clouds.

"Serval? What brings you down here?" Caelus asked, surprise mingling with a flicker of curiosity. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air in the somber confines of the Underworld.

"Ran out of components for a commission, so I'm hoping the shops down here have what I need," she replied, rubbing her wrist absentmindedly, her gaze scanning the bustling market around them. "It's kept me pretty busy lately." She glanced back at him, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest. "What about you? Off to help out Natasha, I take it?"

It was all he could do not to grimace at that hollow reminder.

'Doubt she'll want to see me for a while after this… Can't blame her either. I still don't know what got into me back there.'

"Actually, I just… finished a run for her," he said, trying to sound casual, though the slight hesitation in his voice betrayed him. He hoped his excuse would suffice.

Of course, Serval Landau wasn't just a stunning beauty; her sharp intellect often put the researchers on Herta's station to shame.

The self-proclaimed rockstar raised an eyebrow, her expression turning playfully saccharine. She reached out and looped her arm through his, her touch warm and inviting. "In that case, why don't you give a girl a hand? Lugging all these parts back topside would be a real chore otherwise."

A part of him wanted to refuse, to retreat back into the solitude where he could wrestle with his thoughts undisturbed.

The memories of Bronya's sorrow amidst the haunting echoes of his dreams all swirled around him like a maelstrom.

Being around others felt like a task too heavy to bear.

But then again, the prospect of said solitude was equally as daunting. His ruminations would gnaw at him unabated, wearing down his sanity until there was nothing left but a hollow shell.

A shudder ran through him at the thought of where that path might lead.

He needed a distraction, something to pull him from the abyss, even if only for a while.

Back on the space station, losing himself in all the researchers' errands had provided a reprieve. Maybe this could be the same. If playing pack mule for Serval meant silencing the cacophony in his mind, however briefly, then it was a small price to pay.

"Sure, why not? I could give you a hand at the workshop too, if you want," he offered, his voice tinged with a note of reluctant acceptance.

"Oh, you're awesome!" Serval beamed, her enthusiasm contagious. "Come on, the first stop's just around the corner. In and out, promise."

With a gleam in her eye, she began to drag him down the cobbled street, her excitement propelling them forward.

To anyone else, the determined gleam in her eyes might have been intimidating, but Caelus found it almost comforting. He was used to her boundless energy, her zest for life that seemed to light up even the darkest corners of Belobog's Underworld.

As they wound through the narrow alleys, the ambient sounds of the marketplace surrounded them – the clink of metal, the hum of conversations, the occasional bark of a vendor hawking their wares.

Caelus let himself be pulled along, the vibrant chaos a welcome distraction from his morose thoughts.

Besides, helping Serval out in her workshop was always a pleasant diversion. He enjoyed working with the blonde like this; all the shared moments tinkering with machines, and the way her eyes would light up with whatever idea she had for an invention were treasured little memories to him.

'And I mean really?' He mused to himself with a wry smile. 'How much could she possibly need this time?'

---

Author's note: Some of you might think Natasha's a bit out of character here, and if so, please let me know so I can refine her in future updates - same goes for Serval.

Also, please leave your thoughts on the chapter so I can hear what you guys think thus far.

 

[Jakeros]

The rhythmic clinking and clattering of metal filled the workshop as its dedicated owner toiled away.

In the midst of scattered circuit panels, loose screws, and assorted tools, the chaotic semblance of a radio slowly transformed into its former glory. With a final twist of her screwdriver, the once dilapidated mess was reborn.

"Aaaand there!" Serval exclaimed with triumph, wiping a smudge of grime from her forehead. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she handed the now pristine radio back to its astonished owner.

"It looks practically brand new! Thank you, Miss Landau!" The customer's voice was filled with wonder, their fingers tracing the smooth surface as if it were a newly discovered treasure.

Serval beamed, her smile wide and infectious. "Sure thing, and thank you for choosing Neverwinter Workshop!" She gave a friendly wave as the customer departed, then let out a contented hum. Leaning back, she surveyed her bustling domain. "Alright, that's the last one for today. Took a little elbow grease to get everything running again, but nothing beats a hard day's work, right…?"

Her words hung in the air, met only by a groan from the corner of the room.

She turned; eyebrow arched in mock disapproval. "Oh, come on, you big baby! What would everyone say if they saw you lazing around like this?"

In said corner, Caelus found himself sprawled across a pair of chairs, his limbs a tangle of exhaustion. He had been her reluctant companion on a marathon shopping spree, dragged from shop to shop, stall to stall. Each stop had added to his burden, a collection of rusty parts that felt like they weighed as much as lead.

He groaned inwardly, recalling the tram ride back—a sardine can-like journey standing amidst a sea of bodies. "Never thought I'd miss the turbo lifts on the space station so much," he muttered, his arms still aching from their earlier ordeal as makeshift shelves.

As if their return journey wasn't punishment enough, Serval had immediately put him to work in her workshop. For two relentless hours, he fetched and carried, while she meticulously repaired and restored.

"Why didn't you have Molly help you out? Isn't she your apprentice still?" he asked, casting a weary glance from his makeshift resting place.

Serval chuckled, unconsciously adjusting a tool on her bench nearby. "I gave her the day off to visit her folks in the Underworld. Tried to talk her way out of it, but I can be very persuasive."

"I'm sure," he replied, massaging his sore arms. "Ugh, my arms feel like jelly…"

Serval rolled her eyes. "You swing that bat of yours around constantly—how is fetching a few tools for me any different?"

"Because it hardly weighs anything, unlike everything you had me get—and carry up here," he shot back, testily.

Rather than rise to his jab, Serval merely crossed her arms and lifted a delicate blond eyebrow, a silent reminder of who was really in charge. The expression was so familiar, so reminiscent of her little brother, that Caelus couldn't help but wince.

Guess I know who Gepard really takes after…

"Sorry. I've just got a lot on my mind, plus I've been having trouble sleeping."

Her gaze softened, lingering steadily on him for a moment before she sighed. "Considering you've been shuttling off all across the cosmos lately, I guess I can't blame you for wanting some rest." She pivoted, leaning against her desk and looking at him through the fringe of hair that hung just above her eye. "I take it you've had more whirlwind adventures since then?"

"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you. That chaos with Cocolia seems almost peaceful looking back on it."

"Yeah…" Serval's tone grew melancholy at that admission, her gaze drifting to some distant, unseen point.

Caelus risked a glance at her, noting the contemplative frown that darkened her features.

"I… still think about that day from time to time. About how I basically dipped on you guys to deal with Geppie."

"You didn't have a choice," he pointed out gently. "He wouldn't have let us go if you hadn't stepped in."

"And I get that, but still… Maybe I could've helped—talk her down or something."

Were it only that easy.

Cocolia's descent had been assured long before they got there, her actions driven by forces beyond simple reasoning. Even her own daughter had failed to sway her in the end. What chance did an old friend have?

Yet, he understood the lingering shadows of guilt that haunted Serval.

"Do you miss her?" he blurted out, then immediately regretted the question as he saw her flinch.

"Huh? Cocolia?" Serval blinked at him, her eyes darting away with a trace of guilt. "I dunno… maybe? Ugh, even now it's hard to piece together who was the real Cocolia."

It was so relatable that Caelus couldn't help but smile.

How many times had wondered about the same thing within the last few days? Honesty, he'd lost count because even what he knew about her seemed to be just a fabrication by other parties.

Truthfully, Serval was likely the only person who saw Cocolia without the rose-tinted glasses that Bronya did, and why he valued her words on the subject. It was a shame she had decided to stay here in Belobog instead of joining the Express, but he understood her reasoning.

Cocolia's shadow hung over everyone, Bronya especially of course; but Serval, who had grown up with the woman, had effectively been blanketed by it. Her intent to join the Express had been born out of a desire to shirk off that veil, but in the end she had demonstrated the strength of her will.

He had, however, learned some rather surprising things in the process, specifically about the former guardian herself.

"She was your bassist, wasn't she?"

"How did you—?" She started, only to let out a rueful chuckle. "Is it bad that I kinda wish you forgot all that? I wasn't exactly at my best then."

"Every memory I make with you is precious, just as it is with all of my friends. You and Gepard trusted me enough to be there for you then, and that hasn't changed," Caelus said earnestly, watching as a faint blush crept up Serval's cheeks. She ducked her head right after, hiding her reaction, and he decided to ignore it for both their sakes. "Still, never took her for a metalhead. I figured she'd like classical stuff more."

"Pfft! That's only because she put on airs around everyone, but behind closed doors, she could kick it with the best. Hard to believe it's been so long… right, that was back when Dunn was still in the band," Serval remarked, a soft chuckle escaping her glossy lips.

"Man, you should've heard us back then. We really brought the house down, although Lia… I mean Cocolia, usually did herself up so she wouldn't be recognized. Can't have Belobog's savior shredding notes at some 'vulgar performance'—blegh," she added with a gag, clearly disdainful of those with more "sophisticated" opinions.

"You do miss her," Caelus commented, and Serval stilled. "You don't have to feel guilty about it. You said you'd no longer live in her shadow, but that doesn't mean you can't miss your friend."

"I know, but it's… old wounds, you know? Besides, with how things ended between us, given what she did and what she tried to do… it's not easy to think about her these days. But I gotta ask, why the sudden interest in her? Did something happen?"

All at once, Caelus stilled.

Crap.

The dream he had – the vivid, inexplicable vision of Cocolia and another man still gnawed at his thoughts. It would be a bald-faced lie to say he wasn't interested, but how could he explain that without sounding unhinged?

The hesitation must've shown on his face because Serval chuckled at him. "Caelus, come on, it's me. I ain't going to run you out if you say something weird – long as it's not about me anyways…" her eyes narrowed accusingly at that, "it's not about me, is it?"

The trailblazer couldn't help it; he broke out laughing, the worries vanishing from his mind in an instant.

Leave it to Serval Landau to completely blow away any insecurities anyone had.

"No, not you – this time at least."

"Oi, don't think I'm letting that one go!" the blonde shot back playfully, sharing another laugh with him. "So what is it? Come on, now I'm invested."

A few more chuckles escaped his lips before he sobered, trying to carefully word his next words. "Can I ask you something about her – about Cocolia I mean? I know it's still a sore subject, but… was she… seeing anyone in the past?"

Serval's response, while not what he feared, also wasn't what he expected.

The expectant and eager expression took a hike in less than a second, becoming as deadpan as one could be. "…Classy, Caelus. Really. Be glad Bronya didn't hear that—she might use you for target practice."

For a moment, he was stumped, trying to decipher her meaning.

His confusion didn't last, sadly; the realization hit him the exact moment his cheeks flooded with heat. "I—I-that's not what I meant! I didn't—!"

Amid his flustered protests, Serval doubled over in laughter, pounding the countertop with her fist, the sound echoing through the workshop.

"I'M SERIOUS!" he practically screeched, his voice rising in agonized pitch as she just laughed even harder.

"I-I can't breathe…! Gimme a second!" After a minute or so, she managed to get herself under control, though the teasing grin seemed part of her face now. "Oh man, you have no idea how much I needed that."

"Yeah, yeah, glad you enjoyed it," he grumbled sourly, feeling the heat still burning his cheeks. "Seriously though."

"Sorry, sorry," Serval giggled again before composing herself, albeit with a lingering smile. "Hmm. Well, I won't deny that we both were hot topics back in our academy days, emphasis on hot. Poor Dunn's a victim of that. He nearly asked me out on stage once, right in the middle of the show—Qlippoth, that was embarrassing."

Caelus couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the diligent guard captain. Whether he realized it or not, Dunn had been firmly placed in the friend zone by the eldest Landau. "Then what about Cocolia?"

"She was heir to the guardianship—it'd be stupid not to be interested in something closer with someone like her," Serval replied with a fond roll of her eyes. "Heh. I lost count of how many times someone tried to get into her pants only to fall ill to hypothermia before the day was out."

"So… there wasn't anyone?" he pressed, and Serval's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing his insistence.

"She wasn't a monk," Serval admitted, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. "Neither of us were virgins by the time she went her own way," she added with a saucy wink, throwing him a playful grin.

Caelus forced himself to banish "those" kinds of thoughts from his mind before they made him react in a rather… indiscreet way. It was bad enough that Serval thought he was interested in his friend's mother, but to imagine her in such a provocative manner?

He'd sooner have kitchen duty with Pom-Pom for the rest of forever.

But Serval's words only left him more puzzled. If Cocolia never had any serious relationships back then, why did he dream of her with another man? What was the point of it all?

"Alright, my turn to ask questions—why the sudden interest? You were never curious about her before."

Caelus paused, weighing his options.

There were a few excuses he could use, just in case someone more demanding sniffed out his curiosity, like Seele.

Fortunately, Serval respected boundaries and didn't push unless she had to… which, in this case, she clearly wanted to.

Lying to her felt wrong, though. She had been one of the first friends he'd made in Belobog, aside from Seele, Natasha, and even the Moles. What's more, she was privy to truths few others knew, so maybe he could afford to let her in on some of his worries.

'The dream stays with me though. Everything else I've said before will get debunked in a hurry if I utter any of that to her.'

"Bronya asked me to come with her to Everwinter Hill," he said, settling on a partial truth.

"Because it was Lia's birthday, wasn't it?"

This time, it was his turn to shoot a surprised look at her.

She poked her tongue out at him playfully. "You really think I could forget my best friend's birthday? Some things are just hardwired like that... even if sometimes I wish I could rewire them."

Caelus honestly had no idea how to respond to a statement like that, but fortunately, he didn't have to.

The blonde ducked behind her desk to rummage around for something, kicking up a racket in the process. "Anyways, time for you to scoot. I've got a gig later tonight, so I'm gonna close up shop here pretty quick. But before I go, here," she walked over and handed him one of the parts she'd bought down in the Underworld. "Clara mentioned she was looking for one of those, so be a good sport and hand it off to her for me, would ya?"

"Serval, about Cocolia—" he tried to say, but she silenced him with a finger to his lips.

"Caelus, let me be clear. Lia and Cocolia are two very different people to me; one was my best friend, my sister in all but blood—the other was my ruler, and a tyrant in the end. Don't ask me which one I miss because that's a question I don't think I'll ever be able to answer."

There was a part of him that felt like pressing her further, but he shoved that to the side seeing what state she was in now. The blonde's eyes were now effectively shadowed by her bangs, concealing whatever turmoil she was battling with.

'Don't make this like it was with Nat. Let it go for now.'

"Ok," he told her, glancing down at the part in his hand. "Thank you for telling me all that, Serval. Really."

It might've been his imagination, but he swore he heard a sniffle come from her before she flicked her head back up, flashing a winning smile.

"Yeah no prob, now scoot. I need this place locked up before Pela comes breaking the door down."

He might've laughed at that if weren't a credible threat. Pela Sergeyevna was a force of nature when she put her mind to it.

"Alright, later then."

"See ya – oh, and try not to have too many risqué daydreams about Cocolia~!"

"W-WAIT WHAT-!?"

The door shut right in his face, cutting off his reply to her, though he could still hear the laughter through the door.

"…Landaus!"

---

Author's Note: Bit of a short update this time since, in hindsight, I probably should've included this one on last week's post, but oh well.

So this bit and last week's update serve as a bit more of a deep dive into where Caelus's thoughts are heading, and how it comes off to certain characters.

Obviously Natasha stands as the most direct antagonist of Cocolia, having taken on the responsibility of leading the Underworld from the shadows when the latter cast it off to the wolves.

As for Serval, I am taking some creative liberties here. While she never outright says she hates Cocolia for what she became in the game, it's clear there will exist some tension there even after she laid that particular demon to rest. I hoped to dig out some of the melancholy and wistfulness of what Cocolia used to be and highlight that, underneath being a deranged foe, she was still a human with her own relationships.

Dunno how well I did, but here it is, for good or ill.