March 7th awoke upright; back straight, edge of the blanket in hands, with an unusually bright smile on her face. If the smile were to be contrasted, it would be akin to the light of a star against a supernova. Her smile, while usually already bright, was somehow even brighter, even more dazzling in its unapologetic enjoyment. It's a look of pure delight, supported by a large grin and wide, sparkling eyes.

"Today is the day!" she declared, closing her eyes and squealing while gripping the edge of her blanket. The day had finally come.

"Happy birthday!" came the collective cheers of the Express crew members. March 7th's voice reigned supreme and flighty, camera in hand and silently urging Caelus for a picture with a look within the main lobby. Dan Heng's cheer was more reserved but just as genuine. Himeko had a wide smile, volume at a moderate level. Welt was surprisingly the 2nd loudest, offering a pat on the back to the Stelleron-carrying Trailblazer. Pom-pom's cheer was the quietest but most discernible, his paw gently tapping Caelus' leg.

"Thank you!" replied Caelus to the cheers, a bright smile on his face. His dearest friends then crowded around him, and before he could blink, his arms were full of wrapped presents.

"Wh-" He blinked, eyes wide with surprise as his mouth hung open. "This is honestly too much," he commented with a chuckle. They silently smiled in response, amused by the sight of their comrade struggling to maintain his balance.

"Oh, Caelus… C'mon, guys! Let's take a picture," March 7th declared, huddling them up into position. Caelus smiled, walking over to a table and depositing his presents before huddling up with the others.

"Okay!" March 7th knelt on one knee, elbows bent as her fingers gripped the edge of her camera. "One… Two… Three… Express!" she instructed, her index applying pressure on the shutter as a clear-cut click resounded.

"Ha…" Caelus sighed contently, amber eyes wide against the dark ceiling. The past few hours flew by, a smile forming as he recalls March 7th's laughter and Dan Heng's banter. He turned on his side to the left, his right hand skimming along the bedsheet before clutching his phone and bringing it closer to his face. His eyes narrowed against the glare, unlocking his phone with a few taps on the interface.

"Hmm…" he hummed quietly, shifting restlessly under the blanket. His thumb hovered down before swiping upwards. A few more swipes, scrolling mindlessly. "Ha…" Caelus sighed, his eyes closing as his thumb clicked the power button on the side. Minutes passed in silence until Caelus stirred. With a sigh at his lips, but not quite escaping, he adjusted the blanket over him. Once more, his eyes shut closed, lips thinning to a line. He awoke a few minutes later, turning to his other side and turning over his pillow before shutting his eyes.

"This isn't going to work, is it?" he whispered, rubbing his eyes and opening the blinds of his room. A sea of stars came into view, the shining canvas of the expansive galaxy somewhat soothing to observe. Placing his right hand over his chest, Caelus could feel a growing pang in his heart. It started akin to an itch, easily ignored until it festered, slowly but surely growing into an ever-bottomless hole he couldn't fill for the life of him. The lack of understanding brought forth clenched teeth and a difficult expression; furrowed brows and eyes that looked to be on the verge of tears. Letting out a long sigh, Caelus considered leaving for a walk in the Luofo in the hopes of shrugging off whatever was bothering him. In the worst-case scenario, he could always try his luck with Boss Du's weird tea.

'That…doesn't sound like such a bad idea, actually.' Caelus thoughtfully considered the notion before setting his mind. He quickly prepared himself, somewhat excited to enjoy the lovely sights of Aurum Alley after the tribulations everyone faced. Reaching for his phone, his brow rose when he suddenly received a message. Curiously, he opened the inbox, eyes widening in surprise when he saw its content.

Anonymous: 'Hi, Caelus.'

The Trailblazer knew only one anonymous sender who started out like this, but, 'I'll confirm, just in case.'

Caelus: 'It's been a while.'

Caelus: 'I didn't think you'd contact me again so soon.'

Anonymous: 'I would never miss today of all days. Wolfie says hi.'

It was her after all.

At that moment, the Trailblazer sensed it. The ache plaguing him all day seemed to relent almost imperceptibly, some relief bleeding into his features unknowingly as he read her message. His lips quirked up into a minuscule smile, feeling refreshed as he typed his response.

Caelus: 'I'm flattered. I missed you.'

It felt tacky, but he couldn't help indulging in the impulses urging him to type such words.

Anonymous: 'Really?'

It seemed his interlocutor was in a playful mood. Then again, Kafka was always lighthearted in the time he was in her company. At least when she wasn't causing trouble for him.

Caelus: 'Really.'

Caelus: 'You don't believe me?'

Anonymous: 'I do.'

Anonymous: 'I know you can't see me, but I'm actually really happy right now.'

Anonymous: 'I knew it.'

The response was immediate, her reassurance filling him with relief as his amber eyes traced over her words. Kafka is a criminal, notoriously so, with a pile of crimes higher than he could ever hope to see…and yet, 'she didn't seem so bad.' Caelus couldn't quite put this feeling into words. His heart pushed him to reach out to her with sincerity; to put his trust in her.

If it weren't for the distance between them, he might've been worried about being influenced by her spirit whisper.

Anonymous: 'Are you busy?'

Caelus grew curious as he remembered his previous plan, and suddenly, his eyes widened, coming to a somewhat daring idea.

Caelus: 'No.'

Caelus: 'I couldn't sleep. I was just about to head to Aurum Alley to pass the time.'

Thumb hovering over the send button, his eyes closed for a moment before reopening with renewed determination.

Caelus: 'Do you want to join me?

A breath unknowingly held was released with a relieved sigh. It was a risky invitation for a wanted criminal after the recent fiasco, even with the general leniency. However, Caelus still hoped she would accept. 'I want to see you again…' He withheld from voicing his wish so blatantly, even as he gripped his phone a smidge tighter when she began typing her response.

Anonymous: 'Alright, let's meet there.'

Anonymous: 'See you there in an hour.'

'Yes!' Caelus smiled brightly, his body strangely invigorated despite the recent festivities as he grabbed his coat and stealthily exited the Express. Carefully, he tiptoed through the corridor while keeping close attention on the rooms next to him, only relaxing once he made some distance from the train before he hurried to Aurum Alley.

Neither the distance nor the time seemed to matter as he navigated through alleys and soared on starskiffs. Vigor propelled him forward, eclipsing any trace of fatigue, until he stood at the entrance of Aurum Alley. The Trailblazer took a momentary respite, surveying the bustling crowd in search of the elusive woman. Unfazed by her apparent absence, Caelus pressed on into the heart of the alley, meticulously scrutinizing each face at the stalls and within the shops.

As familiar faces and acquaintances warmly acknowledged him, he reciprocated with absentminded waves, his usual enthusiasm momentarily eclipsed by the singular focus of finding her elusive figure.

Yet she was nowhere to be found.

Sitting by one of the food stalls, Caelus felt a wave of discouragement wash over him. His phone, a source of both anticipation and disappointment, was scrutinized once again in the hopes of a new message. As his gaze wandered through the lively surroundings, his shoulders slumped, and a growing disinterest settled in.

A frown creased Caelus's face when the familiar ache returned, compounding his sense of loss. 'Get a grip, Caelus,' he chided himself. Closing his eyes, the Trailblazer leaned back into the bench, arms spread his arms across the top's edge as he started contemplating his sudden impatience. His head tilted backward, eyes aimlessly wandering through the sky. Despite the early hour and his swift arrival, impulsive judgments clouded his perspective. The night remained young, yet an unexplained urgency coursed through him. Was it a yearning for answers, or yet another effect of the enigmatic 'script' Kafka often referenced?

That subject often soured his mood, knowing his actions were following someone else's designs like a puppet. It lingered in his mind in important moments like chains he couldn't break no matter how hard he tried, making his encounters with Kafka somewhat bittersweet.

He wished to meet her of their own volition, not through the machinations of another.

Unable to rationalize the unfamiliar but irreplaceable sentiments, Caelus grappled with his emotions. The confusion cut deep, and he questioned his role—an existence forged as a vessel for a weapon of mass destruction, following a path not of his choosing.

He was fortunate to have friends to count on and a place to call home. Yet a purpose to call his own still eludes him.

'Just…what is the point of me?' he wondered, gently rubbing his eyes as an encroaching headache enveloped him. His mind became a blur of static, punctuated by fleeting flashes—distorted and broken. Whispers and laughter, indistinct amidst the persistent ringing in his ears, filled the void.

The abrupt cessation of flashes left him coughing, grappling with a brief wave of nausea. In the aftermath, he sought clarity amid the lingering disorientation. Caelus rose from his slump, leaning forward with an elbow firmly upright on his thigh, his palm holding his cheek as fingers massaged his temple.

"You're here early," said a voice that cut through the confusion and cleansed his thoughts. Redirected focus led Caelus to tilt his head upwards towards the voice in front, only to find a gloved hand reaching towards him. The motion was deliberately slow and easy to stop. "You," he voiced, but didn't take action as the hand soon found itself holding his cheek in an affectionate manner he didn't quite understand. Wordlessly, all ten of his fingers firmly gripped the wrist of the new arrival as amber eyes closed.

"Take your time, Caelus." Her voice was understanding, even if she didn't know the full scope.

Opening his eyes, he relaxed at the sight of Kafka's carefree smile. "Y-Yeah," he responded, his features softening, suppressing the slight embarrassment he felt.

"I hope I didn't make you wait too long." Hands behind her back, eyes with a lighter hue of her hair color looked down at him innocently. "Did my dear Trailblazer miss me so?"

Her sultry tone earned a sigh from Caelus, and the Trailblazer crossed his arms. "Yeah," he casually declared, channeling his courage in hopes of downplaying his earlier self-diagnosed blunder. Her eyes widened, and his lips curved upwards. He felt particularly satisfied with this small victory.

Kafka's surprise was fleeting, a warm and beautiful smile gracing her lips. "Let's get going, shall we?" Her right arm extended from behind, the palm facing upwards. It looked similar to a scene he once saw in a movie with March, where the heroine is offered a dance. Caelus placed a hand into hers before being pulled to his feet. As soon as he stabilized, Kafka circled to his left, and then entangled her fingers with his.

"S-Sure. Let me show you around!" With newfound enthusiasm, Caelus began guiding the Stellaron hunter through the vibrant night market.

The duo traversed the bustling atmosphere, with Caelus animatedly sharing his experiences in Aurum Alley. Kafka absorbed the explanations and sights with keen attention. There was a strangely refreshing quality to spending time with her as if an elusive puzzle piece had seamlessly fallen into place. Holding her hand brought him comfort as they explored the various wares, her focused gaze unintentionally making vendors perspire before the charismatic huntress gracefully moved on.

'She was toying with him.' Caelus shook his head at the teasing smile his companion threw his way but refrained from any reprimands. Indulging her whims for the night seemed a small price to pay given the rarity of such occasions. "Would you like to eat something?" he offered, feeling a slight pang of hunger.

Kafka nodded. "I would love to."

Caelus beamed a smile in response, glancing around with optimism that steadily faltered as worry crept in and his smile returned to a neutral line. The nearby restaurants were bustling and crowded, presenting a dilemma. Kafka didn't strike him as someone content with simple stall food, yet opting for a restaurant might entail a considerable wait for their meals—an inconvenience he was certain Kafka had little time for.

The worry on his face didn't go unnoticed, as Kafka playfully flicked his forehead with a finger, pulling him towards one of the food stalls. "I know you're straightforward, but don't wear your heart on your sleeve. Try to make your behavior a little more unpredictable," she quipped before deftly approaching a vendor and purchasing two Berrypheasant Skewers.

The tall auntie behind the stall gave a teasing smile while thanking Kafka for her patronage. "You've hit the jackpot with Caelus, lady," she said, adding a suggestive wink at the end. "I'm glad to see our benefactor has such a lovely companion. He always seemed so burdened all the time."

The Trailblazer, the hero of Belobog, and the defender of the Luofo nearly choked on his skewers at her words. Clearing his throat, he cast a cautious glance toward Kafka, managing a serene smile despite the unexpected compliment.

Then he almost yelped when she leaned against him, gluing herself to his arm as she returned an equally bright smile at the tall auntie. "I am very fortunate to have met him," she intoned. "I wouldn't mind sailing through the entire galaxy for him," she noted dearly, her radiant smile enchanting many of the onlookers.

Caelus didn't know whether his heart should be pounding with joy or embarrassment at this point, eyes focusing their all towards the ground. Although he didn't mind the pleasant feelings her words brought, it didn't make the redness of his cheeks any less awkward to endure.

Caelus heard a series of coughs beside them, curiously shifting his attention to the three figures occupying a table not far away. Their features were indiscernible given the heavy clothing and cloaks they wore, but the trailblazer saw the smallest among them coughing as the biggest hurriedly handed them some water while the third one watched with disinterest, clearly wishing he wasn't there.

Well, he hoped they were ok.

"Benefactor, I recommend you take a look at Cosmos Street," came the sudden suggestion of the vendor, her eyes glinting with mischief as she turned to Kafka. "We have organized a local celebration to commemorate the recent prosperity of Aurum Valley, I'm sure it'll be perfect for your date."

Carefully ignoring the last bit of her proposal, the Trailblazer nodded. "That sounds good." With a thoughtful gaze, Caelus glanced at his companion. "What do you think? Do we still have time for a quick look?" he inquired with a hopeful smile.

A melodic hum answered his question, Kafka intentionally taking her sweet time to savor his fidgeting form. With a teasing smirk, she grabbed his hand and led him towards the aforementioned street. "Of course, we do, dear~" Her carefree grin spurred him on, almost certainly making his heart skip multiple beats.

Caelus tensed, blinking owlishly as the weight of her words sunk in. With an exasperated sigh, he matched her stride. He wasn't as vulnerable to her quips this time around and refused to be toyed with so easily. A small tug of their intertwined fingers brought her closer to him, meeting her amused gaze with a playful quirk on his lips.

As the two left the night market, Caelus could almost swear he heard someone spitting their drink. The trailblazer banished the thought, dismissing it as a figment of his imagination.

Cosmos Street was the rowdiest Caelus had ever seen since he first stepped foot in Aurum Alley, it was a spectacle with street performers dazzling passersby with their ethereal performances while others busied themselves selling traditional wares for the celebration ranging from ornamental masks to beautifully decorated lanterns.

The two blended into the bustling festivities, enjoying the lively environment whilst they recounted some of their adventures.

Caelus told her of March's playfulness, Dan Heng's strictness, and his seniors' wisdom.

Kafka regaled him with tales of Silver Wolf's antics, Blade's troubles, and Sam's helpfulness.

Within the sea of people around them, the two found themselves in a world of their own, their attention arms-length on each others' form, dismissing all distractions. Approaching a stall of paper lanterns, Caelus spotted a lantern beautifully decorated with a sigil of a spider standing amidst its web. Ushering his companion forth, the two stopped in front of the stall.

"I would like to buy this lantern." Caelus wasted no time as he held the paper lantern in his grasp, anxious gaze focused on the craft as if it would be taken at any moment.

"A wise choice, sir!" Receiving his payment, the vendor beamed at them whilst Kafka observed the gift. "Don't forget to make a wish when you light it. This is an auspicious night, so your wish might be fulfilled," he gently reminded them with a friendly smile.

Kafka suddenly gestured to a lantern filled with various drawings of lotus flowers. "I would like to buy this one," she stated and quickly paid. The transaction completed, she then offered it to the Trailblazer.

The vendor gave Caelus a knowing smirk, which was met with a raised brow, refusing to elaborate as he wished them a pleasant night.

With the lanterns in hand, the two approached the docks to join the other people lighting their own lanterns. Caelus held both lanterns, and Kafka worked on lighting them. They soon started their ascent. He watched as his lantern slowly floated to the skies, clasping his hands together and closing his eyes. A moment of silence passed, thoughts organized into something coherent and meaningful.

"I wish…that I can always protect those I cherish," said his prayer in a quiet voice only audible to himself. "To stand with justice," he continues, recalling memories of triumph. "And live a life with no regrets," his last statement carried out with a conviction meaningful to him, and him alone. The pang in his heart gnawing at him during the day finally relented. Though he was a nobody with no aspect to call his own, it didn't mean his future was equally devoid of purpose.

If his existence lacked meaning, then all he had to do was create one.

Kafka wordlessly held her gaze, her usual smile lowering into a smaller, but somehow more meaningful one. Curiously, she made no wish and was content with observing Caelus until the latter opened his eyes and turned to her. "You looked adorable there, making your wish so sincerely," she teased halfheartedly.

Caelus chuckled, shaking it off with his head. "What was your wish, Kafka?" Curious, the Trailblazer asked. The dashing Stellaron Hunter always appeared satisfied with following her 'script', her serene smile ever present as if completely content. He was genuinely intrigued by the kind of wish someone like her could make.

Alas, the beauty only tilted her head and smirked. "I'm not telling you," came her blunt refusal with a gentle shake of her finger, much to Caelus's disappointment.

"Is it because of your script?" Shoulders slumped, Caelus inquired with a deadpanned gaze. "Did you only message me because of your script?" he ventured to ask, feeling somewhat defeated by the inevitable answer he sensed coming.

"No."

'No?'

Did he hear that right? Caelus perked up, wide eyes narrowing to his smiling companion for confirmation. "Really?"

Kafka nodded, a giggle escaping her. "Yes. I told you I would never miss this day," she casually assured, crossing her arms and lifting her gaze to the ensuing fireworks.

"You're not in trouble for this, are you?" The view and noise were tuned out, his focus lay only on the woman next to him.

"Are you concerned about me?"

"You know I am," said Caelus without hesitation, answering resolutely in all seriousness. His immediate response didn't seem to surprise her, Kafka's smile only growing more as she shook her head. Her right arm reached up and gently patted his head, tranquil gaze offering the assurances that Caelus sought.

"I'm not in any trouble. The script won't be affected by our meeting." Straightening her clothes, Kafka checked her phone and abruptly turned around. "With that said, our time is up for tonight." A look of reluctance threatened to break through her composure, only to be suppressed with a sigh which never quite left her lips.

Any further and she would endanger the script. She was already testing the limits by staying this long. She could not afford to be too greedy.

Even so, the Stellaron Hunter turned back to Caelus with a happy smile and raised her arms in an open invitation.

Caelus pouted but did not hesitate to pull the enigmatic lady into an affectionate hug, picking her up and turning around without a care. His hold did not relent as he felt her gentle touch, the sight of her joyous face just out of view. Kafka closed her eyes and held him equally tightly, her soft laughter akin to melodious tunes to the trailblazer's ears.

"Happy Birthday, Caelus." She whispered softly, her words making his heart flutter.

No further words were exchanged even as Caelus reluctantly released his hold, watching as Kafka walked away and disappeared amidst the crowd. His hand settled on his chest as if the hollow of his heart was filled, yet he didn't allow longing to rob him of this sensation. He would rather wait for the joy of their next meeting.

With a content smile, Caelus quietly left Aurum Alley and returned to the Express. Luckily, the others were still resting, and the bearer of the Stellaron successfully snuck back to his room. He was surprised to find a small gift placed neatly on his desk, the decorative spider drawn upon it telling him all he needed to know.

'Until we meet again.' Holding the small gift in his grasp, Caelus's eyes shifted to the sea of stars out the window.

"I'm back." Reaching their safe house, Kafka casually greeted her comrades with a wave of the hand as she entered. Sam gently took her coat and hung it, receiving a grateful nod from the lady.

Silver wolf was suspiciously avoiding her gaze, overly focusing on her console. Blade remained stoic as he practiced his forms within the small garden, keeping his back to her as well.

Kafka approached the petite gamer slowly and methodically, easily taking note of the growing tension in her partner's body the closer she grew.

"Wolfie, what are you playing there?" With her ever-elegant smile, Kafka leaned over Silver Wolf's shoulder.

"Just a game." Silver Wolf kept her answer short and concise, betraying nothing as she focused even more on the game. "This level's pretty annoying," she added with a groan of frustration as her screen shifted to dreadful red.

"I think your screen could use a bit more cleaning," Kafka idly noted as her finger traced the minute residual of hot chocolate on the screen, the little player growing perfectly still as the older woman's eyes narrowed. "It's a miracle your device is still working after you spat so much out."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Silver Wolf feigned ignorance, brow quirked up awkwardly as her thumb shifted to restart the level.

Kafka chuckled but did not press her comrade further as her eyes gently shifted to Sam. The large iron man scratched his helmet, meeting the huntress's gaze awkwardly. Even if she couldn't tell his exact expression, Kafka could tell he was apologetic about secretly following her.

Noticing Blade's gaze, the woman offered a serene smile. The indifferent swordsman scrutinized her features even further before he grunted, returning to his forms.

Kafka did not fault them for following her. She did sneak out unexpectedly after all, and regardless of their occasional banter and individual shenanigans, the four of them were a team. A team she would gladly go to the depths of hell for.

Gazing at the sky, Kafka thought back to the time she spent with the Trailblazer as she took a seat upon a sizable crate, palms faced downward to support her frame. She was quite worried about him at the start given the distressed state he was in, no doubt the effects of her spirit whisper from their very first meeting faltered for some reason, if only for a fleeting moment.

"Through countless twists and turns~ Amidst my desolate wanderings in this vast world~" she gracefully intoned, her enchanting voice echoing in the silence. "Long-awaited fulfillment now graces my path~ Yet I can only embrace your figure from the shadows~"

'I missed you.'

His voice gently pierced through her somber musings, her voice growing more joyous. She recalled the warmth of his hand as he guided her, the gentleness of his gaze as he gifted her the lantern, and the affection of his embrace as he held her dearly before their parting. "While my unwavering feelings shall leave only soft whispers in your ears~ I swear by both Heaven and Earth~ My heart for you remains the same~" The dashing lady sang softly, taking after the many works she read during their time in the Xianzhou.

The Trailblazer was not very strong, and he was unreliable from time to time, but he was cheerful and very kind to everyone around him. Just as she always remembered.

"Should our connection one day turn to mere ashes~" Her melody grew in intensity as she channeled the plethora of colorful emotions within her chest. "May I transform into the radiant light that dances in your eyes~" Her companions watched in the background as Kafka continued her somber improvisation, the innocent scene of her kicking legs and lovely melodies catching their attention. Kafka closed her eyes, the Trailblazer's stalwart figure appearing before her as she approached the climax.

No matter how impossible the odds were, nor how difficult the road gets, that same young man will push through for the sake of those dear to him and the ideals he cherished. An emanator of destruction is but a footnote of a more perilous set of obstacles his fate holds, but her heart held no doubt Caelus would rise to the challenges without hesitation.

"How fortunate would I be~ If I were allowed to linger within the depths of your kind heart~"

'What was your wish, Kafka?' His question came to mind as her melodious song drew slowly to a tranquil end, her eyes opening once more with a breath-taking radiance. "Silly. My wish has already come true," she whispered, a hand softly placed on her heart.

"I told you before, didn't I? At the end of your journey, all that perplexes you and troubles you will resolve." Kafka chuckled, relishing in the happiness brought upon by cherished memories of the past. Under the soft moonlight, the dazzling beauty shone like an ethereal star, one who's happily walking the path which will allow the one she holds dear to reach the happy ending they deserved.

No matter what she'll face, or the insurmountable distance separating them, their bond will continue their brave shine.

And she shall keep by their bond, no matter the cost.

Hey there. You weren't expecting this, were you? Sorry, I've been putting off the Arc Nights one. I can't promise anything either. If there is some vain hope, it's that I've gotten more than 1,500 words down. If you have no idea what I just talked about, don't worry about it.

I hope you enjoyed the short story. Not sure what to call it. It's a one time deal sort of thing.

Now then, a few words from the co-writer of this fic, HoJ Roxas:

Hello, dear readers. It's been fun dodging my responsibility towards my stories for a hot lady. Be sure to support dear Light if you found this content enjoyable (if you don't, Kafka will use spirit whisper on you and have you do your homework.) If a reader of mine happens to be reading this...well...Runs into a corridor of darkness, you'll never catch me alive. Also I now caught up to Light in our daily writing battles! 17-16 baby! Dreams do come true!