Stelle's friend
Disclaimer: I do not own Honkai Star Rail. Honkai Star Rail is owned by miHiYo and HiyoVerse. Certain elements were inspired by various Honkai Star Rail fanfics.
Posted: May 7/2024 (Tuesday)- Honkai Star Rail 2.2 day!
Word count: 9576 words (including ANs as I put thought into them)
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AN1: This is not supposed to follow canon exactly! This is more my first reactions on the 2.1 update with the reveal on who Sam really is! Basically what I would think Stelle (the female Trailblazer) would feel to seeing her friend alive and well (after thinking she died for real). I will outright say this Firefly will not have her canon background especially the leaks on what her and Sam background are. I am making a background this fit for this story lore
I am assuming everyone saw the drip marketing for our girl Firefly on April 22/24?! Man did that blow up! I am definitely pulling for her! Also I am pulling for Robin! That 2.2 trailer from the special program was so good! I loved the Robin singing part!
I started this fic right after 2.1 when I did the Trailblaze Mission so I started this with the intention of just using the lore at that point and changing it to fit the narrative. Plus this is more a wholesome story and not lore heavy.
I knda rushed the ending because I wanted to release it for 2.2 day. I might get back to it to finish this essentially one-shot the way I want some other time.
Chapter 1 FireFly's reunion
Sam had 'burned' off their armour in a show of fire as a young female form was revealed inside the flames. Stelle eyes widened in shock and surprise a familiar figure was revealed inside the armour. The young woman with long free flowing silver hair that was green at the bottom edges. Her eyes were an unique mix of blue, pink and white and a brown headband on the top of her head. She also had a black bow and two green feathers on the left side of her head. She wore a brown blazer over her short green and white dress that ended at her lower thighs. She also wore dark thigh high stockings that ended about an inch below her dress and white heels.
'That is Firefly! It can't be! I saw her get stabbed and vanish in front of me!' Stelle thought with wide eyes as she looked down at the shorter woman.
"All that I am…" Firefly stated in a sad and somewhat monotone tone as she gazed at Stelle with a sad look.
"You… Are you really…?" Stelle gasped as she reached out with her hands but stopped before she could reach Firefly as if she was in disbelief.
"Yes. Hello Stelle. It's been a while although I suppose time is abit relative as you have been in the dream world for awhile." Firefly commented as she looked up at Stelle with her face expressionless but her eyes showed sadness and relief at the same time.
Stelle eyes narrowed at how monotone this Firefly was compared to the one she had known who was full of emotions including happiness and sadness.
"'Hello.' Is that all you can say? I am about to explode with emotions but here you are just looking like this is some sort of transaction and not you coming back to life in front of me!" Stelle yelled as she waved her hands in frustration and started to pant in annoyance.
Firefly blinked and took a deep breath as she briefly looked away from Stelle accusatory glare. She took a few seconds before she opened her eyes and looked back at Stelle. This time however she bit her lip as her eyes seemed to shine with sadness.
"I'm sorry. As Sam the Stellaron Hunter I taught myself to hide away my emotions. It just made things easier. It's been sometime since I can show my real emotions outside the armour. Forgive me Stelle. I know you have a lot of question and I…" Firefly started as she gazed away showing and emotional and vulnerable side to herself as her tone seemed to soften to be more similar to the Firefly that was in the Penacony Dreamscape that Stelle knew.
Before Firefly could continue her apologies, she gasped with her eyes wide as she felt a warm body embrace her. Firefly looked backed only to see Stelle warm body press against her as Stelle wrapped her arms around her waist and pressed her chin against her forehead. Stelle had hugged her rather passionately making Firefly cheeks turn red due to the affection.
"It's okay. I can't say I really understand everything that has gone on and to be honest trust is pretty rare in this place. However, I do know I am happy that you are here right now and I can tell this is real." Stelle replied softly as closed her eyes and sighed with happiness keeping Firefly close with her arms and body.
Firefly face was pressed against Stelle's shoulder making her get flustered at the tight embrace and the fact she could smell Stelle's sweet scent from her hair due to her face being pressed nearly into it. Firefly appeared to be hesitant for a few moments before she notably relaxed and wrapped her own arms around Stelle's shoulder with one hand caressing her neck making Stelle hum in approval.
"….. I am back….. Stelle…" Firefly whispered softly as her voice was full of unspoken emotions just below the surface about to explode out at once.
"Hehe… You are back… Firefly…." Stelle replied cheerfully as Stelle just leaned into the shorter woman warm embrace that just felt just right and not overbearing with heat despite her discarding Sam's armour with fire.
Firefly and Stelle kept up this embrace for a period neither of them truly knew but they both enjoyed the contact and didn't really care either way. Both women seemed to just happy to know the other was okay and that they could hug without any reservations or doubts.
"Stelle…." Firefly mumbled into Stelle's shoulder making the taller woman hum as she pulled back enough to be able to stare at the silver haired woman in the eyes. She kept her hands on Firefly's waist while Firefly kept her hands on her shoulders but with a foot distance now so they could look at each other directly.
"Yeah? What is it Firefly?" Stelle asked sweetly as her smile was wide and her eyes were kind making Firefly look away with red cheeks.
'Even after I lied to her, she still looks at me with such affection… Nobody has ever done that for me… In her eyes I am still her friend and not the girl who lied and didn't tell her about Sam…' Firefly thought in realization.
Firefly shuffled on her feet nervously and swayed on the spot as Stelle stepped back and let out an amused giggle.
"Hehe. You really are rather bashful girl huh? I remember when people in the Dreamscape told you were cute you gave off really cute expressions like now." Stelle noted with a wink as Firefly eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
Firefly took a deep breath to get her composure back as she was not used to being teased especially as she was mostly in her Sam armour a majority of the time.
"Remember the song that was playing when were at my secret base? 'If I can stop one heart from breaking' aka Robin's famous song played while we stood there and just took in the sights. I wonder if we can set that song on your phone AN2: as some sort of ringtone?" Firefly suggested as she placed a finger on her chin in wonder and she titled her head.
Stelle gave her an incredulous look as her eyebrow raised and her jaw dropped.
"Is that supposed to be a joke? I mean I probably can ask March 7th to get that song as she is a fan of Robin's music but that was pretty out there to comment." Stelle noted as she closed her mouth but had an amused smile on her face.
Firefly rubbed her head as she gave an embarrassed laugh and winked at Stelle as she found Stelle teasing smile embarrassing.
"Sorry. I told you I am not great at jokes or changing the subject back at the roof. That was me being honest about my flaws." Firefly admitted but she gasped when she felt Stelle place her hands on her shoulders to give her a warm smile with her eyes looking down at her gently.
"Don't worry about it. I was just teasing. I am sure Himeko and March 7th will help you loosen up like they did for me. When I first met them, I was pretty closed off but they helped me find my inner personality and treated me very kindly." Stelle mused as her smile grew bigger.
"Dan is kinda like an overprotective older brother and Welt is like…. Hmmm… I guess an uncle or father figure? He is older and does look out for everyone even if he can be abit intimidating." Stelle rambled on with a laugh as she closed her eyes and rubbed her head.
Firefly smiled at the rambling of Stelle talking about her new family before a knowing smile appeared on her face.
"Kafka will be happy that you are so happy with the Astral Express. You might not know it but she cares very deeply about you and hoped with all her heart that you would find your own place with them." Firefly noted as Stelle raised an eyebrow and had a look of disbelief on her face.
"Kafka goals are different then the Astral Express's but she does care about you. She just has a strange way to show it." Firefly added as Stelle hummed before nodding.
"I will take your word for it. She is surprisingly…. Warm I guess when I see her?" Stelle thought out loud with a her face scrunched up in thought before she shook her head.
"Anyways I really want you to meet everyone! They will be so pleased to hear you are alive and everything!" Stelle chirped with a huge grin as she didn't notice the uncertain and sad look Firefly had.
"The Astral Express and the Nameless huh…" Firefly mumbled as she looked down with her eyes briefly looking rather worried.
Stelle stopped grinning when she saw her friend looking down as she gave her a look of concern.
"Firefly? Are you alright? Do you not want to meet them?" Stelle asked hiding her hurt rather well but Firefly could see in her eyes she was rather disappointed.
Firefly smiled and shook her head as she waved her hands in front of her.
"It's not that. They sound like wonderful people and I do want to meet the people who took care of you all this time." Firefly assured her before her eyes dropped slightly and her smile grew sad.
"But?" Stelle asked probing for answers as her look was rather inquisitive.
"…. I did a lot of things while I piloted Sam…. Things people who don't understand me would consider horrible and evil…" Firefly admitted as she looked away with guilt and sadness.
'I don't want you to think of me that way too! I don't want you to look at me with disappointment and fear! That look of warmth to be turned into a look of terror!' Firefly thought as she felt her heart clench and tears starting to appear in her eyes at the thought that Stelle would look at her like so many did with Sam.
Firefly flinched and gasped with she felt warm hands wipe away her tears and one hand hold her cheek softly.
"I don't care what you did. To me the Firefly I saw in the Penacony Dreamscape and the one I am talking to now the same Firefly and the true one. Whoever piloted that armour is someone else!" Stelle declared with her eyes full of resolve, determination and even affection as she gazed into Firefly wide multi coloured eyes.
"…But… I still did things to people I consider villains in such a way other people would consider me a villain." Firefly stated as she once again looked away in shame.
"Sheesh… You really want to me this hard huh? Alright then. If you need forgiveness I can give it to you. Firefly, whatever you did in the past I can look past. All I care about is that I am talking to you now." Stelle declared as she shifted Firefly to look her in the eyes again.
Firefly felt tears dwell up in her eyes again but she couldn't help smile showing these tears were tears of happiness.
"Thank you… Stelle…" Firefly whispered softly as she couldn't help but lean into her touch with Stelle's arms wrapping her back with her own arms on her shoulders.
They just stayed in that embrace for several minutes before Firefly reluctantly pulled away only for Stelle to grab her hand making her gasp and look at her in shock. Stelle sent her a grin with her golden eyes shining with amusement.
"This is just to make sure you don't wander off again without me. Dream or no dream I am not letting you out of my sight again." Stelle stated but her smile and eyes were full of cheer.
Firefly felt her cheeks heat up as she fanned her face with her free hand making Stelle giggle. They walked together back into the lobby where it was strangely empty. Neither of them minded as they sat next to each other on a couch with Firefly resting her head onto Stelle shoulder and Stelle hand went around her slim waist.
"Stelle?" Firefly whispered as Stelle turned her head so she could look down at the calm and resting Firefly.
"Yeah? What is it?" Stelle asked sweetly.
"Do you remember what Sam told you when you first met me in the armour? I told you if you don't want to get hurt then you should leave." Firefly reminded her as she looked up at her expectantly.
Stelle thought back to that moment with Sam but now she couldn't help but 'fill in' Firefly's female voice instead of Sam's mechanical voice.
"A galaxy ranger." Firefly stated looking at Acheron who had brought up her sheathed sword to her head ready to draw it at any point.
"And… a Memokeeper." Firefly noted looking at Black Swan who summoned a few cards into her hand.
"Leave now and nobody will get hurt." Firefly stated as she used the armour to point her right hand at them.
"Or else…. All of you will die here!" Firefly warned as she clenched her hand and a wave of fire surrounded Sam.
"That's right… Those words… You were trying to protect me? Even back then?" Stelle asked with wide eyes.
Firefly took her head off of Stelle shoulder but stayed close enough to still be held by Stelle.
"I did consider Black Swan and Acheron my enemies. However, I never wanted to hurt you or fight you. You have to believe me!" Firefly insisted with her eyes shining to show she was telling the truth.
"I just wanted you to leave them behind and get away. Can you honestly tell me right now you trust them?" Firefly asked seriously as she looked deep into Stelle's eyes.
Stelle bit her lip as she thought deeply.
'Do I really trust them? Can I trust them? Or rather should I trust them?" Stelle thought as uncertainty filled her eyes.
'I still don't know Black Swan's intentions. I haven't seen her in awhile but Acheron at the very least I can trust.' Stelle thought thinking of their interactions especially Acheron saving the Astral Express from Aventurine's final attack.
"….I trust Acheron and I don't want you to fight either of you." Stelle decided after a minute.
Firefly looked at her for a few seconds before nodding much to Stelle give a sigh of relief.
"Very well. I won't cause trouble with her. To be honest I feel like she is trustworthy too. We talked after the Memokeeper took you away from our fight. I feel she doesn't mean you harm either." Firefly added making Stelle nod in approval.
'I hope my trust in them is earned. So many people hurt and betrayed me in this place its hard to trust anyone. I hope I don't have to choose between Firefly and Astral Express. They are both important to me and I know I can trust them.' Stelle fought as she idly rubbed her phone in her pocket subconsciously as if she was trying to get comfort from it and nervousness.
Firefly noticed Stelle hand in her pocket as she briefly looked ready to say something but decided to shake her head.
Stelle bit her lip before deciding to ask something she knew March 7th would want to know.
"Is Robin okay? If you woke up fine then that must mean Robin is okay too and didn't die in the Dreamscape? March 7th seems to really idolize her and honestly, I would feel better as well if I knew what happened to her." Stelle asked nervously knowing it would be a sore subject or at least sensitive subject to talk about.
Firefly tilted her head for a moment as if she was trying to remember something before, she snapped her fingers and got a look of recognition.
"That other girl… Robin… The Harmony singer from Penacony is alright. I don't know where she is now but we woke up together. We were unharmed when we woke up and after making sure she was fine I left. I returned into my Sam amour and that is when I saw you with Black Swan and Miss Acheron." Firefly assured her with a smile.
Stelle let out a sigh of relief as she put a hand over her heart making Firefly take note with a nod. Just as Stelle was about to say something else she felt her phone vibrate and hum with a ringtone.
'Let my heart bravely spread the wings
Soaring past the night, to trace the primal light' Her phone chirped as Stelle had set her ringtone to 'If I can stop one heart from breaking'.
Firefly smile grew into a grin as she looked at Stelle with a teasing smile.
"I guess our song made an impression on you huh?" Firefly teased as Stelle felt her cheek heat up as she looked away as she accepted the message making her ring tone stop.
Stelle looked down to see it was a group chat message from the Astral Express. She could feel Firefly lean over trying to look at her messages making Stelle look back at her.
Firefly realizing she was caught put her hands in front of her in surrender as she looked sheepish.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to pry. I know these messages are private but I couldn't help myself." Firefly apologized with a rather cute blush as she looked down and played with her hands.
'She really is rather kind and sweet. That hasn't changed Dream version or not.' Stelle thought happily.
Stelle smiled at her and shook her head as she sat down next to Firefly and gestured with her head towards the phone.
"It's okay. You can read them. Its just from the Astral Express and they are probably just worried about me." Stelle told her warmly making Firefly look at her surprise as she put her hands back on her lap.
"Are you sure? They are your friends and family and it's a message to you." Firefly remarked awkwardly. She looked rather guilty but looked up when Stelle waved her off.
"It's fine. My family is going to meet each other one or another so its not like a text message or two will change much." Stelle stated lightly not noticing Firefly face turn scarlet for just a moment before she regained her composure.
Stelle opened her phone and opened up the texting app as it showed a few messages from the "Astral Express Family" chat.
March: Is Everyone Okay?
Himeko: Yes, I am fine. How about you?
March: Thank Goodness! Wait what about Stelle?
March: Stelle are you there?
March: Hello?!
Himeko: Perhaps she is away from her phone at the moment?
March: What if she is getting bullied again?!
March: I won't let that happen!
Himeko: Acheron says Stelle should be fine. That blast should have at most knocked her out but she will still be in the dreamscape.
Welt: ….. I am okay too and I haven't seen Stelle either.
March: Oh! Of course we were worried about you too Mr. Yang!
Stelle rubbed her head in embarrassment as Firefly read out the texts with an amused smile.
"They certainly are worried about you Stelle. Miss March 7th seems in particular to be rather passionate about protecting you." Firefly noted with a small smile that made Stelle smile softly in return.
"They are the best. I still don't know really anything about my time before I met them but the Astral Express are like my real family. I don't know where I would be without them." Stelle acknowledged with a sincere smile making Firefly smile widen.
'I almost feel jealous but I feel more happy that she has people like that in her life.' Firefly noted as she briefly put a hand over her heart.
"You better answer back or Miss March 7th will send another 50 messages." Firefly teased making Stelle laugh at the exaggerated but not unrealistic texting of her pink haired friend.
Stelle took out her phone with Firefly watching over her shoulder as she was texting.
Stelle: …. (she was typing and the rest of the crew could see it)
March: Oh my gosh! Is that you Stelle?
Stelle: … (still typing)
March: Wait did someone take you phone and is using your phone to text us?! Quick say something only Stelle would know!
Stelle: Hello March. Sorry I just can't type as fast as you.
Stelle: Hmm something only I would know? How about 'Mommy, look! I am on TV!'
Himeko: … How cute Stelle. It is you. Thank goodness.
Welt: Uh… What was that? Hello Stelle
Stelle: Hello Himeko! Hello Welt!
March: You are being such a kid and meanie joking like that! Do you realize how worried I was when I woke up and you weren't there huh? I thought you vanished again!
Stelle: …. Sorry March. I didn't mean to tease you. I am glad you are okay safe too. Please accept my apologies. How about we go out for a drink later to make it up to you?
March: ….. I guess I can forgive you if you are feeling sorry and everything! Hehe!
Firefly mentally face palmed at March 7th responses as she raised an eyebrow.
'Does that March girl actually forgive her or did she pretend to be offended to guilt Stelle into paying for drinks? Its hard to tell from these texts. I should watch out for this girl.' Firefly decided as her eyes narrowed for a moment before they returned to their normal bright and cheerful look.
Himeko: Stelle where are you? We can go to your location and regroup. We are still in the Dreamscape but we should be safe at the moment.
Welt: Yes, that is a good idea.
Stelle shared a curious look with Firefly who nodded.
"It's okay. If I am going to meet your family then it should be on our terms and not randomly like before." Firefly told her gently as Stelle smiled and nodded.
Stelle: I am currently in the lobby. For some reason its empty so I chose to make camp there. Are you guys okay coming here?
Welt: …. I will be there shortly.
Himeko: Of course. Acheron and I are on our way.
March: Coming! I am running as fast as I can!
Stelle put her phone away as Firefly had a small smile as she looked over the texts.
"The Astral Express. They seem to care a lot about you." Firefly noted with a knowing smile.
"Just as Silver Wolf and Kakfa thought they would be. They chose wisely when they left you in the path of the Nameless and Astral Express." Firefly added as Stelle eyes widened before she looked nervous biting her lip.
"Firefly… Can you please tell me what my history with them is? I can't remember any of it but it seems I have some sort of history with the Stellaron Hunters. Kafka indicated as much when I woke up and despite her personality clashing with Welt and Himeko, she seems surprisingly nice when we met again in Xianzhou Luofu." Stelle begged as she felt like a piece of her heart was missing from the missing memories.
Firefly saw Stelle begging expression as she looked away to avoid seeing Stelle heartbroken expression.
"I am sorry. I made a promise to Kafka. She truly wants you to have a clean slate with your new family. I take my promises very seriously." Firefly told her with regret but her eyes showed her resolve.
"… Is it wrong despite my memories being incomplete I can't bring myself to consider Kafka truly my enemy?" Stelle asked Firefly quietly after a moment of silence.
Firefly smiled and gave her a knowing smile.
"That is up to you. Just know I am not you enemy. I meant that from the bottom of my heart. Even when I am Sam that still is a truth that will never change." Firefly promised her as Stelle looked at her for a moment before nodding.
'Kafka…. Will you tell her one day? Perhaps you won't as having a clean slate is what I wish I could have…. That time as a carefree Firefly meant so much to me… Maybe giving Stelle a carefree start is the best option for her.' Firefly thought as Kafka smirk appeared in her mind.
'Hmmm…. I guess it doesn't really matter. March 7th can't remember her past but she still moves forward with the Express. I think I can accept that and move forward instead of looking back for memories that may never return to me.' Stelle decided as she nodded to Firefly.
Firefly and Stelle sat comfortably for several minutes before they started to hear footsteps in one direction. It seemed that the other members of the Astral Express had gathered together into one group and was walking this way.
Firefly stood up and got ready to walk off but Stelle grabbed her wrist and gave her a questioning look.
"I am not going anywhere but I thought you would want some time alone with the Astral Express first?" Firefly asked her as Stelle smiled and shook her head.
"Thank you. That is sweet but like I said I want everyone to get along and hiding you away does not sit well with me." Stelle assured her as Firefly smiled and sat back down.
Stelle released her wrist as Firefly seemed to get rather shy and brushed some of her hair behind her ear in a rather cute motion.
"Hey! I think I see Stelle! Hello Stelle! I hope you didn't miss me too much!" March 7th loud voice could be heard as Stelle and Firefly turned around to see the group of 4 walking towards them.
March 7th seemed to have tunnel vision as she only saw Stelle and rushed forward happily with Stelle giving her a grin in return. March threw her arms around Stelle who grinned and spun her around making March give a happy squeal.
"It's been too long! Although in this DreamScape time is hard to measure huh? I thought you were gone for real when I didn't get a reply!" March declared as she hugged Stelle close and kept hold of her back as if worried she would vanish if let go.
"….. You have a tight grip March." Stelle replied as she pretended to have a coughing fit making March gasp as she let go.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to grab you so hard! Are you okay?" March replied missing Stelle teasing smile.
Himeko had a rather amused smile while Acheron gave the two an interested look. Meanwhile Welt smiled at the duo before his smile vanish as he frowned seeing Firefly standing cheerfully behind the duo.
Firefly briefly looked at Acheron with a look of recognition, gave Himeko a one over look and frowned when she saw Welt giving her a serious look.
'That one must be Welt of the Astral Express. He seems strong. He shouldn't be underestimated.' Firefly noted before her normal smile appeared on her face.
March shook Stelle by her shoulders in worry before she pouted when she heard Stelle giggling into her hand.
"Wait a minute! You were teasing me? That is not cool! Here I was being super concerned about you and even worrying I was hurting you. There you are pretending to be hurt by my concern! That is mean! How dare you!" March rambled as she crossed her arms and looked away with an annoyed expression.
March let out an 'Oomph' when she felt Stelle warm body embrace her as Stelle smiled and put her head over her shoulder.
"I am sorry. I just wanted to break the ice between us. I am very glad you and everyone is back again. Your concern makes me happy. I am happy you are here too." Stelle told her warmly as she closed her eyes with a happy smile.
March cheeks turned pink for a moment before she sighed in a dramatic fashion.
"Sheesh! I wasn't that mad you know! You just got to learn how to read the mood of the room better!" March claimed but her happy grin showed how happy she was. She leaned into Stelle embrace as the two of them embraced happy to be reunited again after a brief while of separation.
They kept up their embrace for a few minutes before Himeko gave an amused giggle as she placed a delicate hand over her luscious lips.
"Ara ara. As nice as it is to see my dear March and my dear Stelle hugging it out. I do think our guest is waiting for her turn." Himeko noted as her hand shifted to show her motherly smile with her eyes both amused and touched.
March and Stelle pulled away with both of the women cheeks slightly red as they rubbed their heads in embarrassment. March closed one hand and stuck out her tongue playfully while Stelle just smiled.
"Sorry Miss Himeko! I just missed her so much!" March shouted while still rubbing her head in embarrassment.
"Ara Ara. I never said that affection was a bad thing March 7th. There just a more appropriate time and place." Himeko replied still looking rather amused.
Acheron meanwhile nodded but her expression was more curious than anything else. March 7th giggled before she looked past Stelle with wide eyes.
"Hey wait! Stelle someone is with you!" March gasped as she seemed to have just realized that Stelle was not alone before they got there.
'Huh. She really only had eyes for Stelle before Miss Himeko pointed me out. Interesting. She must truly care about Stelle.' Firefly noted before she gave March 7th a friendly wave.
"Hello! You must be part of the Astral Express! It's a pleasure to meet you all." Firefly stated with a polite bow and kind smile.
March gasped before she pointed out Firefly with one hand and the other hand covered her mouth as she was gasping.
"Wait! That is….! Its Miss Firefly!" March 7th stated in shock and awe as she looked comically at everyone with wide eyes.
Firefly was about to explain but Acheron coughed as everyone looked at her.
"Allow me to explain. True death is not possible in the DreamScape of Penacony. If you get killed inside a dream you will eventually wake up in reality. Hence Miss Firefly despite taking a fatal wound in front of Stelle and having her body turn into water was not truly killed she merely vanished and woke sometime later in reality. I am assuming she found her own way back into the DreamScape hence why we are talking to her now." Acheron explained calmly as she rather absentmindly rubbed the hilt of her sword.
Both Welt and Acheron saw Firefly eyes dart to Acheron sword with narrowed eyes before her eyes return to bright and friendly.
'That woman. She is not nearly as helpless as she likes us to believe. She is watching everyone and everything with her eyes focusing on any danger.' Welt noted as his own eyes narrowed.
March 7th's jaw returned to her mouth as she took a moment to take in Acheron's words before nodding. She looked at Firefly with narrowed eyes as she walked over towards the silver haired woman who was still smiling looking at March 7th patiently.
"You are alive right? This isn't some sort of trick or anything?" March asked suspiciously as Firefly raised an eyebrow and nodded.
"March! Is this really needed?" Stelle whined as March put one hand on her hip and cocked her hip to the side as she looked at Stelle with disapproval.
"I need to know if this is real or not! You were basically bawling your eyes out when without tears when you came back to us. I need to know that won't happen again if she somehow vanishes." March retorted showing her worry for her friend.
Firefly looked amused with her eyes shining as she placed a hand over her chest as Stelle tried to avoid Himeko teasing smile and Firefly glance.
"You were that worried about me?" Firefly whispered looking rather surprised as she nervously tapped her feet.
Stelle blushed slightly but nodded as she placed a hand over her own chest.
"I was devastated. I wanted to see you again so much before and then you just 'died' in my arms. I didn't know what to think and I was just walking without a destination." Stelle confirmed sadly.
Firefly closed her eyes before she walked to Stelle and placed a hand on her arm.
"I am sorry. I didn't mean to cause you pain. I am here now and I won't be leaving anytime soon." Firefly apologized making Stelle smile.
March let out a sigh before a wide grin appeared on her face.
"Okay I can trust you now! I can feel how sincere you are! If Stelle can forgive you then I can give you the benefit of the doubt!" March chirped in a much happier tone as she winked.
Firefly titled her head at March before she started to focus on the pink haired woman.
'Hmm… She doesn't look that much older than myself or Stelle at least physically but her bust…. At least Ms. Himeko clearly is a few years older than her so I can understand the maturity of her form being superior to us.' Firefly thought with some envy as March's bust made her and Stelle's modest bust seem small in comparison.
Luckily nobody seemed to notice Firefly looking over March's chest but they did catch Firefly eyes focusing on the camera hanging on March's hip.
"Camera? That would be used to take photos?" Firefly mumbled before her eyes shone with recognition.
"Ah! Selfie… Selfie… Selfie! You must be March 7th! Stelle mentioned you like to take selfies and with a camera and a phone I can understand now!" Firefly noted triumphantly.
March tilted her head as Stelle face palmed.
"Stelle mentioned you love to take selfies so we took one together! It's a pleasure to meet you March 7th!" Firefly chirped as March had a look of understanding.
"Ah okay! Pleasure to meet you too Miss Firefly!" March replied back as she smiled easily and put her hand out.
Firefly looked at the hand for a moment before her smile grew bigger. She placed her own hand out as she shook her hand with her new friend. Stelle closed her eyes and gave a sigh of relief as she placed a hand over her chest.
'It seems Stelle was worried that we wouldn't like her. I can not see why she would think that. Despite her mysterious past Miss Firefly seems to be a perfectly lovely young woman.' Himeko thought to herself as she smiled softly at the trio of young women.
'She seems much happier now then when she wore the armour or even when she was the tour guide Firefly. It seems that Stelle has brought her true feelings out.' Acheron noted as her mouth curved into a smile.
Welt however kept his impassive face as he watched Firefly carefully as if gauging every one of her reactions.
After a few moments Firefly released March 7th hand as March 7th gave a hum as she glanced over Firefly from top to bottom.
"March is fine. You seem to be rather nice and Stelle seems to like you enough. So, if you are her friend then you are a friend of mine!" March stated cheerfully as Firefly blinked.
"Um okay. You can just call me Firefly then. The 'Miss' is abit formal for me as well." Firefly replied back with a small flustered look.
'The Astral Express seems so nice. I can see why Kafka was so sure that Stelle would be happy with this new family.' Firefly thought happily. She could not help but feel her heart beat faster at how kind March was. She was not used to this sort of affection especially as her Sam Persona was treated with fear.
March nodded happily as she put a hand over her chin making Stelle and Himeko give her looks of concern.
"Is everything alright Dear March? Oh, forgive my rude matters. I am Himeko the navigator of the Astral Express and I am pleased to make your acquaintance." Himeko greeted as she shifted her attention from March to Firefly.
Firefly barely could hide her look of envy at Himeko mature and womanly figure as her outfit did little to hide how long her legs was or how well developed her hips and waist were. Himeko truly had the ideal hourglass figure'.
Stelle noticed the smile on Himeko face turn into a teasing smirk for just a moment.
'She knows she is beautiful and is not ashamed to have people look at her like that.' Stelle thought as she blushed remembering she also had a similar reaction as Firefly when she first met the beautiful navigator.
March waved at Himeko as she closed her eyes with one hand rubbing the back of her head and grinned.
"Its nothing Miss Himeko! I am just surprised how pretty Firefly is! She is even prettier than what Stelle told us! She is so cute!" March commented as Firefly raised an eyebrow. AN3:
Firefly turned to Stelle who seemed to rather embarrassed as she closed her eyes and blushed.
"Cough… March please don't say things like that. It might give Firefly the wrong impression. You asked who Firefly was so I simply described you the best I could." Stelle claimed although her flushed cheeks seemed to indicate this wasn't the entire truth.
Firefly smiled as she looked rather pleased but chose to not press it any further even as March opened her eyes and winked at Stelle.
"Nice to meet you too Miss Himeko. I have heard of the legendary navigator of the Astral Express and I will say the rumours about your grace and elegance do not lie." Firefly complimented as she gave a rather cute curtesy making Himeko blink before a warm grin appeared on her face.
"What a polite young woman. You are exactly as Stelle described you." Himeko added with her signature kind smile even as Stelle face seemed to steam.
"Himeko! You are just as bad as March I swear! Saying all these embarrassing things in front of Firefly!" Stelle complained although notably not denying what Himeko was saying.
Firefly herself didn't seem to much better at the teasing as she looked at the ground with flushed cheeks and swaying on her feet.
'She really is super cute! Almost as cute as Stelle who can be as clueless and blunt in the sweetest way possible.' March thought as she compared the expressions of the two young women.
Despite how amused Acheron was at the cute banter she coughed saving Stelle and Firefly from more embarrassment.
"Miss Acheron!" Firefly chanted as Acheron gave her a short nod but with an eye roll showing their familiarity.
Himeko and March looked surprised as they looked between Firefly and Himeko with raised eyebrows.
"You know each other?" March asked with a somewhat serious expression.
"…. We have met before although not before you came to Penacony." Acheron stated after a moment of hesitation.
Firefly nodded managing to hide her surprise with her cute smile.
'Does she not want reveal my identity if I don't reveal it myself? This might make it easier if I can just say on my terms.' Firefly thought to herself sighing mentally in relief.
'So, Acheron knows Firefly is Sam as well. I see. Firefly did indicate she can trust Acheron as well and mentioned they did talk after Black Swan took me away. Did they talk as Sam and Acheron and have her decipher who was under the armour?' Stelle thought as she glanced at Acheron and Firefly out the corner of her eyes.
Himeko briefly looked curious before seemingly accepting Acheron answer with March shrugging showing she didn't care that much. However, Welt eyes narrowed showing distrust.
'This just confirms my suspicions that girl down there cannot be trusted.' Welt decided as he kept a polite smile but kept an eye on Firefly while looking calm.
"Okay. Miss Acheron seems to know everyone in Penacony anyways so it makes things simpler." March decided much to Firefly and Stelle relief.
March then fidgeted like a hyperactive child much to Stelle amusement as she bounced on her feet.
"Miss Firefly! Can I see the selfie you took with Stelle? Please! I wanna see how it turned out!" March pleaded as she placed her hands together and had her eyes glittering as she looked Firefly in the eyes.
"Uh…. I mean if its okay with Stelle then I don't mind…" Firefly replied looking a tad flustered at March's very blunt but sweet attitude. Firefly looked at Stelle for permission.
Stelle face palmed but had an amused smile even as she sighed.
"Alright March. Its not like its some big secret or anything. I just…." Stelle granted before a look of sadness appeared on her face much to the concern of everyone on her face.
"I never got to send it to you while we were in the Dream Scape… It was left unsent on my phone before my phone vanished back to me." Firefly finished with also a look of sadness.
Stelle looked down as she remembered her feelings of sadness and loneliness when she saw the selfie they took together on Firefly phone that was left behind when Firefly was attacked by 'Death'. Almost as if it was what Firefly left behind after being turned into water and vanishing in her arms. Only for the phone itself to dissolve into bubbles and vanish itself. Almost like back then it symbolic of Firefly leaving her for good.
'Now I know it was the phone simply returning to wherever Firefly was during this time. Almost like a delayed effect of Firefly 'death' reaching her and the phone following.' Stelle realized.
"Stelle… Firefly… You don't need to do anything that makes you uncomfortable." Himeko assured them as she walked over to the group with a look of concern as she briefly bit her lip trying to not pry.
Stelle shook her head as she smiled and shook her head showing that was not affected by the request itself. She turned to Firefly who looked to be reminiscing as her expression was rather thoughtful.
"It's alright. Firefly, can you send the selfie to me? That way everyone doesn't have to crowd around just you and we can create a circle." Stelle requested as she brought her phone out and gestured towards it with her thumb.
Firefly blinked and nodded as she brought out her phone and quickly brought up the selfie. She sent a copy of the selfie to Stelle whose phone chirped. Despite Stelle best efforts her phone still gave a quick 'If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking' ringtone even as she thumbed to accept the message quickly.
March eyes widened with recognition as she pointed at the phone with her thumb. Her hand went over her wide mouth before she clapped her hands together.
"Hey! Isn't that Miss Robin's 'If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking' song?! She is such a good actress! I love all her albums and songs!" March noted with pride as her bright eyes seemed to almost be starstruck with recognition and joy.
Stelle rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment as Firefly smiled with her eyes half closed with amusement.
"Stelle heard that song in the Dreamscape as I showed her a spot in the Dreamscape that constatnyl plays it on repeat and I guess she downloaded it as ringtone." Firefly explained as Stelle grinned with an embarrassed look but nodded.
"Ah I see! That makes a lot of sense! If I knew Stelle was into music like Miss Robin's I would have shown her my collection of her songs! Oh well we can look at them over when we get back to the Astral Express train!" March added as she snapped her finger smiling widely when Stelle nodded her approval.
Stelle and Firefly brought up the selfie on their phones and gestured the group to come look at the pics. Himeko and Firefly naturally walked over to Stelle while Welt walked over to Firefly with his calm expression followed by a curious Acheron who looked at Welt briefly with concern seeing his cool eyes focus on Firefly.
The selfie was in the landscape format showing both Firefly and Stelle from the chest up looking at the camera directly. Stelle was grinning up at the camera with her eyes full of amusement as she gave a peace sign with her gloved right hand in a peace sign. Her left hand was not shown on screen due holding the camera with that hand with her arm and wrist at edge of the frame. Firefly meanwhile was shown to be below Stelle by about a head like in real life due to her shorter frame. Firefly was beaming at the camera with her mouth wide and happy as her own right hand mirrored Stelle's right hand with a peace sign. Overall, it was a very happy selfie showing both women were happy at the time of the selfie.
"SO cute! You and Firefly look so happy together!" March squealed as she looked ready to glomp both of them in her arms and never let go.
"You think so? I thought it turned out okay but it might have just been Stelle's excellent selfie skills." Firefly mumbled looking down with red cheeks unable to look March in the eyes from the praise.
March looked at Stelle who had red cheeks but unlike Firefly was looking defiantly at March in the eyes.
"Ah! So, you took that selfie! I see! A selfie of this quality can only be taken from an excellent teacher like myself so feel free to praise me Stelle my dear student!" March stated smugly as she crossed her arms over her chest and winked.
Acheron turned to Himeko and Welt with a questioning look.
"Is that really true that Stelle is March's… student?" Acheron asked with genuine confusion.
Despite his barely hidden look of disapproval even Welt sighed and rubbed his head in exhaustion. He rested his chin with his other hand as he shook his head.
"Ignore March. She is being eccentric. She just showed Stelle how to use the phone to communicate and take pictures. She is hardly her teacher for yapping about what kind of things are 'ugly' in pictures." Welt explained calmly but with a notable urge to have his eyebrow twitch.
Himeko giggled into her hand as she watched Stelle glare playfully at the pink haired as she put her hands on her hips and did have her eye twitch.
"March is simply having fun. Before Stelle arrived on the Astral Express she didn't have a female friend her age she could be open with. I love March to death but I am older then her so there are simply things she isn't comfortably telling me and Dan Heng is a guy so its different with him. Stelle and March are like two peas in the pod who can share everything without having to change for other people sake. I am rather happy for them both." Himeko added as her eyes and smile turned motherly as she watched Stelle and March playfully argue while Firefly looked on in confusion.
"Are you sure you are not dating?" Acheron asked with a curious tilt but her smile showed despite her calm demeanour she was rather amused.
"Say what?!" Firefly screamed as her entire face turned red and steam started to flow out of her cheeks.
"Why would you ask something like that?!" Stelle added with her face just as red.
"I once asked while in the Dreamscape and Firefly was acting as your guide if this was considered a date. Firefly denied and Stelle seemed to ignore the question altogether. However now you are both embarrassed to deny it. To me it seems your relationship has gotten closer or you are no longer hiding you are dating." Acheron pointed out with a head tilt as her eyes continued to show curiosity but her slight upward curve of her smile showed a playful smirk.
March instantly eyes narrowed as she frowned and crossed one arm over her chest and the other hand was on her cocked hip. This showed how annoyed she was as she studied Stelle and Firefly reactions. Himeko just giggled fidning their reactions cute.
"Hey! Firefly!" March snapped in not normal glare getting Stelle to lose her blush as she looked at her dear friend with concern while Firefly took a step back as she looked at the pinked haired girl with wariness.
"March?" Himeko stopped giggling when she saw the younger woman with an uncharacteristic annoyed expression as the woman continued to glare at Firefly.
"Stelle has been bullied a lot on this world! Penacony is full of people who lie and bully her! I am not going to stand her and watch you act like you didn't hurt her by lying about your death!" March declared as she continued to glare at Firefly who bit her lip and looked away.
"I…. didn't mean to…" Firefly started as guilt started to creep into her voice as she started to realize that she had hurt Stelle by leaving her with questions and confusion again.
Stelle shook her head as she grabbed March's wrist to drag her toward Firefly.
"Hey! You don't need to pull! I can walk on my own!" March pouted but she eventually stopped resisting as she let Stelle drag her without a complaint.
"I won't lie and say I wasn't devasted when I saw you die in front of my eyes." Stelle stated firmly as Firefly continued to look down at the floor and sway her feet slightly.
"She looked ready to cry her eyes out when we reunited." March added as Stelle sighed.
"Firefly looks like she feels bad enough. You don't need to bury the knife into her chest more." Himeko chastised March slightly who to her credit looked abit guilty at the disappointed tone from the Navigator of the Astral Express.
"Sorry…" March mumbled making Stelle sigh but smile in relief.
"But none of that matters now. I already talked it over with Firefly and have decided to let bygones by bygones. Whatever secrets the Family or whoever is scheming in Penacony doesn't really matter to us. We will continue forward with our own path." Stelle declared as she raised an arm upwards making Firefly look up in surprise at Stelle.
"Ya! That is the spirit! We shall continue to follow our own path and the stars will be our guide!" March added seemingly back to her cheerful self.
March smile and Firefly smile grew when Stelle grabbed each of their arms with her hands and pulled them together so they were basically a group together.
"I see. That is a good motto. I must admit I am abit jealous of this comradery. It seems very nice and friendly." Acheron noted with her eyes closed but a happy smile on her face.
Himeko clapped her hands with a smile as she gazed proudly at the children and Firefly getting along together. She turned to Welt with the same smile but it dropped when his cold expression was only focused on Firefly.
"Welt? What's the matter? You have been quiet the entire time we have been here?" Himeko asked in concern.
This got the trio of women to stop smiling as they focused on the only male of the group. While March and Stelle were confused at Welt cold expression, Firefly eyes narrowed as she looked warily at Welt.
"Ah… I have heard of the legendary Welt of the Astral express." Firefly stated politely but with a much more subdued and quiet voice and none of the cheer she had just a moment ago.
'She sounds like when she came out of the Sam armour… So cold…' Stell realized as she watched her friend on guard once again.
Welt gave her a smile but it lacked any warmth and his eyes still seemed colder than ice itself.
"….. You won't just say it? You are going to make me say it out loud in front of everyone?" Welt asked condescendingly much to March and Stelle's shock.
Acheron visible eye widened before she slacked her shoulders in resignation.
'He figured it out huh? I guess there is no hiding it anymore.' Acheron thought sadly.
"What are you saying?" Himeko asked with her expression full of disbelief.
"….." Firefly looked down but refused to answer.
"Fine. I tried to let you say it yourself but if you won't say it I will." Welt stated with a disappointed sigh as he closed his eyes then opened them.
"What is everyone talking about? Why are you interrogating Firefly? She is just a sweet girl that is Stelle's friend!" March demanded being completely out of the loop.
Welt gave her a look of sympathy before he turned back to Firefly who looked at him with a look of stubbornness.
"Why don't you tell her?" Welt asked before his tone grew colder.
"Firefly? Or should I call you Sam the Stellaron Hunter?" Welt asked as he pointed at Firefly with his right hand.
Firefly looked down with her eyes closed before she looked up but her expression lacked any warmth and looked colder then the armour she wore.
"Say what?! What is she talking about?" March screamed as she looked at the silver haired girl with shock as she stuttered and pointed at Firefly.
"….." Firefly chose to not speak but her eyes focused at Welt as they seemed to have a staring contest of wills.
Himeko chose to not speak but she looked at Acheron and Stelle who didn't looked surprise. Matter of the fact Stelle looked rather angry at Welt not Firefly.
AN2: I am pretty sure what the Nameless, Astral Express and everyone else we meet are called phones but in case they are not I am explicitly calling them phones.
AN3: I know they seemed to know what she looked like but Firefly didn't appear in the records and Stelle didn't seem to get a copy of the selfie they took on Firefly phone. So, I think she merely described how Firefly looked to Himeko and March but I could be wrong. Since this is my version of events I am going with Stelle simply describing how Firefly looked like.