A/N: Welcome back~ I promised there'd be a bit of fluff this time, and there will be... amidst the angst~
Do enjoy~
Light
Chapter 5: Worth
Caelus woke with a start.
Confusion reigned sharply in his mind; a disorienting nausea of sensations assaulting him all at once. Pain and fatigue, soreness and stinginess, stiffness and weakness, all of it joined by a barrage of noise like a crowd had materialised around him. It hurt his head and he groaned, clutching at it and shifting onto his side, the pain only growing as a torrent of memories rushed through his mind; the manic laughter of Aha powerful in his skull.
It gradually faded though, little by little, as did the painful disorientation. Peripherally he was aware someone was holding him; arms wrapped around his and pulling his face close to flesh – a shoulder, he realised in the back of his mind. He held onto the person even as violent shudders echoed through him, his arms sore as if the muscles had been overworked whilst his brain felt like it was prickled, the leftover traces of the Elation dribbling away by the second.
Then all at once his senses returned to him, like a veil had been lifted from his mind.
The sensation was not unlike coming up from underwater, a sudden, acute clarity hitting him. The scent that tickled his nose was sweet and perfumy like a flower, and it took him only a second to recognise it as Firefly's scent. She was the one holding him.
That fact alone eased much of the tension from his shoulders, a heavy breath exhaled from him as he just relaxed into her embrace. That's right, he told her to hide, so she must've come out of hiding when he collapsed. Acheron would protect her from the Something Unto Death, that much he was certain of, and Black Swan was surely on the way. They'd be home safe soon enough...
''Caelus? Do you... feel okay now?''
March spoke, and with some reluctance he pulled his head away from Firefly's shoulder – only to realise several things.
One, they were back in their hotel room, specifically on his bed.
Two, disorientation aside his wounds were healed.
And three, their hotel room was playing host to well over half-a-dozen people.
''...how long have you been there?''
''For about an hour now.'' Welt was the one to break the news with a smile. ''Apologies for not alerting you the moment you regained consciousness but you... seemed to be in quite a bit of distress.''
''That's one way of putting it.'' Caelus mumbled.
A hand on his back made him look left at Firefly. She looked so terribly concerned for him; twilight eyes wide and fretful, softening only when he smiled her way. Still she put a hand on his back and rubbed it, helping ease him up into a sitting position as he took stock of the situation. Welt and Himeko were over to the left by the windows alongside Black Swan, whilst Robin and March 7th were on his right in a pair of chairs. Leaving just Acheron near the opposing wall, resting against it with an awkward look on her face.
He drew in a long breath. ''So... what happened?''
''You passed out just as I got to you.'' It was Acheron who spoke first, her tone even as always. ''That thing fled and didn't return, as far as I'm aware. I took you back to the others and they suggested bringing you here.''
''I contacted Mr. Yang and Miss Himeko.'' March added without her usual pep, only concern in her eyes.
''I arrived just as she did so.'' Black Swan notified. ''Alas I was too late to help out with anything beyond a portal to the hotel. My apologies for the delay.''
Caelus, however, shook his head. ''It's fine. By the time you probably got the message the battle was nearly over anyway.''
''Indeed. You deserve praise for pushing it back single-handedly, I must say.'' Black Swan said with that ever-enigmatic smile of hers. ''Though you failed to vanquish it, beating it back is a feat even The Family have struggled to do, if they have at all. On top of that you managed to locate and save a potential victim of it, to say nothing of discovering some of its inner workings like how it healed itself.''
The praise left him flustered, his eyes flitting right to Robin. ''Ah... sorry for punching you like that, by the way.''
''Oh no it's fine.'' She hurried to assure, blushing a little. ''I wasn't myself, to be honest. It... it was almost like I was caught between the waking world and the dream, unable to drift into either. All I remember is hazy moments of singing and noise before you woke me up.''
''You're not still hurt, right?'' He'd feel like an asshole if there was.
Mercifully then Robin shook her head. ''I've healed myself, don't worry. Your own wounds have been taken care of as well prior to Black Swan's arrival... though...''
He quirked a brow. ''Though...?''
''You were thrashing and spasming in your sleep.'' Firefly softly told him, her concern arising once more. ''You had a fever, you were struggling to breathe and looked like you were in a lot of pain. It's only thanks to Robin that you didn't get worse.''
Well that explained why he kinda felt like crap, but... ''...do you know what caused it?''
''Nothing that we could determine.'' Welt answered him, his arms crossing. ''By all accounts the symptoms came out of nowhere. The best explanation offered was by Miss Black Swan – that being that something else was having an effect on you.''
''Indeed.'' The aforementioned woman assented. ''There was no trace of poison in your veins, nor any signs of attempted possession by the entity. However, when I tried to peer into your memories to find an answer, I was rebuffed. Something that only happens in... extraordinary circumstances.''
'What could- ah.' A chill danced up his spine at the memory.
His feelings must've shown on his face as Firefly suddenly held his hand. '''Caelus?''
''...what would you count as 'extraordinary circumstances', Black Swan?''
The woman in questioned hummed. ''Things such as severe memory loss, corruption by an outside force, or...''
''...the influence of an Aeon.'' Caelus finished.
''You met an Aeon?'' Himeko looked alarm; a sentiment shared between all but Black Swan and Acheron, the former grimly understanding while the latter looked puzzled, almost.
''Who was it then?'' Welt inquired worriedly. ''I would hope given the planet we're on it's the Harmony, but judging by your expression I guess not.''
''No. It was Aha, the Elation.''
The reactions to the Aeon's name were predictable. Welt's narrow eyes widened, Himeko tensed, March looked worried and Robin looked shocked. Firefly tensed and looked terribly worried whilst Black Swan seemed almost vindicated, in contrast to Acheron who looked at him with a frown, like she was trying to decipher why an Aeon would go for him in the first place. He wished he had an answer for her.
Without needing to be asked Caelus recounted his interaction with the Aeon – to the best of his ability, at least. Even now just thinking about the floating masks caused him a headache and some parts of the interaction were already fading from his mind, like he'd woken up from a dream so easily forgotten. However he could not forget the words spoken to him at the end of their 'meeting', not when they bore such terrible weight.
''Her name... is Terminus!''
The Aeon of Finality. Not only had he earned the attention of such a frightful entity but he'd actively pissed it off. How, why, when, all of that wasn't answered and there was frustratingly little to grasp at.
''The Finality...'' Firefly whispered, and when she hugged his arm he didn't protest.
It scared him. He might not say it aloud, pride forbidding it, but he was scared.
Who wouldn't, knowing they pissed off a cosmic-level being so powerful that even the strongest mortals were worth barely a glance from them? How did you defend against such a vengeful entity? Where could you hide, how could you run – it was like a death warrant had been handed to him and his execution would be at any moment. Could he try and make amends with the Aeon? Would it even care enough to forgive him? Compared to an Aeon, he was little more than a speck of dust in the vast expanse of space.
If an ant accidentally climbed up his arm, he'd just flicked it off with no second thought. Why would an Aeon give a human any more consideration than that?
It was March who voiced their collective thoughts. ''If they were being truthful, then... what do we do?''
Welt drew in a deep breath. ''I... I'm not sure, to be perfectly honest with you. While the Astral Express has had run-ins with Aeons in the past, Aha chief among them, never before have we ever earned the ire of one. The closest would be Nanook, but Nanook doesn't really like anyone to begin with.''
''Is there a way to...'' Robin started to speak only to trail off – the words 'kill it' unsaid, but easily heard.
Welt shook his head at that. ''Killing an Aeon is no easy feat, least of all for humans. As much as it pains me to admit it... we simply have no means of harming an Aeon, let alone killing it. To say nothing of the ripple effects even if we were to succeed in that endeavour.''
''Ripple effects or no, something needs to be done.'' Himeko noted firmly. ''Considering Terminus must've only recently been irritated by Caelus's presence, it's safe to assume his interactions with the Something Unto Death is responsible – the meme is, directly or not, an agent of Terminus, that much we can be sure of. Likewise it plays a big enough role in Terminus's schemes that it cares about what happens to it.''
''It's been murdering people across Penacony for some time now, even before your arrival.'' Robin noted.
Black Swan hummed. ''So rather than the Something Unto Death being a response to the Astral Express, its plan was ongoing and you've merely interrupted it. But that doesn't answer what its plan is – mere slaughter? Terminus could do that itself in the blink of an eye. Quite literally, I would point out.''
''The deaths must have meaning.'' Acheron voiced her theory, drawing all eyes onto her. ''There's no point in it killing at random, right?''
''Acheron is correct.'' The Memokeeper agreed, one hand coming up to cup her chin. ''The entity has had many chances in the past to kill larger amounts, but has only ever gone for one or two at a time; any others were collateral when they tried to attack it. It has a hit list of sorts.''
Caelus stiffened then, a realisation hitting. ''Is... there a chance that Firefly was also a target, and since I stopped it, it messed up its list?''
A heavy silence reigned for several moments, eyes flitting from one to another.
''That...'' Welt pursed his lips, ''...is quite possible. Assuming of course that this creature is following a specific order, you preventing it might've changed things. However, I don't see why it would matter so much that just one life saved would anger an Aeon-''
''But it wasn't just once.'' It was Firefly who spoke, her fingers digging into his left arm as she held him. ''First me, then with Robin...''
Welt adjusted his glasses. ''...that certainly lends credence to the theory, then. Once is chance. Twice might be seen as interference.''
''Considering that the Finality is ever-moving towards the destined End, it can be assumed that is very particular about following the order of things.'' Black Swan mused. ''And by interfering, you've unknowingly irritated it.''
''B-But surely this has happened more than once, right? I mean they've been around for ages, surely two or more people on their hit list got saved, right?'' March anxiously interjected, jumping to her feet.
''Perhaps.'' Black Swan conceded, ''...but have any lived to tell the tale?''
March had no comeback to that, and at Robin's gentle hand she sat back down, fidgeting and squirming – hardly eased even when Robin stroked her back. The thought just fed the guilt welling up within him, his head low.
''...is there anything we can do?''
It was his fault. He set things out of motion and drew the ire of a literal god. And because of it, he might well doom not just himself, but his family on the Astral Express, and possibly even Penacony itself – hell, maybe part of the universe too. Yet despite the guilt, the shame, the one thing he didn't feel was regret.
Because even if he was sent back in time to do it all over again, he'd save Firefly. Even if it meant angering an Aeon.
She was worth it.
''We won't know until we try, will we?''
Caelus raised his head, surprised, and found Welt offering him a small smile.
''I won't pretend to know the answers, nor whether it's even feasible,'' Welt stated clearly and without hesitation, ''but rest assured we will do everything we can, Caelus. We won't abandon you. I speak for the entirety of the Astral Express crew when I say this.''
''Yeah!'' March was earnest in her assent – contrasting Himeko's small, motherly smile of agreement.
''Nor will I.'' Black Swan added her two cents, smiling.
Acheron nodded her assent. ''My blade is yours.''
Caelus swallowed, one hand idly wiping at his eyes. Seems like allergies could strike even while in a dream. A sentiment Firefly didn't seem to share, her grip on his arm tight as she held him.
''Thank you.'' The grey-haired Trailblazer got out, taking a moment to quell his turbulent emotions. ''So... what's the plan?''
''We don't know when Terminus will strike, if it will directly at all, but we'll operate on the assumption it's already moving to get revenge.'' Welt laid out, his brow furrowed as he thought aloud. ''I'll have Dan Heng look into the databank for any information relaying to Terminus, Aeons or ways to counter them. Anything, even a single scrap of data, could be enough to help us.''
''Considering the magnitude of threat we now face, I think you'd best seek out Herta, Caelus.'' Himeko added on, her smile small but encouraging. ''If there's anyone in the universe that is both able to figure something out and willing to help, it'd be Herta.''
''Maybe the Luofu could help out too?'' March offered.
Himeko nodded at that. ''If you think so then give it a go too. Though if you're thinking of using the Matrix of Prescience then Caelus would have to be present – he'll have to go after visiting Herta.''
''I'll go as well. I... may know some people who could possibly help.'' Welt said, pursing his lips briefly. ''Whether they'll respond is another question, but given the situation, it's worth a try.''
''I shall remain here then to guard Miss Firefly.'' Black Swan volunteered. ''Considering the Something Unto Death remains out there and she remains a target, she can't be left alone.''
''I'll stay too.'' Acheron stated simply. ''You need to sleep at some point, don't you?''
Black Swan stared back at the stoic swordswoman. ''True.''
''You don't sound overly thrilled.''
''Considering the circumstances there's hardly much to be thrilled about is there?''
Himeko chose that moment to cut in. ''I'll also stay behind to guard Miss Firefly here – we can operate in shifts. One sleeps, two guard.''
''Um...'' Robin piped up, unsure. ''Should I tell my brother about this?''
Welt and Himeko looked between themselves; the former soon speaking. ''...no, I don't believe that's wise. No offence intended of course, but when The Family, especially your brother, has to choose between protecting our friend here, or the safety of the entire planet...''
He trailed off but the implication was clear; Sunday would throw Caelus to the wolves if it meant saving a planet full of people. A not unjust action, admittedly.
''Understood.'' Robin said softly but firmly, her expression set in a determined look. ''I'll stay quiet on things.''
''...though if you're a target of the Something Unto Death too, that poses problems.'' Caelus brought up.
Robin's determination waned at that. Black Swan exhaled. ''I can watch over her from afar as best I can. However you do bring up a good point; while the memetic entity seems more interested in her healing prowess than her life, it does stretch us rather thin. Two of us at minimum will be needed to fend it off, I would wager.''
''I'll stay!'' March said in an instant; warmth flooding her cheeks when all eyes went to her. ''I mean... I've got no role to play yet, right? Caelus would have to go to the Luofu, so that means I can stay behind and serve as Robin's guard, right?''
''Valid points, March.'' Welt smiled. ''Are you alright with that, Miss Robin?''
''Of course. It's an honour to have a Nameless personally guard me.'' Robin smiled charmingly up at March, who flushed and looked away, giggling sheepishly at the praise. ''It won't be hard to excuse her presence to my brother; accommodations can be made easily.''
''And I can intervene should something occur.'' Black Swan finished. ''That settles that, then. We should probably move with haste. The Finality isn't exactly predictable, as we've seen thus far.''
''What should we do if she makes her move?'' Caelus inquired then.
It was Acheron who replied, her voice heavy.
''It'd be over before you knew what hit you.''
So no warning needed, then. If Terminus showed up, it'd already be over.
Sighing Caelus nodded. ''I'll get ready to leave soon. Just... can I have a few minutes to prepare?''
''Of course.'' Himeko's voice was soft. ''Miss Robin, would you mind if we take things downstairs? I'd like to get a room here myself and for the others, if we're to be staying here long-term.''
''O-Oh yes, of course. Please, follow me.''
One by one the members of the Astral Express and their newfound allies departed the room; March among the last, sending him a worried look before hurrying after Robin and the others. In their absence the hotel room felt almost desolate, the soft click of the door shutting by itself the only noise to permeate the silence.
Caelus exhaled a long breath, turning his attention onto Firefly, the only one who hadn't even tried to leave – not that he wanted her to. Her presence was a soothing and without a word he shifted around to face her, his arm wrapping around her and pulling her in closer. Firefly clutched onto his shirt and all but threw herself into his embrace, her head in his shoulder and his hand coming to rest on her back.
The silence between them reigned for a small era until it was broken by a squeak of the mattress; made as Firefly pulled back.
''I'm sorry.''
Caelus frowned, meeting her eyes – pinprick tears forming in the corners. ''For what?''
''For all of this.'' Firefly whispered out. ''I... I was supposed to 'die' to the Something Unto Death. For destiny to reach its conclusion. Yet you were forced to save me because of the bond I'd built with you, and because of that you've drawn the attention of an Aeon, and-''
''Firefly, it's not-''
She shook her head, the tears now pooling fully in her eyes. ''You don't understand, it is! I-If I had kept my distance, if I hadn't involved you to the extent I had, it... it would've killed me. But then things would've been set right! Things would go ahead like they're supposed to, and not like this. Terminus would never have reason to look at you and the Astral Express wouldn't have to worry about surviving an Aeon.''
''But then you'd die.''
''Yes.'' She slipped off of the bed; standing. ''I would. But... but that'd be what's right. I told you didn't I? I'm living on borrowed time. Sooner or later my real self will lag behind reality too much, to the point I'll be unable to function; the lines between reality and dreams blurred to a point I can't comprehend the world around me.''
Her hands clutched each other, head low as she shook. ''You... you've got so much left to do in this world. The Nameless, Penacony, the entire universe... I've put them on the path of annihilation, all because I was selfish, because I was too scared of what was coming. I... I-I...''
Tears fell freely down her cheeks. ''I-I ruined it all...''
Caelus quietly stood up from his spot on the bed. The twilight from outside backlit Firefly's crying form, her tears crystalline as they fell and stained the carpet, her sniffles and sobs the only noise to fill the ever-eve air.
''You didn't.'' He said, his voice a whisper.
''No, I-''
''If it's your fault that the universe is going to be destroyed, then it's mine too.'' Caelus said firmly, meeting her teary gaze. ''I was the one that caused all this. I... I heard a voice and I knew I had to save you. So I did. So, it's my fault too.''
Firefly was quick to shake her head. ''You couldn't have known-''
''And you did?''
Silence. Guilt just made her tears worse.
''Firefly...'' Several steps closed the distance, his right hand touching her cheek – his palm warmed by her hot, streaming tears. ''I know you've been hiding something. You made it pretty clear up on the rooftops.''
She inhaled a breath. ''Y-Yes, I'm part of the-''
A finger, however, touched her lips; startling her.
''You don't have to tell me.'' Caelus said, his golden eyes softening. ''It doesn't matter who you belong to or who you serve. Your affiliation doesn't matter. You, are the only thing that matters to me. So don't ever say sacrificing your life is worth it, just because of your illness. Don't ever say you should've been killed just to set things right.''
''Because I'll find a way to cure you.'' He said then, his face lit by the golden glow of the lights outside. ''I'll find a way, and we can do whatever you want. Join the Astral Express, stay on Penacony, journey the stars – anything. You deserve it after everything life's put you through. After everything you've put yourself through.''
His head lowered, meeting her eyes on even footing. ''If I was sent back in time now, knowing what I do now... I'd do it all the same. I'd fight that thing, I'd spend my days with you, I'd save Robin and wake up with you by my side... and I'd piss Terminus off with a smile.''
''Because you're worth it, Firefly.''
She hiccuped. ''C-Caelus...''
His thumb slid across her cheek, disrupting the glistening trickle of tears. Distance became null.
And a moment later, emboldened by the feelings she awoke within him, his lips touched hers. Firefly clutched onto his jacket, holding him close as she reciprocated, the feelings shared in that moment truer than words could possible describe. Feelings of uncertainty, of fear, of love, of relief, of happiness and so much more. Time itself ceased to be a worry as they remained in each other's embrace, the eternal twilight falling upon them as time stayed still just for them.
Then with a mutual exhale they drew apart. Warmth filled their cheeks and painted them shades of pink, yet neither pulled away or laughed it off. The gentle thrum of ambience outside filtered back into their world and filled the quiet, and when Caelus rested his forehead against her own Firefly smiled softly, eyes closing.
''Come back safe.'' Firefly whispered.
''I will.'' He answered without delay, without hesitation. ''I'll find a way to stop Terminus, and I'll find a way to cure you, Firefly. I promise.''
''I'll hold you to it then.'' Though her voice wobbled her smile remained, one hand clumsily wiping the tears from her eyes.
Caelus smiled and, without question, wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. This would be the first time they'd be apart since the attempt on her life, the thought tugging at his heart – but at the same time she had the protection of Himeko, Black Swan and Acheron, to say nothing of the fact Robin and March could probably help out if needed. There'd be no safer place for her on Penacony, he was sure.
Exhaling Caelus pulled away, longing to stay with her, to spend time and enjoy life... but this really couldn't wait. Maybe Terminus would be coming in several decades. Maybe in several minutes. None of them knew so it was imperative to get to business as soon as possible – and if nothing else, at least if he was far away from Firefly she might not get caught in the crossfire.
Nodding slightly to himself Caelus held her gaze, burning Firefly's visage into his mind. To remind him of what he was doing this all for.
''I'll see you soon.'' He uttered one last time.
He intended to keep that promise, destiny be damned.
X-x-X
''Hm~ Hm~ Hmhm~''
Merry hums filtered through the air in Dreamscape, one skipped step leading into another as heeled shoes tapped along the quiet rooftops. Few souls were about to see her prance and those that did soon lost sight of her as she walked behind an antenna or pole and strangely vanished, the illusion such that many wrote it off as fatigue or magic.
Sparkle grinned to herself at the thought. In the downtime she'd had while in the Dreamscape she'd taken to testing the limits of The Family – how much they would tolerate before they sent their hit squads after her. So far she'd not reached that point, even when she turned a bunch of fireworks into confetti that became snakes, scaring half the party-goers to death. Amusingly they managed to rationalise that it was all part of the celebration and though the guards themselves were confused, they played along. Unwitting performers in the miniature play she concocted.
She was mindful to not be too overt, of course. She wouldn't want to spoil the festival that was to come, and she wasn't talking about the so-called Charmony Festival. She almost snorted at the name.
'What a corny name. I mean seriously, 'charm' and 'harmony'?' Sparkle rolled her eyes.
Skipping ahead she tip-toed up a string of chimneys to the very highest one, using it to leap onto the next roof over. Her hand caught a light pole and she swung on it, humming a tune she couldn't name but vividly remembered as she made her way along the slanted rooftop. Not that it offered much in the way of difficulty to her, an amused smile curling at her lips as she looked down at the main street of Golden Hour, none of the folk below thinking to look up at her. Or maybe they couldn't see her well enough; she was wearing red whilst on the dimly-lit rooftops.
It was then, however, that she spotted a familiar face entering one of the main streets alongside another individual; an older brunette man. She didn't give him much thought, but the younger man next to her certainly caught her eye, a broad grin curling at her lips. The Trailblazer Caelus. Previously he'd been with that Firefly girl, but she couldn't spot her in the crowds now – maybe she had died? Or maybe she was just resting somewhere else?
'Who knows?' Sparkle shrugged to herself, lips spreading into a broad grin as she bent her knees, preparing to leap – to give him a little surprise and maybe goad him into hurting poor old her. That would surely cause a bit of chaos.
Yet just as she made to leap, to delve into the hubbub of Golden Hour, she felt her brain prickle.
It was a chilling sensation, all the swagger fleeing her form and her feet losing their grace, nearly sending her stumbling over the edge had she not caught onto the pole next to her. Yet the weight on her shoulders didn't abate, her throat closing up and her vision blurring. She screwed her eyes shut as the nausea suddenly got worse, her whole world seeming to flip and spin, yet her feet never left the ground. Except, as she suddenly realised, there was no ground. She was standing on nothing.
Then there was laughter around her. A titter at first but more voices joined the first. Loud and soft, high and low pitched, cackling and snickering; the chorus of laughter was maddening in a way that left her skin crawling. Her throat muscles twitched and she felt compelled to laugh along – and that was all the incentive needed, a sudden laugh springing free from her lips, the elation ever present in her heart suddenly multiplying.
Her pupils dilated and all the air in her lungs evaporated, her head light as she recognised this feeling, this sensation.
''T-The Laughter...''
Masks fell around her in the darkness, a red glow from above bathing both them and her in their radiance. She quivered, her legs giving out and leaving her sitting feebly on the invisible floor, eyes drawn up to the red light above her.
And then in a flash, they were before her. The cavalcade of masks, widgets and trinkets, all so plentiful they mostly obscured the headless humanoid that loomed behind it all.
Aha, Aeon of Elation. The Laughter itself.
''Well well, what are the chances, what are the odds!'' Great hands clapped as the masks tittered together, like a crowd of spectators watching over her. ''Seeing Akivili from afar with such designs in mind, and while a performer of mine at that!''
'Akivili?' Sparkle wondered in the back of her mind but didn't dare voice it. Not while in the presence of her Aeon.
''Oh? So quiet. That's no fun.'' The masks around her turned into sad frowns and the elation in her heart wilted – the fun, the merriment, the joy, all of it dribbled down the drain and left her feeling so painfully empty, her chest collapsing from the agony.
Spurring her into speaking. ''F-Forgive me! How can I be of service to you?''
''That's better!'' A chorus of laughter rung loudly in her ears and the elation filled her once more, its presence as addictive as a drug and leaving her laughing along with the Aeon. ''As for what you can do – how would you like to be an actress in the biggest show in the universe?!''
Was that a rhetorical? A test? She didn't know, and it was impossible to give it any thought when she had her Aeon grinning down at her. ''I-I'd love to!''
''Splendid, splendid!'' The Aeon's elation was her own, her heart pounding a million times a minute. She wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't an exaggeration; it certainly hurt like it was. ''Then let us dance, dear performer! Let us show the universe a grand play, one the likes they will never forget!''
''Yes! Y-Your wish is my command!''
Her devotion earned her more elation, more delight, more merriment. It filled her heart to bursting and left her weak, and when a mask flew down to her face, she didn't resist it – even as the world went black.
Then in a blink, reality returned.
Stood in the same position she last was, as if time hadn't passed at all, Sparkle wobbled in place for but a moment before rocking backwards on her heels; a slow, elegant roll bringing her away from the edge and letting her stand on stable ground. She rose to her full height slowly, rolling her wrists first then her shoulders next; fingers flexing and curling as she rolled her jaw about, tongue adjusting.
Before she inhaled a deep breath – and a grin not her own spread across her lips.
''Akivili...'' The name slipped out of her throat easily, broadening her grin to unhinged levels.
As befitting of someone as mad as The Elation.
''Time for the second act to begin, hehehehe~!''
[END]
A/N: I've always been a fan of love confessions that aren't outright 'I love you's, but rather more subtle and implicit. Hopefully that came across well here~
Wonder what mischief 'Sparkle' will get up to, too~
That said, see you next time~