A/N: Been a short bit since the last chapter of this, apologies for the delay~
Had to take some time to consider where to go with the revelations in 2.1. On the whole not a whole lot will change within this fic; I've already committed to this being an AU of where the Penacony storyline is going, so the Something Unto Death not being related to the Finality in canon is fine; it will remain so in this fic since it's already been established.
Additionally, barring changes in 2.2 that warrant it, I'll likely continue to focus on the current storyline in this fic rather than the Watchmaker/Other Side arc that canon is. Partly because we have incomplete information, but also partly because it doesn't have much bearing on this fic - Terminus takes priority over the Watchmaker's Legacy, after all~
That aside, do enjoy~
Light
Chapter 6: Old Friends
In a flash of bluish light Caelus arrived at the Herta Space Station.
Disorientation from the long-range teleport lasted only a moment, and after a split-second the local gravity asserted its hold on him, bringing his feet to the floor. He was moving the moment they did, his feet carrying him across the polished metal floor of the Master Control Zone.
The hubbub of people talking was a dull thrum of background noise and a few looked his way, though none said anything. Maybe they could tell he wasn't here for a social visit, or maybe he had a particular look on his face. He didn't know; all he could do was keep his mind clear of any worries, any woes, and focus on the task at hand. Stopping an Aeon from killing him, and potentially Firefly, to say nothing of whom else might get caught in the crossfire.
The thought fed the flames in his heart and he latched onto the sensation, motivating himself forth even as he reached Herta's office. The guards that usually stood just outside it were absent but the scanner was where it always was; his hand pressing up against it. A second later and it beeped, the door sliding up and permitting him entry. His eyes swept over the interior with a haste he normally didn't possess, spying no others who might interrupt or delay things.
No, as so often was the case only one of Herta's dolls remained in the room; positioned up by the Simulated Universe machine.
''Herta.'' Caelus called out as he approached, the door clicking shut behind hm as he neared the doll-like girl.
A girl who turned to look at him, her eyes fixated on him but no emotion twitching at her features – auto-pilot, clearly, given the way she tracked his movements more than she did look at him. He sighed at that and snapped his fingers a couple of times, hoping to get her attention... but she didn't respond.
'Of all the times for her to be busy.' Caelus groaned internally.
''Herta? I need your help; it's important.'' He tried again, tapping her forehead.
No reply, eliciting a hiss of frustration from the Trailblazer, anxiety making him fidget and look about. Was there an emergency 'Herta pay attention' button anywhere? Maybe Asta could-
''Unless you couldn't tell I was a little bit busy, Caelus.'' Herta's cross voice snapped him out of his worried thoughts. ''Make it quick.''
''I need your help.'' The grey-haired youth reiterated. ''Badly.''
''You'll have to be more specific than that.'' Herta scowled. ''If this is related to some menial task I'll-''
''The Aeon of Finality is trying to kill me.''
…
That certainly got Herta's attention, even if she didn't have an immediate reply. The widening of her eyes and rising of her brows was probably the most expressive he'd ever seen Herta be outside of her usual smugness, though alas such humour was short-lived in his heart. He could practically see the gears in Herta's mind turn; the bafflement, the suspicion, then the confusion and decoding. Manifesting reasons and rationales only to discard them just as quickly, eliminating possibilities one by one in a manner of seconds.
Until she spoke. ''Go on.''
And so he did. With admittedly a bit of skimming he relayed the key parts of what had transpired in the last few days of his life – visiting Penacony, getting roped into a conspiracy, fighting a meme and saving lives only to piss off an Aeon and earn the mockery of another. By the end of his abbreviated tale Herta was drumming her fingers along her arms, eyes on him but her mind clearly elsewhere. He wouldn't be surprised if she was multi-tasking and having another one of her dolls input all that into a databank somewhere for posterity.
He was startled from his thoughts by her voice. ''You've got my attention. Head down to the Supply Zone and go to a room marked F-6. Now.''
And with that her doll was offline again, reverting to its passive tracking. He almost frowned in frustration but put his trust in Herta and closed his eyes, reaching out through the Trailblaze to the nearest Space Anchor present. The moment a connection was formed he felt himself be pulled up, his form quicksilver as if compressed into a narrow thread – and then in a flash he found himself many floors down.
The disorientation that came with such sudden motion passed quickly though, his body far too used to it after everything that had happened in the last few months. Drawing a fortifying breath he marched his way through the hexagonal corridors, eyes scanning the walls and soon locating a door marked with 'F-1' on it. Five more doors down and he located the appropriate door, albeit with a handful of objects in the way to make it seem as if it was out of use. A notion dispelled when the door opened for him the moment he approached it.
And within the quaint storage room was a table – one hosting three familiar faces.
''It is good to see you again, Sir Caelus.''
Screwllum tipped his top hat in distinguished greeting, situated on the leftmost seat whilst Ruan Mei occupied the rightmost one. Though she didn't speak a greeting her low hum and curious eye served as one well enough, as did Herta's expectant expression from her spot on the other side of the table.
''We were having a little get-together here regarding the Simulated Universe. Some cosmic fluctuations interfering with its main functions.'' Herta answered his unasked question. ''So consider yourself lucky you chose now of all times to bring this problem to me.''
He grimaced. ''In my defence, I only woke up less than an hour ago.''
''Considering what Herta just relayed to us, I imagine your sleep wasn't a wilful one.'' Screwllum inquired.
''Passed out from exhaustion. That's when I met Aha.'' Caelus answered; almost shivering at the thought of the Aeon. ''Anyway...''
Herta huffed. ''Yes, your little problem. How you manage to get yourself into these situations is beyond me.''
''It's quite the rare occurrence.'' Screwllum defended him, gesturing offhandedly. ''In all of recorded history Terminus has only explicitly targeted individuals a handful of times, and usually those was Pathstriders who had been interfering with its purpose.''
''Although that doesn't account for incidents not recorded.'' Ruan Mei pointed out.
Screwllum nodded at that. ''Correct. However, assuming the ratio of interference-noninterference remains true even in unreported cases, it's fair to conclude that Terminus rarely attacks those not getting in its way.''
Ruan Mei conceded to that with a hum, eyes sliding over to Caelus himself. ''Herta mentioned you saved two young women from it. Can you elaborate?''
''And be brief about it.'' Herta complained from her seat.
Caelus complied. ''Firefly, a friend I met in Penacony. We were exploring the Dreamscape and she nearly got attacked, but some allies helped me beat it back and we defeated it. The other one is Robin – famous singer, apparently. We were searching for her since she went missing and it turns out she was... healing it?''
''Oh? Do go on.'' Ruan Mei gestured with interest.
He crossed his arms, recalling the scene. ''Robin can heal people with her voice. Just by singing she was able to heal the meme and me at the same time, so it might be that it can't be focused on any one person and it just an area of effect type of thing. When we found her she was just standing in the Dreamscape singing while sleepwalking. The meme only showed up after we tried to wake her up – it tried to defend her in a way, though I was able to chase it off with the help of March.''
''Interesting.'' Ruan Mei mused, fingers stroking her chin. ''My experiences with Penacony are somewhat limited, but I somewhat doubt a meme could be healed through simple techniques – those that follow the Abundance would have a hard time affecting a memetic entity. Not impossible, but it would be difficult and take time.''
''That 'entity' is also related to the Finality.'' Herta pointed out with narrowed eyes. ''Correct me if I'm wrong, but those that follow the Path of Finality can't be healed of any wounds.''
''Indeed. Though they can be undergo perpetual subdivision, as seen by the IPC's fissured Cuckoo Clocks, the few organic lifeforms known to follow the Path of Finality have proven unable to be healed, either through archaic means or by virtue of the Abundance.'' Screwllum affirmed. ''They can, however, heal themselves.''
''Healingis perhaps not the best phrase.'' Ruan Mei countered lightly. ''Those of the Finality do not practice healing in any forms, seeing it as antithetical to the fabled End. Rather, they practice what they call undeath – death-reversal, in essence.''
Caelus looked between them. ''Meaning...?''
''What this Robin did was not heal the meme, though it may have used her healing prowess as a conduit.'' Screwllum noted, his blue pupils narrowing. ''Rather, it appears this Robin is afflicted with the Mark of Death.''
'Well that doesn't sound ominous.' Caelus grimaced. ''Let me guess, the Finality 'marked' her?''
''Duh. It's in the name.'' Herta said exasperatedly. ''It's only a theory, mind, as nobody actually marked has lived long enough to have it investigated.''
Ruan Mei nodded. ''The theory states that a person who is to die by the hands of the Finality or one of its agents are left with a 'mark' – intangible and invisible, but with traces of the Finality's power. Therefore it can be assumed that the Finality drew out this power while using Robin's singing as a conduit, infusing it with the meme to infuse the concept of 'undeath' unto it.''
''This other friend of yours, Firefly, might also possess it.'' Screwllum noted. ''However, assuming she has no healing methods like Robin does, it shouldn't pose any problems.''
''Can the marks be removed?'' Caelus inquired hopefully. ''Surely if we get rid of them, then Terminus would leave them alone?''
Herta snorted. ''Unlikely. Terminus could just re-apply them if it really wanted to – who knows what goes on in its head? Besides to do that you'd need a power comparable to the Aeons themselves; it's not like a tattoo after all. If it was so simple to get rid of the Finality probably wouldn't kill anyone again.''
''And if what you said is true, that even Aha mocked you for earning the ire of Terminus...'' Screwllum paused to look at him. ''Then I'm afraid removing the mark from you, assuming you have one, wouldn't help at all.''
That stung, but he wasn't ready to give up yet. ''Surely there's a way to... I don't know, fend off Terminus?''
''Unfortunately, that it beyond any of our present capabilities.'' Screwllum politely shot that idea down. '''Fending off' an Aeon would be a laudable feat in and of itself. To defeat one is unheard of. To slay one; impossible by all conceivable processes.''
''Hn. Actually, you said you disposed of that meme, right?'' Herta suddenly inquired, a gleam in her eyes. ''How'd you do it?''
Caelus caught onto her line of thinking. ''My lance – me and the others theorised that it's weak to the Preservation.''
''A correct one.'' Screwllum nodded then. ''The Preservation and the Finality and inherently opposed, both personally and spiritually.''
''If you were to gain the assistance of Qlipoth, he might be able to protect you.'' Herta noted without humour. ''Good luck with that though. Big guy is a little bit busy building a wall around the whole universe. Assuming the IPC would even let you get within a light year of their patron god.''
''That gives us something to work with though.'' Ruan Mei noted, folding her hands and resting her chin atop them. ''Perhaps elevating him to the status of Emanator would shield him from Terminus's wrath?''
''I doubt it.'' Herta scrunched her nose in disdain. ''Qlipoth is notoriously hard to get the attention of. Just having it look at this idiot would be hard enough – but to make him an Emanator just to save his butt? Better luck with wooing Nanook.''
''Could that be an option? Pitting Nanook against Terminus?'' Caelus added his two cents even as his mind whirred, trying to keep up with the three geniuses. 'They talk about making me an Emanator like it's easy...'
''Hm... maybe. Though unlikely.'' Herta dismissed after a moment. ''Nanook might be tempted, but their Paths are aligned so much that neither really cares about the other too much – and that's ignoring the fact if they did fight, it'd be felt throughout the universe. How does a couple hundred million deaths sound, huh?''
He winced, the point taken. Saving his own hide at the cost of entire galaxies wasn't worth it, even to him.
''But for Firefly, maybe it is...'' The whisper teased his mind.
He pursed his lips. 'She wouldn't want it. Not for so many.'
''But if anyone deserves a happy ending, it's her, isn't it?'' His own mind protested. Challenged. Dared him to refute.
He couldn't, and the thoughts slipped into the back of his mind as he refocused on the conversation.
''The Preservation is clearly the key.'' Herta asserted, standing up and crossing her arms. ''We don't need Qlipoth himself necessarily, though his help would obviously be appreciated. However he does have followers who might be of assistance.''
''The Ten Stonehearts.'' Ruan Mei mused aloud. ''They're part of the IPC, remember. Any help from them wouldn't come cheap.''
''True. But when we're dealing with their Aeon's nemesis...'' Herta's lips broke into a small, smug grin.
''...they might be more willing to assist.'' Screwllum finished her line of thinking, his blue eyes widening in a display of understanding. ''Conclusion; possible, but risky.''
''It doesn't help that the IPC isn't exactly generous. Least of all with their Emanators, or the Stonehearts themselves.'' Ruan Mei remarked on. ''And even if they did, the powers of an Emanator are fractional compared to an Aeon.''
Herta huffed. ''I know that. But unlike some Aeons, Qlipoth actually seems to care for them – as much as an Aeon cares, that is. So if one of his Emanators were to face up against Qlipoth's nemesis, it might be compelled to intercede on their behalf.''
''Hm... perhaps...'' Ruan Mei stroked her cheek – her eyes darting to him. ''The planet this happened on – it was Penacony, correct? A former IPC penal colony?''
''Y-Yeah?''
''The IPC likely has designs for such a place. Especially given its newfound wealth, any internal problems aside.'' Screwllum noted. ''They would be receptive to visiting the planet... but in force, I am uncertain.''
Herta frowned at that. ''You've got a point. Those executives are scattered across the universe doing the IPC's bidding – rallying them to one location, willingly, would be ridiculously hard, even with Penacony's fate hanging in the balance.''
The three geniuses frowned, seemingly at a deadlock, their own internal thoughts unspoken and leaving the air tense. Caelus squirmed under it, mind racing. He knew Topaz so he could probably count on her, and that Aventurine fellow seemed nice enough – he'd probably help out. But the other eight? He wasn't so sure. Would two of the ten be enough?
Somehow, he didn't think so.
''Maybe the Abundance...?'' He offered uncertainly, earning their attention. ''I heard that Yaoshi makes its followers immortal. Could-''
''If you're about to ask if Yaoshi making you immortal will save you, then no, it wouldn't.'' Herta cut him off, tone flat. ''An Aeon could strip that immortality out of you with ease. Why do you think Lan can slay entire warfleets of Yaoshi's followers with just one arrow? I know it can be hard to grasp, but seriously, Aeons just don't follow our rules. Or rules as we understand them, anyway.''
''The Preservation remains the only option.'' Ruan Mei gently added. ''Any other Path would either not be sufficient to stand against the Finality, or wouldn't aid you in the first place.''
''And so we've gotta rely on the IPC.'' Caelus muttered with disdain at the thought.
Maybe he was just biased, since there were good people in their ranks like Topaz, but from his experiences thus far... yeah, the idea of even working with them was uncomfortable.
''Rely? No, the IPC itself cannot be relied upon.'' Ruan Mei let the silence hang for a second. ''The only thing they can be relied on is their greed and their faith in Qlipoth.''
''Diamond, an Emanator of Preservation, is known to be quite devout in his belief in Qlipoth and its missions.'' Herta stated simply; the doll gesturing offhandedly. ''If we can convince him to Penacony, it'll likely be enough to draw Qlipoth's attention – especially since it's the territory of the Harmony. Couple that with Terminus's ire, and it might be enough to make it move.''
''...I'm hearing a lot of 'maybe' and 'might' here.'' Caelus couldn't help but note.
''Of course.'' Ruan Mei delicately nodded. ''Aeons are... fickle, to our perceptions. What we see as a long time to them is but a passing moment, and what we see as a grand celebration is for them but a flicker of amusement. Compared to an Aeon we are both insignificant, and narrow-minded.''
''Ironic when you consider Aeons are bound to their Paths.'' Screwllum noted with a hint of humour.
Ruan Mei smiled faintly and nodded. ''Indeed.''
''You won't get any absolute assurances, if that's what you're worried about.'' Herta answered his woes as directly as ever. ''Maybe Qlipoth will help you out. Maybe he'll only do it when his Emanator is threatened. Or maybe he won't care at all and let half the universe be blown to smithereens. When it comes to Aeons, there is no 'certainty', only 'possibility' and 'likelihood'. We can bank on the Harmony remaining harmonious, but we can never be absolutely sure of it. For all we known they'll be assimilated by another newborn Aeon, or aid in vanquishing one. It might be surprising to know but just because we're geniuses doesn't mean we know everything about literal gods.''
''Right, sorry.'' Caelus scratched his head. ''I'm just always used to you having an answer for everything.''
''And I will.'' Her reply made him lift his head, surprised not by her smug smirk, but her words. ''What? If you forgot one of my main focuses the last Amber Era has been Aeons. Can't promise you'll live long enough to see me find the answer, but I'll do my best to make it happen before Terminus tries to squash you like a bug.''
''...you could be a bit more tactful, Herta.'' Screwllum noted almost absentmindedly.
''Meh, he's used to it.'' Herta waved off. ''What I'm trying to say is, I'll see what I can dig up. Don't expect an Aeon-killer anytime soon though, that's probably out of reach for even Emanators of Destruction. But even Aeons aren't invincible, and there might be a way to dissuade it.''
Screwllum made a noise of agreement. ''I shall request an audience with Diamond and implore him to venture to Penacony. Considering the planet's value to the IPC, the threat of Terminus and the benefits it may bring the IPC, I believe there is a chance he will oblige.''
''I admit I am curious regarding the Mark of Death.'' Ruan Mei stated, eyes on him. ''Yourself and your allies are likely afflicted with it, assuming its existence is true. Therefore I wish to accompany you to Penacony. Perhaps there is a chance that I, even if I cannot 'remove' it, can manipulate it so Terminus will not seek your allies out.''
''Could you do that?'' Caelus had to ask.
To that, the genius merely hummed. ''Is it not worth it to at least try?''
''...heh.'' A small smile broke across his lips. ''Guess so.''
Ruan Mei offered him a smile, slight as it was, and stood. ''How soon were you planning on returning?''
''I need to stop by the Xianzhou Luofu first. After that, I'll be heading straight back.''
''Hm... is the Matrix of Prescience your objective?'' His surprise must've shown as she hummed. ''The Matrix is unable to detect the movements of Aeons, I am afraid. Anything related to Terminus would be unlikely to appear in whatever foresight you wish to gain.''
''...still, I want to see what the future has in store, even if it's vague.'' Caelus shook his head. ''I've got an Aeon gunning for me. I need everything I can get.''
''Hm. True.'' Ruan Mei tilted her head. ''I will come with you then. I've been meaning to pick up some sweets native to the ship anyway.''
''Fine by me. How long do you need to get ready?''
''Hrn... ten, no, twenty minutes at most. I will message you once I've packed.''
Caelus jerked his head in a nod. ''Got it. See you then... and, erm, thank you. All of you.''
''Hmph! Thank me when this is over.'' Herta huffed with hands on hips.
Screwllum said nothing but the tip of his hat told of his feelings well enough, and so with a exhaled breath Caelus wandered out of the room – anxiously wandering as he waited for Ruan Mei to get ready.
Only in his absence, however, did the three geniuses share a look.
''...I am willing to assume your reason for going with him has less to do with the Xianzhou Luofu's confectioneries, and more to do with that presence clinging to Sir Caelus?'' Screwllum inquired, peering up at Ruan Mei.
''Indeed.'' Stroking her chin she stared at the still-open doorway. ''I find myself curious, truly... why does the Elation haunts his presence so strongly?''
''Aha is hard to understand even by his followers.'' Screwllum noted. ''And they have had conflicts, albeit small, with the Trailblaze in the past. Not least blowing up half of the Astral Express. Though that does not explain why such an enigmatical Aeon is so focused on him... I do hope we aren't about to see another Noblesse Worm incident.''
''I doubt it.'' Herta muttered, expression serious. ''If anything...''
''...perhaps Aha knows something we don't, and can't wait to see the performance to come.''
X-x-X
The outskirts of the Dreamscape were still under construction.
That could be seen easily with but a glance. The vast cityscape, the towering skyscrapers, the twilight skies beyond the borders of Golden Hour – it was often sparsely populated and even when not, it was only manned by workers too busy to stop and look around. This was known to cause issues especially when the Dreamjolt Troupe showed up, but for the most part it was accepted that this was just part of the job and left the Bloodhound Family to deal with any problems.
Because of that it was easy to overlook a shadow hopping between buildings, a movement from the corner of the eye or... say, a digitized portal splitting open the fabric of reality, neatly tucked atop a building and away from prying eyes.
''Mm... Penacony's just as beautiful as the brochure says, heh~''
Black boots strutted across the concrete rooftop, carrying their owner to the very edge where only a waist-high wall stood. It was bathed both in the twilight and the orange glow from the sign mounted atop the building, the reversed letters reading 'SODA-POP' with an electric-orange vibrancy that was purpose-made to catch the eye. Few eyes were glancing its way at the moment, however, not least because of the scant few workers currently operating in this sector.
Kafka's lips drew into a smile, not so much from the sight but the footsteps behind her as Silver Wolf strolled through, followed languidly by Blade; the latter sweeping his eyes around out of habit. She didn't mind though and pulled her phone out, thumb moving with precise taps and sending her to her encrypted call app. Of which only a handful of people were included on.
After all if she needed to call someone, she could always use a burner phone. Never her personal.
Brrt...
Brrt-
Click.
''U-Um... hello? I wasn't expecting you to call so suddenly.''
Kafka chuckled at the familiar voice, elbow touching the stone wall as she leaned on it. ''Indeed. You see, there's been a little... rescheduling of the storyline. We've just arrived in Penacony..''
''E-Eh?!'' The genuine surprise in her voice made Kafka titter. ''Where are you now?''
''Oh don't you worry about that. We'll be around when we're needed.'' She drawled. ''Forget about that for now though. How are things? Especially since we're gone off-script.''
''...it's been nice.'' Sam – or rather, Firefly – said softly. ''The Astral Express has been extremely kind to me. An Emanator of Fuli, Black Swan, and a Galaxy Ranger by the name of Acheron, have also been very accommodating too.''
''That's good.'' Kafka warmly hummed, eyes drifting towards a speck of black fluttering through the Dreamscape. A black bird. ''What about our dear Trailblazer?''
''...he's gone to the Herta Space Station to find a way to stop Terminus, the Finality.''
The hint of emotion in Firefly's voice – the shame, the worry, the fear – made Kafka sigh. ''He'll be fine, I promise. Elio wouldn't have sent us here if something was going to happen over there, after all.''
''Good point.'' Firefly was quiet for a long moment. ''...do you think he'll survive this?''
''I sure hope so. Just do your best to stay out of trouble until the time is right, understood?'' Kafka slowly pulled out her submachine gun.
''Mm. Understood.''
''And make sure to eat all your dinner or you won't get any dessert.'' Kafka mirthfully added, earning a giggle from the other end. ''I'll be in touch. Stay safe, Sam.''
''You too. Oh, and tell Blade I said hi!''
''Will do.'' Kafka blew a kiss into the mic as she raised her gun. ''Bye bye~''
''Bye!''
Her thumb touched the end call button just as her index finger pulled the trigger – sending a burst of electricity-infused bullets through the air and nailing the 'innocent' raven, sending it plummeting down and out of sight. If the bullets and shock didn't kill it, then the fall certainly would.
Lifting the barrel to her lips Kafka blew the smoke from it, a smile curled at her lips as she looked over to Blade. ''Sam said hi, by the way~''
''Of course she did.'' Was the swordmaster's grumble.
''Hey, how come I don't get a greeting?'' Silver Wolf put her hands on her hips. ''Need I remind you that I was the one that got her that limited edition Gunpla model for her birthday? There's only a hundred of them in the whole universe y'know, it wasn't easy to steal.''
''Oh don't take it personally Wolfie, she's just got a lot on her mind is all. Besides...'' Kafka tilted her head back, looking over her shoulder at the central tower of the building.
Or rather, at the person stood atop it.
''...I think our friend here has had enough of our theatrics, hm?''
Stood perfectly poised atop the roof's highest point stood a man clad in armour as pristine as the soul that wore it. In the reigning twilight he glittered almost, his flowing red hair lifting in the breeze brought about by their current altitude, yet it did little to hamper the stern frown he was giving her. Not a hostile one, but a chastising one. Even if he wasn't wearing a name tag it wasn't hard to know who he was.
''Argenti, Knight of Beauty.'' Kafka didn't bother to turn around to face him properly. ''Can't say I was expecting to run into you here of all places.''
''Nor I you, Stellaron Hunter.'' Argenti raised his spear and pointed past her. ''Must you have killed such a beautiful creature, though?''
''Of course. Gotta live up to the old 'terrorist' reputation, after all.'' Kafka smiled mirthfully, a twinkle in her eyes that told her reason wasn't so simple. ''What brings you here?''
''To Penacony? I was lucky enough to be invited by The Family, of course. Alas, I've been so enamoured by the various aspects of the Dreamscape I've only now arrived at Golden Hour.'' Argenti sighed wistfully at the thought. ''Such beauty in every aspect of this place. The hubbub, the... passion, yet the quiet sorrow tucked beneath it all. It's dreadfully beautiful, all of it, and so I came here to help soothe my overwhelmed mind. I had been doing just that, in fact, when I felt a disturbance nearby and came to investigate.''
''That would be us.'' Kafka smiled wryly. ''Don't worry though, we'll be on our way in just a moment – just had to make a personal call, you see.''
''...what are your intentions for Penacony, I must ask?'' Argenti's question was stern, but he didn't point his spear at her.
Kafka hummed at that, not taking her eyes off of Argenti even as Blade passed her by – one hand hauling the swordmaster up onto the edge of the building. ''Can't say yet, I'm afraid. Just waiting to be in the right place at the right time.''
''The Stellaron Hunters don't tend to have a reputation for heroism.''
''Good deeds never go unpunished, after all~''
Argenti huffed, the faintest traces of amusement in his visage. ''I suppose you are right. I should not limit my perceptions of your faction to what I am merely told. However, should you bring innocents to harm, then I am afraid you will find yourself on the other end of my spear.''
''That's fine.'' She hummed as Silver Wolf joined Blade. ''Though, in regards to what you said before – about being 'lucky' enough to be invited by The Family...''
''Yes?''
''Luck, has nothing to do with it.'' She climbed onto the ledge with her comrades. ''Just destiny.''
To that, Argenti shook his head; red locks wavering in the breeze. ''I would disagree. Destiny is not set in stone, merely something we shape.''
Kafka was about to counter, had a face not appeared in her mind.
The face of a certain grey-haired Trailblazer who had changed the course of destiny, all to save a precious little firefly.
''...hmhm.'' Her lips curled up. ''Perhaps you're right. Speaking of which, you've come at a good time.''
She turned, purple eyes gleaming under the sign's bright orange light. ''Destiny has gone awry, and the fate of the universe now hangs in the balance. All dependant on the Astral Express surviving this mess.''
Beside her Blade and Silver Wolf jumped off the building, and with a wave Kafka let gravity pull her back. ''See you later~''
Any response Argenti had for her was lost to the wind, and then to the digital portal that opened up under her, taking her and her allies deeper into Golden Hour.
X-x-X
The Astral Express was notably quiet with most of its usual passengers absent.
Dan Heng was locked up in the databank gathering the last scraps of intel he could get from it whilst Pom-Pom had taken to cleaning the corridor outside; doing so less to actual tidy things up and more to offer some privacy.
'...I shouldn't delay any longer.'
The thought drew a sigh out of Welt Yang as he stood in the main compartment of the Astral Express, huddled over in the corner by the phone. It was an old thing mounted to the wall yet functioned even better than a mobile phone did, running off the Trailblaze directly – and because of that it offered not just a hyper-quick relay time that allowed conversations across the galaxy with minimal delay, but also encrypted any call. Unless you were part of the Trailblaze yourself, you wouldn't be able to hear what was said.
After another moment of pointless procrastination Welt picked up the phone. His finger dipped into the hole and he spun the rotary dial, the low rattle and thunk of each inserted number almost shatteringly loud in the silence, yet he said nothing, dredging up the number from memory one digit at a time.
Until the final digit was inputted and the dial slid back into its starting position, and the phone rang.
Brring-brring~
Brring-brring~
'...come on, pick up...'
Brring-brring~
Brr-
Click.
…
''...it has been quite some time, old friend.''
Welt hummed, brow knitted into a displeased frown. ''Indeed. I never thought I would need to call you on this line, but desperate times do call for desperate measures.''
''I can imagine.'' The knowing mirth in other man's voice made Welt's lips thin. ''I told you you'd need my number one day. You said you doubted it, but here we are''
''You are right as always.'' He conceded with a slow nod. ''I'm afraid I don't have time to catch up, however. For reasons I'm sure you're aware of.''
''Indeed.'' The mirth declined into a serious murmur. ''So let us cut past them then. What do you need from me... Joachim?''
The mere utterance of his true name made him sigh. A slow, deep sigh that permeated the cabin with nothing to quieten it.
''I need your help... Void Archives.''
[END]
A/N: The pieces are coming into place, one tile at a time~
See you next time~