House of Rand

by Jakeros

Caelus disappeared without a trace one day, leaving March and the rest of the Express devastated... until he suddenly turns back up a month later. But why does he look older, and what's this about an alternate reality? But what March really wants to know is: why is Bronya's mother alive and why is she so close to her friend! AU. Eventual CaelusxCocolia

15. Chapter 14

Me one month earlier: I feel great! I'm gonna kick this story into high gear and bang out a ton of chapters this month!

Literally the month of September: ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT.

Yeah. Hell. And between Word deciding to just give me the middle finger and not save any of my documents to Cloud, I had to go back to the basics. Thank God for Open Office.

One last thing: I'd like to thank my most recent reviewer for his review, as well as all the favorites and follows this story has received. Truth be told I have considered uploading on Ao3 but unlike this site, the upload manager there is a bit more clunky and less intuitive. I'll do it eventually, when I have the time to do so - same goes for doing with Whipped. That aside, I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far - tune in because I have grand plans for this.

Alright, back to it.

Note at the end, let's begin.

Read, review, enjoy (probably the longest chapter I've ever written). Hope it makes up for the delay.

---

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

---

"dialogue"

"call"

system

:text:

"altered"

"mental conversation"

"flashback"

SOUND EFFECT

/dream/

---

Word of the encounter with Grim Fang spread like wildfire through the village.

As Caelus strode through the narrow, cobbled streets, he could hear the villagers' whispers swirl around him, like the wind tugging at the edges of his cloak. The legend of the beast was on everyone's lips, carried in hushed tones from one wary glance to another, a stark reminder of just how deeply the creature's shadow had taken root in their minds.

But the whispers weren't all about the monster.

No, his own name cropped up just as often—though, more often than not, he was still "the Outsider" to most of them. Especially the guards. Their eyes lingered, their voices edged with suspicion. He could feel their stares digging into his back, making him stiffen with every step.

Caelus managed to keep his head down, clenching his jaw, enduring the murmurs as best he could. But it gnawed at him—each cutting remark from the elders about his foolishness, his audacity for thinking he could face the beast alone. It stung, no matter how hard he tried to brush it off.

Not that he could blame them, of course. The beast was terrifying to even look at, that much was clear. And its lesser kin had nearly cost him his life more than once. Just how strong was it? He didn't know. Not until he could face it on his own terms, with all his strength, his full arsenal. But that wasn't an option here. Using the full force of his abilities in this fragile, superstitious village would only unravel whatever fragile goodwill he had managed to build up.

As much as he wanted to rid these people of the dark shadow looming over them, he was forced to bide his time. Sitting on his hands, waiting for a chance. And he hated it. Every minute was an exercise in restraint.

Getting hurt over it wouldn't help anyone, he reminded himself, his teeth grinding softly. Least of all me.

"And the last thing I need is to piss Iyanka off again," he muttered under his breath, a cold shiver running down his spine.

His mind flashed back to the old healer's furious face as Borini had half-dragged him to her doorstep, dumping him there like a sack of bruised bones. She hadn't even spared poor Borini a glance before shooing him away, her gnarled hands snatching Caelus up like he was a disobedient child. Her lecture had felt like it went on for hours, though he knew it had only been a few minutes. Every word had hit harder than her sharp elbows. Once her scolding was done, she had finally set about dressing his wounds, her deft fingers working quickly as she patched him up.

The Stellaron's power made his body knit itself together far faster than it had any right to. He had seen the question burning in her eyes—a sharp, curious glint—but, for whatever reason, she hadn't voiced it. Not yet. Iyanka wasn't the type to meddle openly, but neither did she strike him as someone who would let a mystery go unsolved.

She had welcomed him into her care, though. That had to count for something.

Still, the bandages she had wrapped him in felt more like a nuisance than a necessity. His wounds had long since healed beneath them, but when he'd protested, she had simply ordered him to keep them on for another two days, until she could check them again herself.

The bandages itched like hell, chafing against his skin every time he moved. He groaned softly, scratching at the edge of one, trying to ease the irritation.

Keeping her happy is worth the hassle, he thought, despite the discomfort.

"Caelus...!"

He spun around just in time, a blur of movement catching his eye as a trio of children barreled toward him, nearly knocking him off his feet. Their giggles bubbled up like spring water, bright and carefree, as they skidded to a stop in front of him.

Three pairs of eyes—two warm brown, one vivid green—gazed up at him with unbridled excitement, their wide grins lighting up their faces.

"Come play with us!" one of the girls chimed, bouncing on her toes, her breath clouding in the cold air.

Caelus couldn't help but smile back. Their infectious joy was something he sorely needed.

Not long ago, these same children had once cowered at the sight of him, hiding behind their parents with wide, fearful gazes. Strangers had always inspired fear, and he was no exception.

But things had changed. Now, whenever they saw him, they came running, dragging him into whatever grand adventure their minds had conjured for the day.

Much as he was loathe to admit it, a flicker of envy burned within him. He had never known this—the carefree bliss of childhood. Not one he could remember, anyway.

The earliest memory he had was Kafka standing over him, her eyes gleaming as she placed the Stellaron inside him. Why she had chosen him remained a mystery, a question unanswered. Her face had been the first he'd ever seen, and it lingered in his mind, a ghost of the past that refused to fade.

Even now he wanted answers - he craved them. Their brief encounter on the Luofu had only offered more questions than answers.

But Kafka was beyond his reach now, like so many others. What mattered was the present—the here and now, and what he would do next.

He looked down at the children and felt a pang of guilt tighten in his chest.

I'll have to leave them behind soon. The thought twisted like a knife.

"Alright," he said, ruffling the closest boy's hair, "but could you guys maybe not bury me in snow this time?"

The collective groan of disappointment was immediate, but they wasted no time tugging at his arms, trying to pull him along. Though their hands barely made him budge, he let himself be dragged, his boots scraping lightly over the snow-packed ground. They weren't strong enough to move him on their own, but he played along, letting them believe they were.

As they passed, a few villagers watched from their doorways, smiling softly at the scene. Some even chuckled, the sound of their amusement following him down the street.

It was a far cry from the distrustful, guarded looks they'd given him when he first set foot in Yakarich. Back then, his every movement had been scrutinized, his very presence a threat. But now? Now they trusted him enough to let their children run wild at his side.

But deep down, Caelus knew how fragile that trust was. One wrong move—one reckless decision, like chasing after Grim Fang the way he wanted to—and it would all unravel. The thought of these children fearing him again, flinching at his approach, gnawed at him.

He couldn't let that happen. Not again.

"So, what's the plan today?" he asked, turning his attention back to the trio.

One of the boys—Andrei, if he remembered correctly—looked up at him with a wide grin. "We're playing Guardians and Demons again! And you're the Demon!"

Caelus chuckled nervously but kept his smile in place. "I guess that's fair... but who's the Guardian this time?"

"ME!" Both girls declared at once, their voices clashing like swords as they whipped around to glare at each other.

Talia, the older of the two, crossed her arms with a huff. "Oh, come on, Gina! You were the Guardian last time. It's my turn!"

Gina puffed out her chest indignantly. "No way! The Guardian has to be beautiful and strong! Obviously, that's me."

The two girls growled at each other, their faces only inches apart now, and Caelus swore he saw sparks flying between them. Andrei, who had once been eager to declare the rules of the game, now shuffled nervously behind Caelus, his small hands gripping the back of his coat like it was a shield.

To Caelus, the sight was more amusing than alarming. The girls were at it again, as they often were, arguing over who got to play their favorite heroine.

"Hey, hey," Caelus said, stepping between the two with a wry grin, "how about we settle this with a game of rock-paper-scissors? Winner gets to be the Guardian, and no more fighting today. Deal?"

Talia and Gina both paused, eyes flicking between each other and him. For a moment, the world seemed to hang on their next move. Then, reluctantly, they nodded in unison.

All the girls in the village seemed to idolize the legendary protector, even if they picked different names to call themselves. Some invoked long-dead champions from old folk tales, while others chose names from more recent heroes. Caelus had half-expected someone to mention Cocolia or Katarina, but no—these kids were intent on the legends of old.

Cocolia...

The smile faded from Caelus's lips as her name flickered across his mind like a shadow creeping in from the corners. Even now, he couldn't make sense of what had happened back then. The woman he'd once known, the fierce, golden-haired leader, was gone—replaced by someone, or something, entirely different. And somehow, she had played a hand in his being here, stranded in this unfamiliar land, far from home, far from anyone he had once known.

There had been moments, especially in those first bleak days, when he cursed her name. Anger had boiled in his chest, hot and unrelenting, twisting every memory of her into something bitter. But the more he thought about it, the more his anger felt misplaced—unfair, even. It wasn't as if she had planned this, sending him so far from everything he knew. At least... he didn't think she had.

Right?

A sigh slipped from him, the weight of it heavy enough to make his shoulders sag. He shook his head, as if he could physically dispel the thoughts crowding his mind. Dwelling on the past, on Cocolia's fall and his own misfortune, wasn't going to bring him any closer to home. It wouldn't undo what had been done.

He turned his gaze to the snow-draped rooftops of Yakarich, the village quiet in the pale morning light. There was a strange warmth here, despite the cold—one he had come to appreciate. The people, the slow rhythm of life, even the children who tugged at his heart in ways he didn't expect. It was all so different from the world he had left behind. And though it wasn't home, it had become... something close to it.

But that was the problem, wasn't it? The longer he stayed, the harder it would be to leave. He had come to genuinely like this place, its people, and the quiet resilience that lingered in the air. And yet, beneath that fondness, a sense of urgency gnawed at him—a reminder that he couldn't remain here.

Still, as his gaze swept over the village again, he felt a pang of reluctance. He had woven himself into their lives, bit by bit.

Leaving now, after everything... It wouldn't be easy.

But it was necessary

Suddenly, the children broke away from Caelus, their excitement bubbling over as they darted ahead, calling out to a young woman with curly auburn hair standing a few paces down the road. She turned at the sound of their voices, surprise flashing across her face before her lips curled into a warm, familiar grin. The children swarmed around her like a flock of noisy birds, tugging at her clothes and bouncing on their toes.

"Now, what are you little rascals up to today?" she asked, trying—and failing—to sound stern. Her tone was soft, amusement shining through her playful scolding.

"Magna, Magna! We're playing Guardians and Demons!" Talia piped up, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Caelus is the demon, and I'm the Guardian!"

"Nu-uh! I'm the Guardian this time!" Gina shot back, little hands on her hips.

The squabble reignited, their voices rising in an all-too-familiar chorus of childish bickering.

Caelus walked up just as Magna's eyes flicked toward him. She offered a small wave, which he returned with a slight nod, a smile tugging at his lips.

"They certainly seem fond of you," Magna remarked, hiding a grin behind her fingers, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Have you dealt with children like them before? You seem like a natural."

Caelus chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "There were a few back where I came from, so I've got some practice," he said, shrugging. "As long as they're happy, I don't mind playing the bad guy every now and then. Besides, it gives their parents a chance to focus on their own work." He glanced toward the children, their faces flushed with cold and laughter. For all the running and shouting, they were a light burden to bear.

As if on cue, the kids dashed back over, clustering around him again, their earlier quarrel seemingly forgotten for the moment. But Talia lingered behind, her small hand slipping into Magna's as she gazed up at her with wide, pleading eyes.

"Come on, Magna! Come play with us!" she begged, tugging gently on her arm, her voice sweet with childish charm.

Magna laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, I don't know if I'd make a very good Guardian," she teased, looking down at Talia. But the affection in her tone betrayed her resolve, and it was clear to Caelus that she would give in, just like he always did.

Talia held a finger up to her lips, seeming to give the notion some thought. "Hmmm… I know! You could be a demon with Caelus!"

"Oh? And does Mr. Outsider think I'd be a good demon?" Magna turned the question his way with a dangerous smile, to which he immediately stilled, suddenly feeling as though he'd ended up in a minefield.

"W-well uh, maybe calling her a demon is a bit much," he stammered.

Whatever Magna was about to say next was abruptly drowned out by the sharp THWACK of snapping ropes above them.

"LOOK OUT!" a voice shouted from somewhere high above, panic lacing the words.

Caelus's instincts kicked in before he even processed what was happening. Time seemed to stretch and warp as he spotted the heavy wooden beam plunging from the scaffolding above, tumbling end over end in a deadly arc. Without a second thought, he lunged forward, his body moving faster than most eyes could track. He crashed into Magna and Talia, tackling them both out of the beam's path just as it came smashing down into the ground with a bone-rattling thud behind them.

They hit the snow with a muffled impact, Magna's breath catching in her throat, Talia's small form trembling against him. Caelus felt the shockwave of the beam's landing reverberate through his bones, a dull ache blooming across his body. But it wasn't the impact that hurt him. It was the sudden strain on his back—the old wound flaring white-hot beneath his skin. He bit back the groan rising in his throat, clenching his teeth hard enough to taste iron.

"Are... you two okay?" he managed to ask through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse but steady.

Talia nodded mutely, her small hands fisted into his coat, trembling as she pressed her face against his chest. Her heart raced so fast he could feel its rapid thrum against him.

Magna, on the other hand, had gone utterly still. She stared at him with wide, astonished eyes, as if she were seeing him in an entirely new light. There was something unreadable in her gaze—shock, awe, maybe even fear.

Above them, one of the workers leaned over the edge of the platform, his voice ringing down. "HEY! You alright down there?"

Caelus inhaled sharply, forcing the pain back down. "We're fine!" he shouted, doing his best to keep his voice even. "Can you stand?"

She blinked, as though startled out of her trance, and quickly scrambled to her feet. "Y-yes!" she squeaked, brushing snow from her skirts, though her movements were jittery, frazzled.

Talia, however, refused to release her iron grip on Caelus, clinging to him like a lifeline.

As the other children rushed over, their faces a mix of worry and relief, Caelus tried to ease Talia back to her feet. "It's okay, Talia," he whispered, his voice softer now. "You're safe."

But the little girl shook her head wildly and crawled back into his arms, stuffing it back into his neck with a terrified whimper.

Meanwhile, Magna couldn't seem to bring herself to meet his gaze. She kept her eyes fixed on the ground, her cheeks flushed, her fingers twisting nervously in the folds of her dress as if the snow at her feet had suddenly become the most interesting thing in the world.

Caelus barely had time to catch his breath before the other children barreled into him, their excited squeals filling the air. Their small bodies crashed against his legs, nearly toppling both him and Talia over.

"THAT WAS SO COOL!" Gina gushed, her eyes wide with admiration, practically sparkling as she bounced on her heels. Her awe was palpable, and Caelus couldn't help but smile, though the pain in his back throbbed beneath the surface.

Andrei, though, was quieter—his gaze locked on Talia, worry clouding his face. "Tali...?" His voice was soft, tentative, as though afraid to disturb her.

Talia, still trembling in Caelus's arms, whimpered softly. "Momma..." Her voice was a small, fragile thing, barely above a whisper. She curled tighter against him, seeking the warmth and comfort he offered. "I want my momma..."

Caelus's heart clenched at her plea, but he didn't know who her mother was.

Fortunately, Magna stepped in, saving him from the awkwardness.

"I-I can take her!" Magna blurted, her face flushed red—likely from the scare, though something else seemed to flicker behind her eyes. She held out her arms, her breath a little uneven.

Caelus glanced down at Talia, his arms still wrapped protectively around her. "If you're sure..." He spoke softly, more to the little girl than Magna.

Talia hesitated, her grip tightening for just a moment before she finally loosened her hold. Before letting go completely, she leaned up and pressed a soft, shy kiss to Caelus's cheek, her lips cold but her gesture warm.

"T-thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible, before she fully pulled away and allowed Magna to take her in her arms.

Caelus's heart gave a small lurch. "Sorry about all this," he said, trying to smooth over the tension that had settled between them.

But Magna shook her head wildly, her expression fierce. "You saved us! Do not even think about apologizing for that!" Her eyes blazed, her voice ringing with such force that even Talia mirrored her glare, a perfect miniature reflection of Magna's righteous indignation even if it came off as more cute than threatening.

Caelus raised his hands in surrender, laughing softly despite the pain still gnawing at his back. "Alright, alright. As long as you two are okay."

Magna's face reddened further, and she quickly averted her gaze, flustered once more. "W-well, let's go find your momma, shall we?" Her words were rushed, and before Caelus could respond, she turned on her heel and began walking away, her steps a little too brisk to be casual.

Talia waved a small goodbye over her shoulder, her cheeks still pink. "Bye-bye, Caelus!" she called, her voice softer now, more at ease.

Caelus waved back, watching as the trio made their way down the path. Only when they disappeared around the bend did he let out a sharp hiss, his hand instinctively going to his side. The pain surged through him, sharp and insistent, and he leaned against the nearest post to steady himself.

"Iyanka's gonna kill me..." he muttered through clenched teeth, wincing as he gingerly probed the aching spot on his back.

---

"Honestly! I take my eyes off you for five minutes, and you're either getting mauled by the wildlife or by your own stupidity!" Iyanka's voice cut through the quiet air the second Caelus stepped through the door. Before he could utter a word, the old matron grabbed him by the arm, her wiry strength pulling him toward a stool. She shoved him down with an efficiency born of long practice and promptly started rummaging through her supply of ointments and bandages.

Caelus winced, but not from the tug on his sore body. He couldn't blame her for being cross with him—he'd gotten himself into this mess, just like the first time. Back then, his reckless fight with the wild creatures had earned him both a few broken ribs and the grudging respect of the hunting party. But this time... he wasn't about to apologize. What was he supposed to do, let Magna and Talia get crushed under a falling beam?

"Ahh, lay off the poor lad," Lev chimed in from his spot by the hearth, watching the scene with an amused grin. "He's made quite the name for himself, and now he's gone and swept not one but two lovely maidens off their feet. I'm jealous, really—ACK!" His words cut off as a small bottle of ointment hurled through the air and bounced off his forehead with a sharp smack.

Iyanka glared at him, hands on her hips. "Let that be a reminder that while I may be old, I can still nail you anytime I feel like it." The look she gave him was withering, but it did nothing to stifle the fierce blush creeping up Lev's neck. He rubbed his head, grumbling something unintelligible under his breath.

Caelus raised an eyebrow, feeling like he was missing some kind of backstory, but for his own sanity, he decided to let it go.

"Sorry to trouble you," Caelus said, turning his attention back to Iyanka. Her eyes flicked over him, sharp and assessing, before she huffed and continued dressing his wounds.

"Lad, I'm not upset you saved those young'uns. Magna's a dear, and little Natalia... well, she brightens more than a few hearts around here." Her hands worked swiftly, wrapping the bandages around his torso with practiced precision. "But you've got to think before throwing yourself into danger—especially in your condition."

Caelus fought the urge to argue, to tell her that he healed faster than anyone else could dream of. But he knew better. That would raise too many questions, ones he wasn't prepared to answer. The story he'd been spinning since arriving—about biological augmenters from his time as an explorer—had held up so far, but it was a flimsy defense, and one day it would crumble.

"Thinking first would've cost people their lives," he said instead, his tone firm but not confrontational. It was the truth, plain and simple.

Iyanka paused, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Aye, you're not wrong," she muttered softly, tying off the last of the bandages. "I shouldn't be angry at you for it. Those fools who put the kids in that position are the ones I ought to be chewing out."

"Already heard the Chief cut their rations for tonight's feast," Lev added, his voice darkening as he crossed his arms.

Caelus's eyes widened in shock. "Isn't that a bit harsh?" In Yakarich, food was precious—barely enough to go around most days. He had learned that the hard way after asking for seconds once, earning glares from half the village.

Lev's gaze hardened. "Their mistake could've cost those kids their lives. They deserved it. Reckless or not, you did the right thing by jumping in when you did. And don't you let anyone tell you otherwise, lad," he said, his words directed more at Iyanka than Caelus.

She sighed but nodded, tugging the bandages tight one last time.

"Well then, all that heavy stuff aside—what did you think of the old bastard?" Lev's mood lightened suddenly, a sly grin tugging at his lips.

Caelus blinked in confusion. "Old... bastard?"

Iyanka chuckled, her back turned as she rummaged through the cupboard. "He means the beast, lad."

"You mean...?" Caelus trailed off, as Lev nodded vigorously. "You sure you won't faint if I tell you?" Caelus teased, his lips quirking into a smile.

From the kitchen, Iyanka barked out a laugh, and Lev's cheeks darkened with embarrassment.

"Oi, what's that supposed to mean, boyo?!" Lev grumbled, but there was no real bite in his voice.

Caelus laughed, the tension melting from his body as easily as snow in sunlight. "I didn't get to see much of it. I was too busy running for my life."

"As well you should've been," Iyanka said, settling herself next to Lev. "That wretched cur has felled hunters far more experienced than you. Trifling with it is as good as signing your own death warrant."

"Couldn't the Silvermane Guards do anything?" Caelus ventured.

"Aye, the Guard might be able to do something about it, if they had the men to spare that is. But with the war going on..." Lev shook his head, crossing his arms. "Sad reality is that villages like ours are often left to fend for ourselves."

Caelus clenched his fists, the unfairness of it burning in his chest. "That's not right."

Iyanka gave him a sad, knowing smile. "Rarely is life fair to folks like us. But it's the life we have to live. No one can do it for us."

Her words hit harder than Caelus expected. The weight of his decision to leave the village soon crept up on him, guilt threading through the cracks in his resolve. He needed to get to Belobog, but Yakarich had become... more than just a stop on the way. He cared about these people. And leaving them behind weighed heavier with each passing day.

His thoughts were interrupted by Iyanka's sharp voice. "Caelus!"

"Huh?" He blinked, realizing she'd been talking to him. "Sorry, what did you say?"

"I was saying," Iyanka repeated with exaggerated patience, "since you seem set on lending a hand everywhere and anywhere, you could help out with the festival preparations."

"Festival?" Caelus echoed, tilting his head. "You mean the Solwarm Festival?"

Both Lev and Iyanka gave him sharp, questioning looks, and Caelus felt his stomach drop.

Crap. He'd said the name without thinking, too lost in memories of the last one he attended.

"How do you know of that…?" Iyanka demanded, narrowing her eyes.

Caelus scrambled for an excuse. "It was one of the few things I learned about Jarilo-VI before I came here."

Iyanka didn't look entirely convinced, but Lev jumped in before she could probe further.

"The Solwarm Festival's a grand affair up in the capital. We don't have the stamina for such extravagance here in the boonies," he said with a grin, "but we've got our own traditions. Food, drink, and a bit of fun, as long as we can scrape enough together."

"Are you shorthanded?" Caelus asked, feeling his inner altruist rear its head. He needed to leave, but...

"The Chief says we're fine, but between you and me, it's going to be tough to pull it all together this year. And we have the Fragmentum for driving off most of the game."

Caelus found himself torn. The longer he stayed, the harder it would be to leave. But the idea of walking away, of abandoning these people to handle it all on their own, left a sour taste in his mouth.

Maybe March was right about him—he was a bit dumb sometimes. But if it meant helping these people, he'd gladly be the fool in this case.

"Alright," he said with a smirk, "Then I'll help."

Both Lev and Iyanka stared at him, surprised. "You will?" they asked in unison.

"You'll have to hunt a lot," Iyanka warned, eyeing him skeptically.

"I'll do it," Caelus said firmly.

"And the cooks will need help prepping—"

"I'm in."

"But—!"

"Dear," Lev cut in, placing a gentle hand on his wife's shoulder, "the lad's made up his mind. Let him be."

Iyanka held his gaze for a long, tense moment, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed dramatically, throwing up her hands. "Fine! But if you get yourself banged up again, I swear I'll feed you to Grim Fang myself."

"And she will," Lev said with a laugh. "She tried the same with me when we first met!"

"Quiet, you old fool!" Iyanka swatted him upside the head, though her scowl was undermined by the faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Caelus chuckled, watching the old couple bicker.

Maybe this wasn't the smartest decision, but it felt like the right one.

---

The following day dawned bright and busy in Yakarich, the crisp air alive with the sounds of preparation. From the first crack of light, the villagers were hard at work—some heading off on another hunt, others constructing stalls in the town square, everyone with a role to play in the upcoming festival.

The village hummed with purpose, and amid the bustle, one figure stood out.

Caelus moved like a man possessed, darting from one task to the next, carrying bundles of supplies, hoisting beams, and relaying instructions to passing workers. Where others showed the weight of fatigue in their hunched shoulders and weary faces, he remained tireless. Every motion was fluid, his energy boundless and it wasn't entirely thanks to the Stellaron this time. Only now did he feel like he was helping the village as a whole.

Hunting had been fulfilling, of course—there was an honor in it, in providing food for the village—but it had felt limiting. No matter how skilled he was, the benefits of his efforts had always been fleeting, just enough to help for that particular day. Now, working alongside the hunters and the craftspeople to prepare for the festival, Caelus could feel the difference. This wasn't just about survival. It was about giving something back to the people who had taken him in.

And, for the first time since he'd arrived, the praise he received felt like something he had earned.

But amidst the flurry of work, he couldn't help but notice an odd trend. Every time he glanced toward the square, a small flock of young women had gathered, watching him. Among them was Magna, her face flushed every time their eyes met. When he waved at her, she turned away with a quickness, her cheeks burning while the other girls giggled behind their hands.

Caelus didn't have the faintest clue what they found so funny, but he had no time to figure it out. There was too much to be done, and too many people clamoring for his help.

And Borini being Borini wasn't helping things.

"Ooh, Caelus~!" Borini's voice oozed with exaggerated charm as he sidled up to him, a bundle of timber handing from his arm. "Won't you help me carry this? You're so strong and tall~!"

Caelus scowled and shoved the blond man off with one hand. "Knock it off already. We need to get this stall built before lunch."

"Can you blame me though? You save one girl, and suddenly, the entire female population of the village is swooning over you. It's only a matter of time before someone like Miss Iyanka takes notice!" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, and Caelus froze, glaring daggers at him.

"You see the hammer in my hand, right," Caelus growled, lifting said hammer for emphasis.

"Alright, alright. Too far, I get it. But still."

Caelus rolled his eyes and resumed his work. "I really don't know what you're getting at. All I did was what anyone else would've done."

"That may be how you see it but think about how it looks to us. The mysterious, enigmatic outsider swoops in and saves one of our fairest maidens, sweeping her off her feet like some kind of fairy tale. You've practically made their dreams come true. Now they expect you to take responsibility."

"Responsibility?" Caelus gave Borini a sharp look, but Borini just grinned at him, like a teacher waiting for the slowest student to catch on.

"You know… Like in all the stories. The dashing hero saves the innocent maiden, and then... well, you know."

Caelus blinked, feeling a surge of irritation. "I really don't," he said flatly.

Borini's smirk only grew wider. "Not yet, maybe. But give it time. Now, tell me—there's got to be someone, right? A girl from where you're from? Surely there's a few beauties waiting for you back home. Space can't be nothing but a sausage fest after all."

Caelus opened his mouth to say "no," but something stopped him.

Faces flashed through his mind—Bronya, Serval, March—each beautiful in their own way. But they were friends, nothing more. He had never thought about them in that way, and he had no reason to believe they thought of him any differently either.

What really caught him flatfooted was that Cocolia's face, of all things, was among those he saw and hers lingered longer than he would've liked. Granted, this instance was better than finding her haunting his nightmares like she did in the past, but why was she featured so prominently - why now?

His hesitation, however brief, was enough for Borini to pounce on.

"AHA!" Borini exclaimed, eyes gleaming with victory. "I knew there was someone!" The nearby group of girls suddenly stirred, their giggling intensifying, but Borini was too busy getting in Caelus's face, grinning like a madman. "I thought we were friends, Caelus! How could you keep something like this from me?"

"Because this is exactly how you'd react," Caelus replied dryly, planting his hand on Borini's face and pushing him back. "And, for the last time, there's nothing to tell. We're just friends."

"For now, anyway," Borini snickered, completely undeterred. "Whoever she is, I bet she's worried sick about you."

Innocent though they were, those words hit Caelus like a punch to the gut. He froze, his breath catching as the weight of the truth settled over him like a blanket of ice. Bronya. Natasha. Clara. Serval. March. His hands balled into fists as he thought of the people he had left behind. The longer he stayed here, the longer they would be stuck not knowing what had happened to him.

"Yeah... probably," he muttered, his voice hollow.

Borini's grin faded as he saw the change in Caelus's expression. He wasn't heartless. Beneath the jokes, he had a keen sense of when a line had been crossed. "Well," Borini said, clapping a hand on Caelus's shoulder. "We'll get you sorted soon enough. No worries. Managed to find some more old maps that we can pour over later on, so drop by my place later, yeah?"

As Caelus offered his friend a nod, set to return back to work, the sound of footsteps caught his ear.

"U-um, excuse me?"

Caelus spun around, startled by the soft voice. Magna stood before him, her cheeks flushed a deep red and a basket clutched tightly in her hands. She seemed nervous, her eyes darting anywhere but at him.

"I thought," she began, her voice trembling ever so slightly, "since it's close to lunchtime, you might like some sweets to go with it." She offered the basket, her fingers fidgeting with the edges of the cloth that covered it.

Caelus stepped forward, curiosity piqued. As he pulled back the light blanket, the rich scent of freshly baked pastries wafted up, filling the air with warmth and sweetness. His stomach growled in response. Inside, nestled snugly in the basket, were an assortment of delicate, golden pastries, their sugary glaze glinting in the sunlight.

"Magna, you didn't have to do this," Caelus started, a carefree smile already forming on his lips. But before he could finish, she thrust the basket into his hands, her face glowing even redder.

"G-giving you something like this is the least I can do! Please, don't waste them, alright?" she stammered, and before Caelus could respond, she turned on her heel and all but fled, darting back to the group of girls who had been watching from a distance. They pounced on her with giggles and squeals, throwing her into a whirlwind of teasing and whispered comments.

Caelus stood there for a moment, still holding the basket, a bit bewildered by the suddenness of it all. He barely had time to process it before Borini sidled up beside him.

"Is that frostbite delights I smell...?" Borini asked, leaning in and snatching one of the pastries from the basket before Caelus could even protest.

"Frostbite?" Caelus raised an eyebrow. "But they're warm, aren't they?"

Borini grinned knowingly, taking one of the pastries for himself. "Just try one. You'll see."

Dubious, Caelus plucked one of the round pastries from the basket and took a cautious bite. His eyes widened almost immediately. The outside of the bun was warm to the touch, soft and flaky, but the inside—cool, almost frigid, with a surprising burst of sweetness that spread across his tongue. It was an unexpected contrast, but certainly not unwelcome.

"Eh...? What do you think?" Borini prodded, already reaching for a second.

"I think these are gonna be gone before lunch," Caelus replied dryly, his lips curving into a grin as Borini clapped him on the back with approval.

"Too right, you are!" Borini crowed, happily munching on another pastry.

Caelus scanned the square, looking for Magna to thank her, but to his surprise, she and the other girls had vanished while he wasn't paying attention, leaving only the lingering sound of their laughter in the wind.

"I'll try later," he muttered to himself, glancing down at the basket.

"What, by saving her from another 'unfortunate incident'?" Borini quipped with a shrug. "Keep this up, and you're gonna have more than just her shoving baskets into your hands. Trust me, that's a whole world of trouble you don't want to walk into.

"Speaking from experience?"

To his surprise, Borini actually blushed a bit. "L-look, let's get back to work. We still need to get that stall built."

"You mean that I have to, right?" Caelus returned with triumphant smirk.

"HEY! I'm supervising aren't I?!"

---

"Alright, together now! Heave—"

"—HO!" Caelus and the others bellowed in unison, muscles straining as they pulled the final beam into place. The pavilion groaned in protest before settling, its structure now complete.

For what felt like hours, they had worked tirelessly, hammering and lifting until their arms felt like lead. Now, standing before the finished structure, Caelus wiped the sweat from his brow and allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.

The pavilion was simple, rough around the edges—something the nobles of Belobog would surely scoff at with their refined sensibilities. It was made of weathered wood and crude nails, the kind of thing held together more by determination than skill. But as the lights strung around it flickered to life, casting a soft glow over the beams, it became something more. The strands of glowing bulbs draped over the frame like glittering veins, their warm light breathing life into the humble construction.

To Caelus, it was beautiful—maybe not in its perfection, but in the sense of community it represented. He had helped build this. And that made it more than just a structure—it was a testament to the village and to the hands that had worked side by side to bring it into existence.

"Well done, lads!" their foreman boomed, clapping his hands together, the sound echoing across the now-quiet square. "Get yourselves home for some shuteye. Today was light work; the real work starts tomorrow!"

A collective sigh of relief mixed with a few groans rippled through the group. Caelus stretched his arms, feeling every ache and strain in his muscles from the day's labor. His body screamed for rest, and his wounds throbbed dully beneath the layers of bandages. He had been careful, mindful not to strain himself too much lest he find himself on the receiving end of Iyanka's scolding.

Still, he couldn't shake the deep satisfaction that settled in his chest. It was nice to be useful for something other than beating the crap out of something.

Borini had disappeared sometime earlier, whisked away by Abram to cover for one of the hunting party's members who had fallen ill. They'd dragged the poor guy along kicking and screaming to boot.

Not long after, his phone had buzzed incessantly, a stream of messages from Borini lighting up the screen. At first, they had been amusing—complaints about being forced to use a rifle and lamentations about the cold. But as the hours dragged on, the messages became more and more dramatic, until Caelus finally had to mute his phone just to focus on his work.

As the last of the villagers began to disperse, Caelus pulled out his phone, unsurprised to see several more messages waiting for him. Borini, predictably, had gone on a small rant about how Caelus had abandoned him to the "merciless whims" of Abram and the other hunters, lamenting his fate as if he were truly suffering some grand injustice.

Typical Borini antics.

Caelus rolled his eyes fondly, shaking his head as he thumbed through the messages. "You'd think he was being dragged to the gallows instead of a hunt," he muttered to himself, already envisioning the exaggerated retelling he would get when Borini finally returned.

The last message caught his eye-

:There better be some of those delights left when I get back!:

A bit late on that, I'm afraid, he thought, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

"That means you too, lad."

Caelus looked up, startled from his thoughts. The foreman stood before him, his rough face softened by the fading light of the day. His expression was stern but not unkind, his weathered green eyes locking on Caelus with a certain weight.

"Right, sorry," Caelus said, turning to leave, only to feel the man's firm grip land on his shoulder, halting him in his tracks. The hand was heavy, but it wasn't threatening—more like the weight of something significant about to be shared.

"Heard about what you did the other day," the man began, his voice low but clear. "Saving that kid's skin."

"Tobias?"

The man nodded, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "Lad's a handful even on his good days, and he's not too keen on strangers."

You don't say.

"Stepping in like that… I don't think I could've done it. The boy's got a mean streak about him, and there are plenty like him around here who don't take too kindly to ye." The man's voice rumbled like distant thunder, low and firm. "But I want you to know something. They can all shove it."

Caelus blinked, his head whipping toward the man, his eyes wide in surprise.

"Outsider or no, you've pulled your weight. You stepped in for someone else, even when that someone don't think much of you. That makes you alright in my book." The man gave a sharp nod, as if solidifying his point, his grip tightening just slightly on Caelus's shoulder before letting go.

The words weren't unfamiliar to Caelus. Other villagers had expressed their gratitude before—thanked him for his efforts, offered kind words—but there was something different about this. Maybe it was the exhaustion that made his walls weaker, or maybe it was the way the man spoke, the quiet conviction in his voice that stirred something inside him. But Caelus could feel a lump forming in his throat, emotion welling up unexpectedly. He swallowed hard, struggling to keep his voice steady.

"Thank you, sir," he said, his voice betraying a slight tremor.

"Bah! Don't go all formal on me, lad," the man chuckled, his laughter deep and warm as he clapped Caelus's shoulder twice in quick succession. "I'm the one who should be thanking ye—for saving me girl."

Caelus froze, his breath catching in his chest. His eyes widened as he pieced the puzzle together, his heart skipping a beat.

"Wait... does that mean you're—?"

"Aye," the man interrupted, a glint of pride flashing in his eyes. "Talia's my guiding star. Be lost without her and her mother." His voice softened for a moment, the gruffness giving way to something more tender. "The Missus also wanted me to invite ye over for supper sometime, though I'll leave that decision up to ye."

With a final nod, Talia's father turned and waved before heading back into the twilight, his figure slowly disappearing into the village's fading glow.

Caelus hadn't realized just how much the villagers' acceptance meant to him until that moment, and now, as he gazed after the man, he felt a quiet sense of belonging unfurl in his chest—a feeling he hadn't allowed himself to acknowledge before.

As the twilight deepened and the last traces of sunlight slipped behind the snow-capped mountains, Caelus made his way toward Lev and Iyanka's hut on the far edge of town. The cold air nipped at his cheeks, but the thought of a warm meal—and perhaps a mug of Iyanka's cider—kept him moving. His stomach growled in anticipation, the hunger a welcome distraction from the growing ache in his limbs after the long day's work.

The village was quiet now, save for a few lingering souls who offered him friendly waves as he passed. Caelus returned them with a faint smile, though he could still feel the occasional wary glance from some of the older villagers. He had grown used to it by now.

The past few days had been filled with preparations for his inevitable departure. He and Borini had worked diligently, gathering supplies, mapping out a possible route. The maps Borini had shown him looked ancient, edges frayed and the ink fading in places. Really they seemed more suited to a museum exhibit than an actual expedition, but it was all they had. With no access to his data from Belobog and no knowledge of how to access the network, it was better than nothing.

Caelus sighed, his breath fogging in the cold evening air.

Just my luck I'd end up in one of the most far-flung settlements, he thought, glancing up at the sky as if it could offer any answers.

Even if he left tomorrow, the journey to Belobog would take weeks, maybe even months. The landscape between Yakarich and the capital was unforgiving, a frozen wilderness dotted with dangerous terrain and cut off by the Mane Line, nevermind actually running into the Guard. Getting caught by them before he reached the Belobog could cost him valuable time.

There was nothing for it though. One way or another, he'd get through and make it to the Everwinter City.

And then what? Caelus frowned at the thought.

He didn't even know what he'd do once he reached Belobog.

As it stood, there was really only one figure of power who might help him: the Supreme Guardian herself. Strangely, no one in Yakarich ever spoke her name—just referring to her by title alone.

At first, Caelus had assumed it was out of respect, a formality reserved for outsiders like him. But over time, he realized it was something else entirely. They simply didn't know her name. The villagers seemed to view her as a distant figure, an idea more than a person. Remote settlements like Yakarich were isolated, forgotten by the capital, and the people here accepted it as part of life.

It was a sobering thought, one that made Caelus grind his teeth in frustration. The neglect of these outlying villages felt like an injustice, but what could he do about it? These people had made peace with their place in the world, and he wasn't about to stir up trouble when they were content.

Caelus pushed these useless thoughts aside. There was no point dwelling on things he couldn't change. Not right now. He had given his word to help with the festival preparations, and he'd do just that. Leaving before it was done would sour his memory of the villagers, and he couldn't bring himself to do that—not after they had welcomed him, despite their initial mistrust.

Just get through the festival, and then I'm gone.

But try as he might, the niggling feeling of guilt burrowed its way deeper into his heart.

All of a sudden, raised voices pierced the evening stillness, yanking Caelus from his thoughts. He knew the voices instantly—one belonged to Tobias, but it was hearing Magna's that had him freezing in place. Instead of rushing in, Caelus ducked behind a corner, straining his ears to listen in...

"I was thanking him!" Magna's voice rose, trembling with defiance. "Why can't you understand that?"

"Yeah?" Tobias barked back, his tone dripping with venom. "Looked to me like you were thinking of other ways to thank him too! Don't lie to me, Agna!"

Magna's voice trembled but didn't back down. "It's not a lie! You're only saying this because it's him."

"He's an outsider—"

"-that saved you!" Magna snapped, cutting him off, her voice fierce and unwavering. "If it weren't for him, you'd be food for that beast! Why are you so set on treating him like an enemy? He's done nothing but help us—even someone like you who has done nothing but treat him like crap!"

The next sound—the swift shuffle of boots on snow—sent a bolt of dread through Caelus. Tobias raised his hand toward Magna, his face twisted in fury, the woman's eyes going wide with shock.

That was enough. Caelus stepped out from the shadows, his voice cutting through the tension.

"Don't try it, Tobias!"

Both Magna and Tobias froze, turning toward him. The man's expression quickly twisted into something uglier, with Magna's eyes only going wider.

"C-Caelus? How long have you-?" Magna stammered, only to get shoved aside roughly, sending her to the ground.

Caelus's eyes flicked to her, checking she wasn't hurt, before locking onto Tobias. The guard sneered at him, his face flushed a dangerous red, his stance unsteady. Even from a distance, Caelus could smell the alcohol on him. Tobias swayed on his feet, drunk and full of misplaced aggression. Having been carted along with the hunting party members after a successful hunt, Caelus had come to recognize when someone had gone too far with the drink.

And Tobias here was more than a few sheets to the wind.

"Well, look who's here," Tobias spat, his words slurred but still venomous. "Shouldn't you be off rescuing another damsel like this one? Or is one not enough? Seems like our house of hens are all clucking about you now."

Caelus narrowed his eyes, sizing the man up. Dealing with Tobias when sober was bad enough, but like this? Drunk and angry, Tobias was more volatile—a ticking bomb. Still, Caelus knew he had to get his attention away from Magna, who was slowly, shakily, getting back to her feet.

"Tobias," Caelus said, keeping his voice calm, even, as if trying to defuse a live grenade. "If you've got a problem with me, then let's talk it out. No need to involve anyone else, ok?"

"Oh, we'll work it out alright," Tobias snarled before swinging his fist wildly. Caelus easily sidestepped the punch, causing Tobias to stumble forward, off-balance. The man cursed, his face twisting in fury. "Damn you! Hold still!"

Again Tobias lunged, throwing another clumsy, drunken punch. His movements were sluggish, unfocused, and Caelus dodged with minimal effort. Each failed attempt only seemed to make Tobias angrier, his swings becoming more erratic.

"Toby, stop! Please!" Magna called, her voice sharp with desperation as she tried to get close.

But Tobias didn't even glance at her. All his attention was locked on Caelus. Another wild punch sailed past Caelus's head, and as he ducked, he called over his shoulder, "Magna, get ba—AGH!"

Pain exploded across Caelus's jaw. Distracted for a split second, Tobias had capitalized on the moment, landing a solid punch that sent Caelus stumbling. His head snapped back, the sharp sting spreading from his jaw through his skull.

Tobias, emboldened by his small victory, let out a drunken cheer and staggered forward, hoping to claim another. But before he could follow through, Caelus moved. With a swift practiced motion drilled into him by Seele, he grabbed Tobias by the front of his shirt and threw him to the ground with a thud, sending snow spraying in every direction.

"Stay down, Tobias!" Caelus warned, his breath coming faster now. "Don't make this any worse for yourself!"

But Tobias wasn't listening anymore. With a feral growl, he lunged at Caelus, driving into him at the waist. The two of them tumbled into the snow, Tobias throwing wild, drunken punches that rained down on Caelus's shoulders and chest. Each hit was clumsy but driven by raw anger. Caelus gritted his teeth, deflecting what blows he could, feeling the sharp sting of a few that landed too close to his ribs.

Tobias wrestled against him, growling incoherently, his strength fueled by a mixture of alcohol and rage. Caelus twisted his body, using the momentum to roll them both in the snow, flipping Tobias beneath him. He pinned the man's arms down, his breath heavy and clouding in the cold air.

"I'm not your enemy! Enough already!"

Tobias struggled for a moment longer, but his energy was draining. His movements became sluggish, and finally, with a groan of frustration, he stopped fighting, his chest heaving beneath Caelus's weight.

The snow around them was trampled and disturbed, the frigid air thick with the tension of the fight. Caelus loosened his grip slightly, keeping a watchful eye on Tobias's face, which had turned from angry to something more defeated, his breath coming in ragged puffs.

Magna hurried over, her hands trembling as she reached for Caelus. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice tight with worry.

Caelus nodded, still catching his breath. "I'm fine," he muttered, fighting a grimace.

Tobias, panting beneath him, finally managed to slur out, "Why... why him? Why's it always him?"

Caelus's eyes softened, the anger slipping away as he saw the cracks beneath Tobias's rage—jealousy, insecurity, frustration. Questions popped up in his mind, but now wasn't the time.

"Magna, can you go find the guards? I'll keep an eye on him here."

"Please don't." He turned, finding the woman kneeling down next to him, her gaze on Tobias's face. "I can take him."

"Are you serious? Didn't he try to hurt you before?"

"He didn't mean it. He was just lashing out is all."

"Because of me," Caelus deduced, to which she flinched. Nevertheless, she didn't move and gave him a determined look. He sighed. "Fine, but I'll give you a hand with him. Less weight that way."

Magna seemed to hesitate but gave in with a nod, lifting Tobias up with one arm slung around her shoulder. Caelus mirrored her, rising to his feet and letting Magna lead them on.

"Mind if I ask you something?"

"You don't need my permission at this point," Magna assured him with a smile, though her eyes didn't leave Tobias' face.

"Are you two close?"

Magna seemed to still, clearly not expecting such a response but relaxed soon after. "We grew up together. Toby's always been a troublemaker, but he's not a bad person."

"Don't hold it against if I think otherwise," Caelus remarked, to which she giggled.

"It can seem that way to those who don't know him like I do."

"Then... do you know why he has such a grudge with blisterfangs?"

This time, Magna's eyes shot right at him, wide and frantic before they settled with resignation. "He wouldn't appreciate me telling you, but since it's you... I know you won't judge him for it."

"Pretty clear I'll never be bffs with him," Caelus joked, hoping to ease the tension.

Magna gazed sadly at the young man in their grasp. "Toby lost his parents early on, leaving him and his two older siblings – Gala and Feliks. The two tried to raise him, but Toby was a handful especially for the two still growing themselves. Tensions ran high, to the point where Gala would vent to Feliks about Toby, something he ended up hearing one day. He ran into the forest and ended up running into the blisterfang pack."

Caelus could only balk at the revelation. Those beasts were intimidating to him, nevermind a child.

"He tried to get away but the pack was too fast, one of them managing to make him stumble and hurt his leg. They would've mauled him if Gala and Feliks hadn't shown up, but even they couldn't hope to fight off an entire pack or outrun it. So, they did the only thing they could do – they gave themselves to the pack, stalling them long enough until the guards showed up... and Toby saw the whole thing."

Caelus could only stare, his gaze darting back to the slumbering guard in their grasp. To witness such a thing at that age...

It was no wonder he had such a visceral hatred for the beasts. Were he in the same position, he might've felt similarly.

Magna barked out a bitter laugh. "Did you know he became the youngest to ever join the guards? All for the sake of avenging those he lost that day. Even if he kills every single one of those beasts, it won't bring his family back and it won't help him heal. But all I can do is be there for him since..."

"You're all he has left," Caelus realized grimly. "I won't breathe a word of this to anyone."

Before long, they arrived at a hut near the center of town. Caelus allowed her to take hold of Tobias fully, hefting him over to the door. "I'll look after him tonight. Thank you for helping me with him."

"Of course. Hopefully this makes up for the treats earlier."

Magna blinked a bit at that, a bit of color rushing to her cheeks once more. "O-oh, yes. Um... were they-?"

"Delicious. I'll have to get the recipe from you at some point," Caelus assured with a friendly smile.

"Sorry, family secret I'm afraid," Magna sang, sticking her tongue out a bit before disappearing into the hut with Tobias.

Caelus made his way away from the hut, waiting until he was a good bit away before he ducked into an alleyway. Caelus gasped out, trembling as the waves of agony washed over him like a tidal wave. He dove his hand into his jacket pocket, fishing out his phone and bringing the device to life.

A few swipes and taps later, he opened his storage app, allowing him to select an item from it. After a brief instance of light, out popped a small crudely wrapped packaging with a single brown pill. Caelus tore open the packaging and popped the pill in his mouth, giving a hard swallow afterward and a brief groan of distaste.

The grimy, bitter taste of the rejuvepill made him want to hurl for a moment but it soon passed, along with the pain. And it was his last one too; there was no way to make any more without going to the Luofu to restock. But it was a small price to pay; he didn't want to be a burden to his caretakers any longer. He'd relied on them enough.

And they wouldn't be able to help him where he was going.

---

As first light dawned over the village, Caelus was already wide awake. Standing in the center of his room, his eyes swept over the space one last time.

Clothes? Check. Gear? Check. Phone... He patted his side, tension knotting his brow. Where—? The familiar weight beneath his jacket reassured him, and he exhaled in relief. "Right... That should be it."

He let out a long breath, slowly scanning the small, cozy room in Lev and Iyanka's hut. The rough wooden walls, the flickering shadows cast by the dying hearth, and the smell of worn leather and dried herbs—all of it felt like a snapshot of the life he'd have to leave behind. His fingertips grazed the wooden table where maps lay scattered, the product of two long, sleepless nights spent with Borini, charting the treacherous route ahead. The journey would test every aspect of himself, with the Eternal Freeze's icy grip and the lurking horrors of the Fragmentum waiting at every turn. But there was no turning back now.

Again, Borini had warned him to steer clear of any Silvermane Guard patrols, offering as much intel as he could regarding their boundaries. Caelus wasn't dumb enough to think the Guard would be anything like the ones he knew. They wouldn't be as welcoming as Yakarich's villagers and probably cause a huge incident. Even if he found those guards in danger, hard as it would be, the smart thing would be to let them fend for themselves.

"You'd more than likely end up in the stockade if not sent right to the front lines," Borini had told him with careless shrug.

He closed his eyes for a moment, steadying himself.

To say he was intimidated by what lay ahead was an understatement. He'd since learned that his planet had a way of sinking its cold teeth into your soul, testing whether you'd break or adapt. In Yakarich, he had learned the value of resilience. These people had thrived in spite of the cold, and if they could do it, so could he. His skills weren't polished, but they would keep him alive. They had to. He had people counting on him to make it.

"I'll miss this place," he murmured, the words hanging in the air like the breath of a ghost. This village had slowly but surely wormed its way into his heart thanks to its residents. It wasn't Boulder Town, not quite, but it had that same grounded feeling of home, of something you'd fight to protect. Even if he came across other villages out there in his travels, Yakarich would remain in his heart.

Thoughts of the people he'd leave behind like the old couple he shared this place with made his spirits sink.

Lev, with his booming laughter and endless stories, and Iyanka, stern but kind, always scolding them like they were children. They'd been his first allies here, the ones to offer him warmth in a cold, unforgiving world asking hardly anything from him other than his word and his energy. Leaving them felt wrong, like tearing a thread from a tapestry. But what choice did he have? He couldn't linger, not with so much at stake. In the end, a note—a simple, grateful note on the table in his room—was all he could leave them.

"It's better this way," Caelus whispered, convincing himself as much as he was stating a fact. He needed to slip away while Lev and Iyanka slept, avoiding the awkward goodbyes and heavy promises he wasn't sure he could keep.

As he carefully pushed open the door, the floorboards beneath his feet remained silent this time. He had since learned how to move with the house, just like everything else. In no time at all, he flew down the stairs stealthy as a ghost and found himself at the front door.

He paused at the threshold, casting one last glance back at the dimly lit living room. Without Lev's boisterous presence, without Iyanka's gentle reprimands, the place felt hollow, like it was waiting for something—or someone—to fill it again. The thought gnawed at him, but he couldn't afford to linger any longer.

Thank you for everything, he thought, hoping the two would understand his decision when they learned he was gone.

"Up and early as always, lad."

The gruff voice startled Caelus, jerking him out of his thoughts. He spun on his heel, heart hammering, and found Lev standing in the doorway, a broad grin plastered on his weathered face. "L-Lev?" Caelus stammered, his pulse still racing. "...you're never up this early."

"True enough," Lev chuckled, his laugh a low rumble that matched the crackling of the fire behind him. He scratched at his scruffy chin, the movement slow and deliberate, like everything he did. "With the festival comin' up, I make it a habit to beat the ol' witch to the kitchen. Gets her off my back for a while, y'know? Remind her I ain't just a pile of bones yet."

The smile lingered, but there was something else beneath it—a glint in his eye that made Caelus's stomach knot.

"Why don't you give me a hand? Help reach the tall stuff for me," Lev suggested, but the way he said it wasn't a question. His gaze held steady, sharp as a blade.

"I..." Caelus began, but the words died in his throat. His fingers fidgeted at his side. Lying to Lev now felt wrong, like betraying someone who had taken him in with open arms.

Fortunately, the old man saw right through him, his sigh heavy with knowing. "Lad, no need to dance around it. I've seen this day coming for a while now, even if it's a bit... unoriginal."

"Unoriginal?" Caelus echoed, blinking in confusion.

"The one who used to stay in that room of yours tried the same trick when he was your age. Thought he'd slip away without a word."

"Your son...?" Caelus guessed, though he had never learned his name.

Lev nodded, his smile thinning into something more wistful. "Aye, all packed up and eager for adventure, just like you. Lad thought he was ready to take on the world. Lucky for him it was me who caught him sneakin' out, not his mother. She'd have made sure he never heard the end of it."

Caelus couldn't suppress a shudder. Iyanka's lectures were punishment enough as just a guest; he didn't dare imagine what it would've been like if he was her son.

Lev leaned back against the doorframe, crossing his arms as his smile returned, wry and familiar. "So, care to quit bein' daft and tell me the facts?"

That smile—warm, patient, and unyielding—was what broke him. Caelus hung his head, his fingers tightening into fists at his sides. "I... I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I didn't want to—"

"Disappoint us?" Lev cut him off, his voice soft but direct.

Caelus winced as the truth hit him square in the chest.

"Lad, your leavin' was never in doubt. Oh we danced around the fact aye, but we knew it from the moment you arrived. The only question was when."

Caelus opened his mouth to protest, but Lev raised a hand, silencing him with a gentle wave. "Come, sit. Humor this old man one last time, would you?"

Reluctantly, Caelus took the seat Lev offered, the weight of his decision pressing down on his shoulders as he sat across from the old man. The silence between them stretched for a moment, filled only by the faint crackle of the fire and the distant creak of wood settling in the cold.

Lev broke the silence first. "Your folks back home... they mean a lot to you, don't they?"

Several faces flashed through Caelus's mind—Himeko, Welt, Dan Heng, and even Pom-Pom—but it was a certain girl with pinkish-blue eyes that lingered in his thoughts.

His hands clasped together as he stared at them, as if the answers were written in the lines of his palms. "They do," he murmured. "More than anything. And the longer I stay here, the more I make them worry."

Lev sighed, nodding slowly. "Aye, that's natural. Anyone who cares about you is gonna worry. It's part of the deal when you care for someone."

"You don't understand! I shouldn't even be here! I got stranded here and now they don't even know if I'm alive!" Caelus's voice cracked as he shot to his feet, fists clenched. His emotions surged like a flood breaking through a dam, spilling out before he could stop them.

But Lev didn't flinch. He simply sat there, watching, waiting, his eyes calm as a still pond. He didn't look surprised, didn't even look disappointed. In fact, his expression was... expectant, as if he'd known this outburst was coming all along.

Caelus swallowed hard, the weight of the moment crashing down on him. He clenched his fists hard enough to feel his nails biting into his palms.

Screw it.

"That story I told you about me crash landing here? Nothing but a lie. I wish I could tell you what really happened, but even I don't fully understand it," he confessed, his voice low and rough. "But you knew that already, didn't you?"

Lev's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "Had my suspicions, aye. But it wasn't my place to press you on it."

"Why not?" Caelus demanded, his voice rising again. "I was a stranger! And I'm different from everyone else here - you and Iyanka know it! I heal faster than normal humans, unnaturally so! Had I wanted, I could've—"

"Killed me and the ol witch?" Lev interrupted, his voice darkening for the first time.

Caelus stilled.

"Aye, you could've. It crossed my mind, more than once."

"Then why...? Why trust me? Why let me stay? You should've handed me over to the guards if you thought I was a threat!"

Lev shrugged, his grin returning, a little more tired but no less sincere. "Maybe it's because I'm a fool. Maybe this old heart's too soft for its own good. But somethin' told me you weren't gonna do us harm. And I trusted that feelin'. Call it foolish if you like, but it won't be the death of me and that ol' biddy. Not by your hand at least."

Caelus stared at the old man, his chest tight with a mix of guilt and confusion. Lev's faith in him was... maddening. It didn't make sense. No one should be that trusting, not in a world as harsh as this. And yet here he was, an old man who had every reason to doubt, offering him trust as easily as one might offer bread at dinner.

"I... I have to go, Lev," Caelus murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't stay here with you all." The words felt like stones in his throat, heavy and rough. He stood there, shoulders hunched, as if the weight of leaving was pressing him into the floor.

Lev's eyes softened, the crinkles around them deepening as he nodded knowingly. "Aye, lad, I know."

"I wish I didn't have to...!" Caelus cried, the ache in his chest tightening. The room felt smaller somehow, too intimate, too familiar. It made the thought of leaving unbearable.

Lev let out a quiet sigh, rubbing a calloused hand over his chin. "And keep them waitin'? Don't be cruel by tryin' to be kind to us old codgers. You weren't meant to be tied down to a place like this."

Caelus looked up, startled by the raw honesty in Lev's words, and for a moment, he just stared at the old man, unable to find a reply.

"That's why I let that whelp of a son slip away when it was his time," Lev continued, his voice gruff but warm. "And it's why I'm lettin' you go now." He gave Caelus a nod, a knowing glint in his eye. "Better get on with it, lad, before she wakes up. Otherwise, I'll really let her have at ye."

Caelus couldn't help but smile, though it was thin and bittersweet. Lev's words stung with truth, yet comforted him all the same. He knew there was no time for drawn-out goodbyes, but leaving without saying something—anything—felt wrong. His throat tightened as he searched for words, some kind of thank you, some expression of gratitude, but nothing seemed enough. His mouth opened, then closed.

Instead, he did the only thing he could think to do. He stood up and offered Lev his hand.

Lev's eyes twinkled as he clasped Caelus's hand with a firm, steady grip. "Wherever ye go, keep us in your thoughts, yeah?"

"Promise," Caelus replied, his voice quiet but sure. He gave the old man's hand a firm shake, trying to convey everything he couldn't say with words.

"And don't go causing too much stress for Iyanka, alright?" Caelus added with a faint grin, trying to lighten the mood.

Lev let out a bark of laughter, the sound echoing through the small room. "Oi! She's the that gives me stress!" His laughter faded into a chuckle, his eyes shining with warmth and pride. "Now, get goin', Trailblazer."

The word hit Caelus like Luka had punched him in the gut.

Trailblazer. It wasn't just a nickname anymore—it was a reminder of who he was, who he had to be and of everyone who expected that of him. His chest tightened painfully, and for a moment, he feared he wouldn't be able to move. But he swallowed the emotion that threatened to choke him, forcing it down, and mustered the best smile he could.

Yet, a thought occurred to him. "Hey, you never did tell me what your son's name was."

Lev seemed surprised that he even bothered to ask, but gave barked out a quiet laugh. "Doubtful you'll ever cross paths with him, but I suppose letting you know won't do no harm. It's Grigori. If by any chance you see him, tell him to come back home one day before these bones turn to dust. And bring those rugrats of his too."

"I will. And tell Iyanka everything for me too." Without another word, he turned and headed for the door, his steps slow, hesitant. The cool morning air leaked through the cracks, beckoning him forward. With one last glance over his shoulder, he saw Lev standing there, the old man's smile still in place, though it was a touch softer now.

Caelus took a breath, steeled himself, and finally stepped through the door, leaving behind the place he had against all odds come to call another home.

---

The path to the edge of town was quiet, almost eerily so.

The early morning sun cast a pale light over the village, dappling the snow with golden patches, and Caelus felt the weight of his pack pressing into his shoulders with every step. The few villagers he passed gave him a few waves, calling out quick greetings before returning to their work. They didn't ask questions—likely assuming he was heading into the woods for another routine trek. This sight had after all, had become quite familiar to the villagers. No suspicion, no lingering stares.

But then came the children—an ambush of giggles and outstretched hands, tugging at his coat, begging for one more game. Caelus felt his chest tighten. The smiles he gave them felt thin, the little white lie about playing when he got back almost catching in his throat. It pained him to say it, knowing full well he wouldn't be returning.

Maybe one day, he thought bitterly as he ruffled their hair and waved them off.

He had one last obstacle, though, and he was exactly where Caelus had expected him to be.

"Got everything, then?" Borini's voice cut through the stillness like a blade, sharp and tense. The usual grin that always tugged at the corners of his mouth was nowhere to be seen.

Caelus nodded, hefting his pack higher on his shoulders. "Yeah, just about."

Borini strode right up to him, his boots crunching through the snow, eyes narrowed as he stared Caelus down. It was only now, face to face, that Caelus realized Borini had an inch or two on him. The explorer's presence seemed to grow with every step he took, and there was an intensity in his gaze that made Caelus's skin prickle.

"You know, leaving on your own like this—where you're going," Borini's voice was low, almost dangerous, "some would call that suicide. Is getting to the capital really that important?"

"You know it is," Caelus snapped, sharper than he intended. "I have people waiting for me."

"And you have people waiting for you here. Don't fool yourself into thinking we'll just forget about you."

Caelus opened his mouth to argue, but the words died on his lips. Borini's gaze was too steady, too knowing.

"Then that's enough for me," Caelus muttered, his voice quieter this time, almost lost in the cold air.

They stood there, locked in a silent standoff, the tension between them thick as the snow beneath their feet.

Finally, Borini's face softened, his scowl fading as a sly grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Test passed," Borini declared, suddenly tugging Caelus into a headlock, his arm strong around Caelus's neck. "You're tougher than I thought."

"Considering I'm the one who took on a pack of blisterfangs, I'd hope so," Caelus managed to grunt, his own smile creeping back. They broke apart, laughter lingering between them, but Borini's eyes held a sadness that didn't quite match his grin.

"My one source of entertainment in this dull place is leaving," Borini said, mock sorrow dripping from his voice. "Makes me wanna cry."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll find some other unlucky soul to torment," Caelus teased, shaking his head.

"Yeah, but how many of 'em come with a cute little android for me to play with?" Borini smirked, crossing his arms dramatically.

"If I could leave it with you, I would," Caelus grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Borini smirked. "If you get lonely, just pull it out and think of all the good times we had."

"Pass."

"Heartless...!" Borini cried, clutching his chest in exaggerated agony before both of them dissolved into laughter. But the humor faded quickly, and the cold reality of the moment settled between them like an unwelcome guest. Borini's smile wavered, his eyes serious again. "So... this is really it, huh?"

Caelus nodded, shifting his weight in the snow. His heart felt like it was beating in slow, heavy thuds, each one a reminder of what he was about to leave behind. "Borini... I'd be something's dinner without you finding me back then. So... thanks. Really."

Borini waved a hand dismissively, though Caelus didn't miss how his eyes glistened, tears threatening to spill. "Yeah, yeah, spare me the water works," Borini grumbled, his voice cracking just a bit. "Just don't starve out there, alright? Make good on my hard work."

"Count on it."

Borini stared at him for a moment longer before pulling him into a rough, one-armed hug. The embrace was brief but solid, their shared bond palpable in the space between them. When they finally stepped back, the air felt colder, more final.

"It's seriously gonna be boring without you," Borini muttered, his voice quieter now.

Caelus chuckled softly, the sound bittersweet. "Tobias'll keep things interesting."

"Odd thing, that," Borini mused, glancing toward the village. "Haven't seen him all morning. Usually, he's one of the first up; even the rest of the guards haven't caught sight of him. Maybe that beating you gave him the other day finally caught up with him."

"No telling. But he'll probably start doing cartwheels when he realizes I'm gone."

The two stood in silence for a moment, facing the expanse of trees beyond the village.

Caelus's gaze traced the outlines of the snow-dusted forest, the path ahead stretching into the unknown. Hesitation gripped him, just for a second, a fleeting moment of doubt that whispered in his mind.

Is this really the right thing?

He shoved the thought aside, took a breath, and stepped forward.

It has to be.

He took a step forward-

"CAELUS, WAIT...!"

The desperate cry froze him in his tracks. He turned, and so did Borini, both locking eyes on Magna as she stumbled toward them, doubled over and breathless. Her face was flushed crimson, sweat matting strands of her hair to her forehead. She looked like she had just sprinted across the entire village.

"Magna?" Caelus called out, concern etching into his voice. "What are you—?"

"YOU HAVE TO STOP HIM!" she gasped between heaving breaths, her voice ragged with urgency.

Borini stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Whoa there, sweetheart. Deep breaths first," he coaxed, his usual light tone tempered with gentleness. "Now, what's goin' on? Stop who?"

Tears brimmed in Magna's eyes, her breath coming in sharp, uneven bursts. Her lips trembled as she tried to form the words, but they barely scraped out in a whisper. "T-Toby... You have to stop Toby..."

"Tobias?" Caelus's tone darkened immediately, eyes narrowing toward the village. His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles whitening. "Did he hit you again? If he laid another hand on you—"

"NO...!" Magna's voice cracked as she interrupted, her body shaking with the strain of holding back sobs. "It's not that—he's—he's going to do something insane, and I couldn't stop him!"

"Something insane? Even for Toby?" Borini quipped, but his smirk faded under the withering glare Magna shot him, her voice breaking into a raw scream.

"BORINI, BE SERIOUS FOR ONCE!" Her scream shattered the air like glass, leaving both men stunned. "If Toby dies because of this... I... I..." Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the cold ground, palms pressed to her eyes as sobs wracked her slender frame.

Borini, completely at a loss, looked to Caelus for direction, but Caelus was already kneeling beside her. His hand rested gently on her shaking shoulder. "Magna," he said softly, his voice warm, coaxing. "I need you to tell me what happened, from the beginning. I want to help, but I need to know everything."

Magna sniffled, her sobs turning into ragged breaths as she struggled to regain composure. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, voice trembling as she spoke. "T-Toby... He's jealous of you."

"In other news, snow is cold," Borini drawled, earning a sharp, silencing glare from Caelus.

Magna swallowed hard, cheeks flushing as she tried to steady herself. "He... he thinks you've charmed me after you rescued me and Talia the other day. He said... he said he had to prove himself. Prove he was more worthy of me than you."

Caelus's heart clenched, and he forced a gentle smile, trying to reassure her. "I get it, Magna. Really, I do. Do you know where he went?"

Her face crumpled as she choked out the answer, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's... he's gone to face Grim Fang."

The name hit Caelus like a blow to the chest, cold dread crawling up his spine. Beside him, Borini paled, his usual easygoing demeanor vanishing in an instant.

"Grim Fang?!" Borini's voice broke into a frantic pitch. "Does that idiot not like having organs? It'll make a chew toy out of him!"

Magna let a pained wail at that.

"BORINI!" Caelus snapped, waiting until the man sobered before turning back to Magna, trying to calm her down. "Did you tell the guards? The Chief?"

"And what do you think they'd do?" Magna spat bitterly, her voice thick with frustration. "Die alongside him? Nobody stands a chance against that beast, least of all Tobias."

Her words stung, because deep down, Caelus knew she was right. Facing Grim Fang—one of the most feared monsters in the region—was suicide, even for someone like him. So why would Tobias, of all people, even try?

"Then why ask—?"

Magna's eyes met his, glassy and pleading. "Because you saved him before," she said, her voice breaking, as though her very hope was tethered to the words. "I know you don't get along, but if anyone could do it... it's you."

Borini let out a scoff, incredulous. "Hang on, Magna, that's pushin' it—"

But Caelus raised a hand, silencing Borini with another look. His eyes darkened, and his jaw set in a grim line.

This just had to happen right as he worked up the courage to leave, didn't it?

That reckless kid seemed determined to cause trouble for everyone—especially him. And now, the gung-ho had thrown himself headlong into a suicide mission, facing down the very embodiment of death in these frozen lands.

Caelus ground his teeth in frustration. Tobias's antics had been grating at him since the day they met, but this? This was a new level of madness.

Still, despite every jab, every sneer Tobias had thrown his way, Caelus couldn't just stand by and let the man meet such a brutal, agonizing end. His conscience wouldn't allow it and besides, he had people that would grieve him.

He doesn't deserve this. No one does.

"Alright then. I'll find him."

"YOU WILL?!" Magna and Borini's voices overlapped in disbelief, their eyes wide with shock.

"I doubt I can stand much of a chance against Grim Fang, but I can at least distract it. Buy some time, give it something else to focus on until you get the rest of the guards."

Borini stepped forward, throwing his arms up in exasperation. "Caelus, are you serious? That's Grim Fang! A living legend! That thing's been terrorizing these lands since before this village was even a speck on the map! Not a single Belobogian has ever survived an encounter with it!"

Caelus turned to him with a smirk tugging at his lips, the faintest glint of recklessness in his eyes. "Good thing I'm not from Belobog then, right?"

Borini sputtered, fists clenched in frustration. "I—you—! Damn it all, you outsiders are way too cocky," he growled. His usual bravado faltered, concern flickering beneath his bluster. "We'll talk to the Chief. You just find that idiot Tobias—and for the love of everything, don't die, got it?"

"Got it," Caelus replied with a firm nod, dropping his pack to the snow and breaking into a sprint toward the forest.

"CAELUS!" Borini's voice rang out behind him, and Caelus barely had time to turn before a glint of metal flew through the air. He snatched it mid-flight—a halberd, sturdy and well-worn. "Where did you...?" he began, but quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought. "Thanks!"

"DON'T DIE, DAMMIT!" Borini hollered after him, his voice edged with a mix of desperation and affection. Magna's voice echoed alongside his, both of them retreating quickly toward the village.

As their footsteps faded behind him, the silence of the forest loomed ahead, thick and foreboding. Caelus tightened his grip on the weapon, his breath coming in measured puffs that clouded in the cold air.

The shadows between the trees seemed to pulse with menace, but he didn't falter. His eyes narrowed as he whispered to the air, more to himself than to anyone.

Despite himself, he chuckled to himself..

"You really have the worst timing, you know that?"

---

You didn't think I'd introduce something like Grim Fang and NOT use it, did you? Caelus is obligated to break badass at least once every ten chapters, maybe less if I can manage it.

Believe me, I had no intention of writing something this big but here we are. And I didn't want to just write Caelus leaving the village without developing some sort of attachment to it. Trust me, Yakarich will weigh heavily on him once we leave here.

Speaking of which - that'll be happening next chapter, for good or ill.

Again, apologies for the delay but as I mentioned up top, September was HELL. No idea if it's work that's causing it or me just pushing myself, but now I'm developing heart problems - yet it's only when I drink my usual pace. So I gotta slow down now on my guzzling - yay. Try telling that to a bunch of kids who'd rather sit around on their phones and bullshit all day than do their jobs. (-_-)

My intent is to update before this month is out but with everything going on, that's not a definite. Please bear with me on that.

For now, hopefully this can be something you can chew on. PLEASE LEAVE ME SOME REVIEWS ;)

Till then,

Take care.